Surprise taxi detours, helpful strangers with ulterior motives, and pricey encounters with baby alpacas. Here’s how travelers are being ripped off abroad and what you can do to be vigilant.
Where there’s a tourist, there’s a scam. As newcomers to a destination, we’re obvious targets for criminals, ready to take advantage of our dizzying lack of local intel and jubilant holiday spirit. Back home, everyone feels pretty street-smart, right? When you’re well-versed in a destination and its customs and know exactly what to do in an emergency, few will attempt to mess with your fine ‘n fierce self.
The moment we land on foreign territory, that confidence dissipates. We can’t speak the language, Google Maps keeps failing, and trying to stay alert of your surroundings with bratwurst vendors nearby is impossible if you’re partial to a fragrant piece of meat.
No wonder millions of tourists are tricked out of their hard-earned cash every year, and some even find themselves in danger. We’ve scoured the forums, blogs, and socials and asked travel-holics about their worst scam experiences to help you stay alert and avoid falling victim.
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