5 Travel Scams You Should Know Before Your Next Big Trip—And How to Avoid Them

Traveling to new and exciting places takes us out of our comfort zone and helps us experience a whole new and fascinating world! However, there’s always the risk of falling victim to a travel scam while in a new continent, country, or city. Unfortunately, few travelers prioritize safety to the same extent as they do their budget, accommodations, or itinerary. Fraud, pickpocket schemes, card skimming, and even fake rentals can all impact unwary travelers at any time. 

Thankfully, The Parking Spot has compiled some travel tips to help globetrotters avoid these dangers and stay well protected, no matter where they go! The first section will highlight some common scams and, when possible, where they’re most likely to occur. The last section discusses ways travelers can avoid these dangers when planning a family vacation or a solo trip.

Financial Dangers of Travel Scams 

Scams are a huge business for many criminals, with a total loss of $1 trillion annually. What about travel scams specifically? Shockingly, over one-third of all travelers (34%) fall victim to scams that cost them $1,000 or more. Other travel scam and travel safety statistics to know include:

• 13 million people fall victim to travel scams every year 
• Heavy focus on American tourists (easy to spot due to their accents)
• There is a higher risk of business travelers (65%) falling victim than pleasure seekers (35%)
• Travel agency losses of over $6 million in card-not-present scams alone

The shocking $13 billion cost of travel scams represents a massive increase from 2019 when this fraud only caused $2.1 billion in losses. Scammers have realized the sheer profit potential of this market, meaning these scams are only likely to increase in the coming years. 

Furthermore, a lot of this fraud occurs on debit or credit cards. Since 53% of all Americans plan to use their cards for their vacations, they’re at a considerable risk. Unfortunately, the impact goes beyond immediate financial loss, as fraud could impact a traveler’s credit score for years.

5 Common Travel Scams to Watch Out For When On Vacation

It’s important to be zealous when traveling to minimize your danger of travel scams. However, it’s also critical to avoid paranoia. After all, most people you will meet on your trip will be kind, decent, and law-abiding citizens. Probably less than one percent of the population will try out any scams. So, whether traveling through the busiest airports in the world or simply driving to someplace new, it’s critical to keep these scams in mind to stay safe. 

5. Meter Tampering in Taxis

When traveling overseas or within the country during the summer or winter, you might trust taxis to take you where you need to go safely and cheaply. Usually, that’s the case: most taxi drivers are honest and reliable business people. However, a handful operate a travel scam known as “meter tampering.” Multiple techniques fall under this heading, including:

• Manipulated Settings: Some drivers may manipulate their meter to make it run faster. As a result, even short rides will be surprisingly expensive. Some drivers are better at this than others, making it far more subtle. Many travelers may not notice at all. 
• Hidden Switches: Cleverer drivers may install a secret switch in their car (where you can’t see it, usually under the dash) that they’ll push while driving. This fraud approach is clever because they may push the button a few times to avoid detection. 
• Broken Meters: A few drivers may be far more brazen and simply claim that their meter is “broken” and that they’ll calculate your fare manually at the end of the trip. Most typically avoid explaining their math, so you can’t determine where they got their information. 

Most Common Places It Occurs

While meter tampering may occur anywhere, Scams.info reports it's most common in Northeastern Asia, Eastern Europe, Southeastern Asia, and Northern Africa. While this travel safety issue isn’t necessarily dangerous or as costly as a skimming or pickpocket scheme, it can add up if you run into multiple hustlers. Thankfully, our travel tips can help you have a stress-free vacation.

4. Free Friendship Bracelet (Free Gifts)

Anyone concerned about travel safety must know the free friendship bracelet or gift scam because it’s so common throughout Europe (even in the winter). Here’s the setup: seemingly friendly locals offer you a free friendship bracelet or small gift. While they’re distracting you, someone else is picking your pockets. Alternatively, they may demand a “donation,” often at ludicrous prices, and hassle you into giving them one. Some might get pretty pushy or even aggressive with this scam. 

Most Common Places It Occurs

The friendship bracelet or string scam is nicknamed “The Paris Scam” due to its heavy prominence in this city. Avoid the Montmartre area, as this travel scam is particularly popular here. You might run into it traveling anywhere in Europe, especially by train. The Parking Spot has some travel tips to help you avoid problems like these. 

3. ATM or Debit Card Skimming 

Travelers (whether for pleasure or business) who rely on card transactions at ATMs may return to find unauthorized charges on their accounts. Unfortunately, they might have fallen victim to a travel scam known as ATM or debit card skimming. This occurs when a device is installed on a reader that gathers your card number, name, security code, PIN, and other critical information. 

Most Common Places It Occurs 

Unfortunately, tracking this travel safety issue is more complicated than monitoring pickpocket schemes and other fraud attempts. Card skimming typically occurs in areas with lax financial laws or in low-income areas where business owners either don’t watch their machines carefully or participate in scams themselves. To avoid this sort of scheme, it’s best to withdraw money from government-approved ATMs. 

