Scam in AustraliaOn the street
Tourist touting in Australia
How it works
Touts approach visitors to seek their business. No particular sales trick, false claim or charge is described.
Warning signs
- Someone approaches you with an offer you did not seek.
How to avoid it
- Decline clearly if you are not interested.
- Take time to check an offer before paying.
- Walk away if you feel pressured.
If it happens to you
End the conversation and leave if you feel uncomfortable. Keep receipts if you paid for something you want to dispute.
- Move somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or confront someone who may become violent.
- Stop further payments and contact. Call your card issuer to block missing or compromised cards and ask about disputed payments.
- Save evidence. Keep receipts, messages and transaction details. Write down the time, location and what happened.
- Report the crime to police promptly. For immediate danger, call 000. For non-emergency police assistance, call 131 444.
- Secure stolen devices and affected accounts. Contact your insurer, rental company or accommodation provider where relevant.
- If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate about replacing it. Keep the police report details for any claim.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- News2019Melbourne Airport travellers share stories of threats, abuse by touting driversTravellers describe threatening and intimidating behaviour from drivers soliciting rides at Melbourne Airport.Read on News
- Government advice2025A Fresh Approach To Tackling ToutingSafe Transport Victoria reports enforcement and passenger education at Melbourne Airport against drivers approaching travellers with unauthorised off-meter ride offers.Read on Government advice
- Redditr/melbourne2023Touting at Melbourne AirportA traveller reports people at Melbourne Airport repeatedly offering taxi services for cash payments.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the tourist touting scam in Australia?
Touts approach visitors to seek their business. No particular sales trick, false claim or charge is described.
How can I spot it early?
Someone approaches you with an offer you did not seek.
How do I avoid tourist touting in Australia?
Decline clearly if you are not interested. Take time to check an offer before paying. Walk away if you feel pressured.
What should I do if it happens to me?
End the conversation and leave if you feel uncomfortable. Keep receipts if you paid for something you want to dispute.
Where in Australia does this happen?
Cairns; no particular street or venue is identified. It has been reported in Cairns.
How common is this scam in Australia?
Occasional. Tourist scams are not widespread in Australia, and few travellers become victims of crime. Watch for theft, rare ATM tampering and fake tax-debt demands for gift cards. Cairns has pickpockets and touts, while Darwin needs extra care with belongings, especially at night.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, assault or other crime as soon as possible. Call 000 for an emergency or 131 444 for non-emergency police assistance. Bank controlling the ATM: contact it immediately if a withdrawal appears successful but no cash comes out. Give the ATM location, transaction time and amount. Card issuer or bank: use its official app or contact details to report missing cards or unfamiliar transactions. Ask about blocking the card and disputing charges. Gift-card provider: if you shared a gift-card code, contact the provider promptly. Keep the card and purchase receipt. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen or you need help replacing travel documents. Travel insurer: follow its claim process. Keep police report details, receipts and evidence of the loss.
What number do I call in an emergency in Australia?
Police, fire and ambulance: 000, Emergency services from a mobile phone: 112, Non-emergency police assistance: 131 444.
Reviewed by @snuck