How to Spot and Avoid Tourist Scams

Published in the Sunday Indian Express Magazine - Eye on 04 August, 2024

Lessons from my global adventures: Real-life experiences and tips to keep your travels scam-free

Last week on our podcast Travel Explore Celebrate Life, my co-host and Veena World’s Chief Product Officer, Sunila, and I, took a deep dive into the world of travel scams. I have always held the notion that travelling to new destinations is an exhilarating experience, offering a gateway to new cultures and unforgettable adventures. Yet, amid the excitement, there's a hidden risktourist scams. These deceitful situations can catch even the most seasoned travellers off guard. This is why many of us have developed habits like the routine phone-and-wallet check whenever we are in crowded tourist spots.

Did you know that an estimated 10-15% of travellers fall victim to some form of travel scam every year? This alarming statistic was a key reason we dedicated an entire episode to uncovering the sneaky tactics scammers use to prey on unsuspecting tourists. You can listen to the full episode on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and JioSaavn by scanning the QR code below.

Through my journeys around the world, I have encountered numerous scams, each teaching me invaluable lessons. So in this article, I want to share these experiences and provide tips to help you avoid becoming a victim. Whether you are exploring bustling markets in Beijing or enjoying the serene streets of Budapest, being aware of these scams can save you from a lot of trouble and keep your travels enjoyable and safe. Let’s dive in.

The Stain Scam

One of my interesting encounters with a scam happened in Beijing, China. While wandering through an electronics market with my cousins, I noticed a large black stain on the side of my pants. Feeling uncomfortable, I tried to brush it off, but before I could react, a local approached me. Speaking rapidly in Mandarin, he pointed to an identical stain on his own pants.

With a friendly smile, he produced a small spray bottle and demonstrated its miraculous stain-removing power. He sprayed the product on his pants, and to my amazement, the stain vanished instantly. His confident and convincing demeanour, combined with my eagerness to rid myself of the stain, led me to believe that the product was a worthwhile purchase.

Despite my inner caution, I found myself handing over money for the spray. The man quickly pocketed the cash and disappeared into the crowd. It wasn't until I got back to my hotel room and inspected the spray bottle that I realised something was amiss. The liquid inside smelled and felt like plain water. A quick online search confirmed my suspicionsI had paid ten times the actual value for a bottle of water masquerading as a miracle cleaner.

Reflecting on the incident, I realised how easily even experienced travellers can be deceived. The man’s polished act and the urgency created by the visible stain were enough to override my usual skepticism. This experience taught me a valuable lesson about staying vigilant and trusting my instincts, even in seemingly harmless situations.

The Shell Game Scam

Today, wherever we go, popular sightseeing places often attract large crowds. As you stand by these iconic structures, marvelling at their grandeur, it’s easy to get swept up in the magic of the moment. However, amid the beauty and excitement, it’s important to stay vigilant against common tourist scams, such as the notorious shell game scam.

This particular scam often unfolds in bustling tourist areas. Street hawkers set up a seemingly simple game involving three cups and a small ball. They shuffle the cups quickly and invite passersby to guess which cup hides the ball, promising a cash reward for a correct guess. The game appears straightforward, and the onlookers, who frequently win, make it seem like an easy way to earnsome extra euros.

However, this setup is far from innocent. The crowd surrounding the game usually consists of the hawker's friends and accomplices. Their role is to create an atmosphere of excitement and to lure genuine tourists into participating. When you step up to try your luck, your attention becomes fully absorbed by the fast-moving cups. This distraction provides the perfect opportunity for pickpockets to strike.

While you focus on the game, another accomplice moves through the crowd, targeting distracted participants. Before you know it, your wallet, phone, or other valuables may be stolen. The quick pace of the game and the hustle and bustle of the crowd make it difficult to notice the theft until it's too late.

Even if you manage to keep your belongings safe, the game itself is rigged. The hawker and his team are experts in sleight of hand, ensuring that you never correctly guess the ball’s location. The game is designed to make you lose money rather than win it.

The Fake Police Officer Scam

Another common scam that occurs in various cities around the world involves individuals posing as police officers. This scam typically targets tourists who are unfamiliar with local law enforcement protocols.

Imagine you are exploring a new city, taking in the sights and sounds, when suddenly, you are approached by someone who identifies themselves as a police officer. They may be in uniform or simply flash a badge. The ‘officer’ accuses you of a minor crime, such as jaywalking or possessing counterfeit money. They demand to see your identification and wallet.

In a panic, you comply, handing over your wallet. The fake officer might pretend to inspect your documents, but they are actually looking for an opportunity to steal your cash or credit cards. They might claim they need to confiscate your money for inspection or fine you on the spot. In some cases, they might quickly swap your real money with counterfeit notes.

The Friendship Bracelet Scam

Another scam that I have noticed particularly in Europe, is the friendship bracelet scam. This scam often targets tourists who are enjoying a leisurely stroll or taking in a popular attraction.

As you walk through a bustling square or along a scenic route, a friendly local may approach you, offering a simple gifta friendship bracelet. They may tie the bracelet around your wrist, telling you it’s a symbol of friendship or good luck. At first, it seems like a harmless, kind gesture.

However, once the bracelet is securely fastened, the scammer demands payment. They might claim that the bracelet costs a significant amount of money or insist that you pay a ‘donation’ to a charity. If you refuse to pay, they can become aggressive or cause a scene, pressuring you into handing over money just to avoid further confrontation.

With so many scams lurking around, does it mean that all of us should stop travelling? Definitely not! Travel makes us Celebrate Life, so that is definitely not an option. So what do you do? To stay vigilant and protected at all times, here are some tips to keep in mind when you are travelling. And as is a habit for me nowadays, we have already created another podcast called ‘5 Minute Travel Tips’ to address these very points. We have already done close to 100 episodes and you can find the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts by scanning the QR code at the end of the article.

Travel Tips to Stay Safe

Stay Alert in Crowded Places: Crowded tourist spots are hotspots for pickpockets. Keep your wallet in your front pocket and hold your bag securely at the front. Be cautious when strangers approach you with unsolicited offers.

Avoid interacting with Strangers: Be cautious of strangers causing a scene and touching you. If something is spilled on you, secure your belongings immediately and clean up yourself rather than accepting help from strangers.

Credit Card Information: Never give out your credit card information over the phone at a hotel. Instead, tell the caller you will handle it in person and go to the front desk to resolve any issues.

Avoid Unauthorised Ticket Sellers: Whether it’s for attractions or transport, buy tickets from official sources. Avoid street vendors selling discounted or skip-the-line tickets, as these are often invalid.

Research Local Scams: During your travels, ask your Veena World tour manager or research common scams at your destination. Being aware of potential dangers helps you recognise and avoid them.

Beware of Overpriced Drinks: In many countries, bars may offer a ‘first beer free’ or ‘all-you-can-drink’ deal, only to charge exorbitant prices for subsequent drinks. Always read the fine print.

Avoid Street Games: Steer clear of any street games or gambling activities, especially those involving a crowd of enthusiastic onlookers.

And finally, be aware of your surroundings. Always be mindful of your belongings and stay alert, particularly in crowded tourist spots. As we all know, travelling can be a joyful experience, so being aware of potential scams ensures it remains that way. Stay vigilant, trust your instincts, and enjoy the journey without unnecessary worry. Until next time, keep Celebrating Life!