2. Fake Rentals

Though skimming and pickpocket schemes get all the press, fake rentals are a common travel scam. Sometimes, it’s as blatant as a renter offering a property that doesn’t exist and simply running away with your money. However, most travel tips articles highlight a subtle theft that can ruin your personal, family, or romantic getaway in no time. They include:

• Bait and switch or promising a great deal on a property, only to reveal a low-quality rental
• Doctored photos that eliminate minor or significant problems with a facility
• Multiple listings that let scammers book multiple people and cancel the lowest-paying visitor
• Fake reviews written by friends or paid reviewers that make a facility seem better
• Illegal rentals or those in more restricted cities that don’t follow specific guidelines 
• Damage fees that get charged to your account based on nothing

Most Common Places It Occurs

You’re probably safe from this fraud when booking in rarely visited areas. Instead, it’s most common in large cities with dense populations and many rentals. New York City, Las Vegas, Paris, Mexico City, and even Tokyo see scams like these all the time. We’ve even heard of people in Australia getting stuck with a low-quality rental and having little way to fight it. 

1. Pickpocketing Schemes 

When most people hear the phrase “travel scam,” they most likely imagine a grinning pickpocket running away with their wallet, purse, or phone. Unfortunately, this travel safety problem remains prevalent everywhere in the world today. Travel tips sites offer some great tips for avoiding this fraud, but like skimming, personal diligence is critical. Knowing some of the most common pickpocketing destinations reduces your risk, whether flying solo or with kids. 

Most Common Places It Occurs 

While pickpockets can strike just about anywhere, they’re common in cities like Athens, Greece; Florence, Italy; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Hanoi, Vietnam; Rome, Italy; Prague, Czech Republic; Paris, France; and Madrid, Spain. Mexico City, Vatican City, and many other areas also prey on this standard and frustrating travel danger.

How to Spot and Avoid Travel Scams

The Parking Spot knows that even one travel scam can seriously impact a vacation and cause credit problems that linger for years and years. As a result, it’s important to take travel safety very seriously to avoid fraud, pickpocket experts, and skimming machines. The following travel tips can mitigate your risk and ensure you can celebrate Oktoberfest, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Labor Day, or Pride Month in style without worrying about dangerous scams affecting your bottom line.

Watch For Troubling Warning Signs of Scams

When traveling, do your due diligence by watching for warning signs of scams, such as:

• Pushy cab drivers who locals seem to avoid or someone offering great deals
• A deal that looks too good to be true, such as front-row tickets for half their normal price 
• Signs of ATM tampering (alignment issues, ripped tape, “wiggling” in place, awkward placement) 
• Someone seems intent on distracting you on the street (a typical pickpocket move)
• Fights suddenly break out for no reason (another way to distract travelers)
• The scammer puts a lot of pressure on you to act quickly, i.e., this deal won’t last long
• Requests for inappropriate information (confidential details, like your Social Security number)
• Very aggressive vendors offering “free” gifts (always avoid these types of people)
• Pictures on travel sites looked touched up, or there were no pictures at all
• Unusual payment requests (such as sending money through gift cards or cryptocurrency)

Practical Strategies to Stay Safe

The Parking Spot knows avoiding scammers on your vacation can seem tricky or nearly impossible. Thankfully, we have some travel tips that should reduce your danger, especially when you’re out and about while on your trip:

• Don’t Bring Your Debit Card: Most travel safety sites strongly suggest leaving your credit or debit cards in your hotel room and only using them at government ATMs. Bring as much cash as you need for your current adventure to avoid skimming and other fraud issues.
• Research Scams Before Traveling: This article again highlights how scams differ worldwide. In North America, high-priced foods and drinks are common. Most Western Europe falls prey to pickpockets, while taxi scams are common in Eastern Europe and Asia.
• Using Official Transportation: Avoid ride-sharing apps and shady taxis and stick to official government transportation, such as trains, buses, subway systems, and car rentals. You’re far less likely to run into scams even if you pay a little more. 
• Hide Your Valuables: Leave your purse or bags in the hotel room (in a safe) and bring along the traveler’s checks or cash hidden in a shirt pocket layered underneath a top shirt. Wallets are too easy to snag out of any pocket, so keep your money (and identification) hidden to stay safe.
• Avoid Getting Distracted: Remember: travel scam specialists, such as pickpocket artists, may use fights or “shoving into” you to cause distraction and confusion. Pay close attention to where you’re walking and avoid gawking at any sudden surprises or changes while you walk.

Responding to a Scammer Safely

During your trip, bold scammers may walk right up to you and try to trick you. If you think a scammer has approached you, you should:

• Avoid eye contact with anybody who seems eager to talk
• Smile and disengage from them as quickly as possible 
• Move away with your hands in your pockets (on your belongings, if needed)
• Ignore them if they call out for you or claim they need help
• Try to blend in with the crowd if they continue to pursue you 
• Threaten to call the police if they don’t leave you alone (only if necessary)
• Go to a safe area (including a police department) if you feel threatened

Keep These Travel Tips in Mind to Avoid Fraud on Your Trip 

No matter what travel scam you run into on your trip, including fake rentals, a pickpocket scheme, or skimming attempts, these travel safety suggestions can minimize your danger. You should also take steps like choosing the best day to fly to avoid busy airports, understanding airport security before you visit, and bringing along helpful travel accessories to improve your vacation. After all, you deserve the trip that brings back happy memories years later. 

If you’re ready to fly and want to ensure your care is as safe as your money while overseas, make a reservation with The Parking Spot today! Book your airport parking with us and take advantage of money-saving deals by signing up for The Spot Club. Our well-guarded lots are safe, and our shuttles include complimentary bottled water, friendly drivers, and fair prices. Even better, you can bring your pet, which is a massive benefit if you need a comfort animal to relieve your fear of flying.