Travel is one of life’s greatest joys, with new cultures, delicious food, and unforgettable sights to explore. But as any seasoned globetrotter will tell you, the world’s most beautiful destinations can also be home to some of the most cunning scams.
With travel fraud skyrocketing by up to 900 per cent in the past 18 months and losses in the tens of millions, it pays to be prepared before you pack your bags.
Whether you’re planning a European river cruise, a bucket-list trip to the Pyramids, or a quick city break, knowing the most common tourist scams can save you from losing your hard-earned cash—or worse, your peace of mind.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to the world’s most notorious travel scams, how they work, and what you can do to avoid them.
1. The Artful Pickpocket: More Than Just a Quick Hand
Pickpocketing is as old as tourism itself, but today’s thieves are more creative than ever. In hotspots like Barcelona, Rome, and Paris, teams of pickpockets use elaborate distraction techniques: one might spill something on you, another might ‘accidentally’ bump into you, or you might even have a cat or a baby thrust into your arms! While you’re distracted, your wallet, phone, or passport disappears.
How to protect yourself:
- Use a cross-body bag and keep it in front of you.
- Be wary of sudden commotions or overly friendly strangers.
- Never leave valuables in easy-to-reach pockets.
2. The £1,500 Kebab and Card Machine Cons
It sounds unbelievable, but tourists have been charged thousands for a simple snack. In Brazil, one British traveller was hit with a £1,500 bill (around AUD $2865) for a kebab, thanks to a tampered card machine. Another paid nearly £3,000 (about AUD $5,731) for a corn on the cob! These scams often involve rigged payment terminals or ‘accidental’ extra zeros.
How to protect yourself:
- Avoid using your card on the street or at beach stalls.
- Always check the amount on the terminal before entering your PIN.
- If you suspect fraud, freeze your card and contact your bank immediately.
3. The ‘Bird Poo’ Trick: A Classic with a Modern Twist
This old-school scam is making a comeback, especially in cities like London. Scammers drop paint or food on you to mimic bird droppings, then swoop in as ‘helpful’ locals offering to clean you up—while their accomplice picks your pocket.
How to protect yourself:
- If something lands on you, step away from anyone offering help.
- Clean up in a public restroom or with your own wipes.
- Keep your belongings close and zipped up.
4. Photo Helpers and Animal Handlers
In places like Marrakech and Cairo, locals may offer to take your photo or let you pose with an animal. The catch? They’ll demand a hefty tip afterwards, sometimes getting aggressive if you refuse.
How to protect yourself:
- Politely decline unsolicited offers for photos or animal encounters.
- If you want a photo, agree on a price beforehand.
- Stick with reputable guides or tour groups.
5. Taxi and Rideshare Ruses
From ‘broken meters’ to fake Uber drivers, taxi scams are everywhere. Some drivers refuse to use the meter, take the scenic route, or demand cash for a ride you thought was prepaid. In some cases, fake rideshare drivers even use cloned apps to lure unsuspecting tourists.
How to protect yourself:
- Only use official taxi ranks or reputable rideshare apps.
- Confirm the driver’s name and licence plate before getting in.
- Insist on using the meter or agree on a fare before starting the journey.
6. The ‘Free’ Friendship Bracelet
A friendly local offers you a ‘free’ bracelet, ties it on your wrist, then demands payment—sometimes with a group of intimidating friends backing them up. This scam is common in Paris, Rome, and other major cities.
How to protect yourself:
- Don’t accept unsolicited gifts or let strangers touch you.
- Walk away firmly and avoid eye contact if approached.
7. Fake Accommodation Listings
With the rise of AI and sophisticated fake websites, it’s easier than ever to fall for a bogus hotel or flat listing. Victims pay deposits for properties that don’t exist or arrive to find their booking is invalid.
How to protect yourself:
- Book through reputable platforms and pay only via their official systems.
- Watch for reviews with repetitive language or suspicious timing.
- Never pay by bank transfer for a ‘discounted’ rate.
8. Imposter Tour Guides
At famous sites, fake guides offer tours with convincing stories, only to demand outrageous fees or steer you to overpriced shops. Sometimes, they simply vanish with your money.
How to protect yourself:
- Book tours through official channels or your hotel.
- Ask to see a guide’s credentials.
- Be wary of anyone who approaches you unsolicited.
9. Counterfeit Tickets
Fake tickets for attractions, transport, or events are a persistent problem, especially in places like Paris and Rome. Victims often discover the fraud only at the entrance, losing both money and access.
How to protect yourself:
- Always buy tickets from official websites or ticket offices.
- Be cautious of street sellers or ‘agents’ offering last-minute deals.
10. Currency Switching and Shortchanging
In markets or taxis, scammers may swap your banknotes or claim you handed over the wrong amount, taking advantage of unfamiliar currencies and exchange rates.
How to protect yourself:
- Count your money carefully and confirm amounts before handing over cash.
- Familiarise yourself with local currency before you travel.
- Don’t let anyone rush you during a transaction.
Bonus Tips for Staying Safe Abroad
- Trust your instincts. If something feels off, walk away.
- Keep digital and paper copies of important documents.
- Use hotel safes for passports and extra cash.
- Share your travel plans with family or friends back home.
Key Takeaways
- Pickpocketing and elaborate distraction scams, such as the ‘bird poo’ trick, remain some of the most common ways tourists are targeted in busy destinations like Barcelona, Rome and London, with thieves often working in teams to steal wallets and valuables.
- Payment scams are on the rise, including fake or rigged EFTPOS machines that can charge much more than the quoted price, as well as ‘friendship bracelet’ cons where scammers demand money after forcing tourists to accept a ‘free’ item.
- Fake tour guides, taxi rip-offs and dodgy photo ‘helpers’ are widespread in hotspots such as Egypt, Morocco and parts of Europe, with scammers pretending to offer legitimate services then aggressively pressing for large payments.
- Accommodation, ticket and currency switching scams are increasingly sophisticated due to advances in AI, with fraudsters creating fake listings, selling fake tickets and using sleight of hand with cash to leave travellers out of pocket – so it’s vital to double-check bookings and payments, and always trust your instincts if something feels off.
We know many of our members are seasoned travellers with stories to tell. Have you ever fallen victim to a travel scam, or do you have tips for staying safe on the road? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below—your wisdom could save a fellow Aussie from a holiday headache!
Safe travels, and remember: a little caution goes a long way to keeping your adventures memorable for all the right reasons.
