Female tourists are often targeted by opportunistic individuals, and falling prey to scams is a risk if you’re not vigilant. Many of these tips apply to everyone, with an emphasis on scams that affect women. Here’s a breakdown of some common travel scams and how they can be avoided.

Despite considering ourselves savvy travelers, the reality is that even the most experienced can fall victim to scams, myself included. While various useful travel tips have been shared on this platform, it is essential to compile a dedicated guide addressing common travel scams.

From exorbitant cab fares to unintentionally divulging credit card details, these scams are pervasive globally. While it’s challenging to predict when a scam might occur, understanding the types of travel scams and being informed about travel safety measures is crucial.

Stay ahead of potential scams by gaining insights into common practices and adopting proactive measures to ensure a safer travel experience.

Read here for the top safe travel destinations for women to visit!

Most Common Travel Scams

Experiencing a scam while on vacation is frustrating and can ruin the entire holiday. Even the most experienced female travelers forget the tricks and get caught up in these scams. In the interest of empowering fellow women travelers, here are some of the most prevalent scams you might encounter during your journeys, accompanied by ways to avoid them. Knowledge is your best defense ladies! The more people are aware of these scams, the less likely we are to be victims.

1: Broken Taxi Meter

Watch out for cab drivers, especially near airports or train stations, who may attempt this scam. It can happen anywhere. Once you’re in the taxi and en route, the driver claims the meter is broken and demands an exorbitant fare (potentially reaching hundreds of dollars if you’re not vigilant).

How To Avoid It:

Negotiate rates ahead of time, or ensure the meter is working before you get in the car. If the taxi driver refuses to turn on the meter or tells you it’s cheaper without the meter, get out and opt for another driver. Not all cab drivers are scammers. In this digital age, a decent number of regions offer rideshare services like Uber, Grab, Taxify, Lyft, etc. Make use of those services where available to avoid falling prey to taxi scams.

Have you read our essential safety guide for women?

2: Overbooked Or Closed Hotel

This frequently encountered travel scam is often orchestrated by cab drivers. While on your way to the hotel, the driver may inform you that your selected hotel is closed or fully booked, redirecting you to a more expensive alternative where the driver earns a substantial commission.

How Women Can Avoid It:

Take proactive steps to prevent falling victim to this scam:

1. Call your hotel in advance to confirm its operational status.
2. Inquire about shuttle services and schedule a pickup if available.
3. If your taxi driver insists the hotel is unavailable, assertively demand to be taken to your chosen destination. State that you have a reservation, even if it’s not true.

By staying informed and assertive, you can safeguard yourself against this deceptive travel scam.

3: Free Bracelets, Flowers, Rosemary etc

This particular scam often targets female travelers. A seemingly friendly individual, either male or female, initiates a conversation and then offers a ‘free’ friendship bracelet or a flower, complimenting your beauty or wishing you good luck. Once accepted, they demand payment, and if you refuse, they create a scene.

How Women Can Avoid It:

Protect yourself from this scam with these preventive measures:

1. Avoid allowing anyone to place items on your body.
2. Exercise extreme caution when offered something for free, especially in highly touristy areas.
3. Stay alert and ignore such approaches, continuing to walk without engaging.

By staying cautious and assertive, you can steer clear of falling victim to this deceptive travel scam, particularly if you are a female traveler.

4: Spills On Your Clothing

Frequently encountered in Europe, a common street scam involves a traveler walking down the street, feeling an unexpected substance land on their shoulder—often bird poop or a fast-food condiment. Seemingly out of nowhere, a friendly stranger approaches, offering to assist in cleaning the mess while discreetly pilfering your wallet from your pocket or purse.

How Women Can Avoid It:

Take precautionary measures to evade falling victim to this scam:

1. Refrain from accepting help from strangers in such situations.
2. Instead, locate a restroom and clean the substance off yourself independently.

By staying alert and not relying on unfamiliar assistance, you can safeguard yourself from this deceptive street scam, commonly encountered in European tourist areas

5: Fake Police Officers

“The fake police officer scam is a prevalent tactic, particularly in many large cities. Here’s how it typically unfolds: a person approaches a tourist, offering illicit items like counterfeit items or drugs. During the conversation, one or two others, posing as police officers, join in, brandishing what appears to be official badges. They then insist that the unsuspecting traveler hand over their passport and wallet. However, it’s crucial to note that these individuals are not genuine law enforcement officers.

In this scam, the thieves donning uniforms, pretending to be ‘Tourist Police,’ stop you on the street, display phony badges, and request to inspect your wallet for counterfeit bills or ‘drug money.’ The theft often goes unnoticed until after they’ve left, and some bills are missing. Never hand over your wallet to anyone.

How Women Can Avoid It:

Protect yourself from falling victim to this scam with the following precautions:

1. Refuse to hand over your wallet or passport.
2. Request to see their official identification, and inform them you will call the police to verify their credentials.
3. Alternatively, mention that your passport is secured in the hotel safe, and insist they accompany you to the hotel. If they refuse, simply walk away.

By staying vigilant and employing these strategies, you can navigate through the fake police officer scam and safeguard your belongings in large cities.

6. The Flirtatious Local

You land in a new country, decide to unwind at a bar, and a friendly local strikes up a conversation. What starts as a stroke of luck can quickly turn into a perilous situation. As you enjoy drinks and follow their suggestion to visit another venue, the night takes an unexpected twist. The charming companion disappears, leaving you to face an exorbitant bill, with intimidating individuals pressuring you to pay. In more unfortunate scenarios, you might even fall prey to being drugged, waking up to discover you’ve been robbed.

An additional cautionary note is to be mindful of situations where seemingly attractive locals sitting alone at a bar might be ‘working’ as sex workers. It’s crucial to avoid finding yourself in an uncomfortable scenario where what initially feels like genuine chemistry turns out to be a business transaction with a hidden price tag.

This scam takes various forms, with the scam artist sometimes posing as a lost tourist or simply a friendly local eager to show you around.

How Women Can Avoid It:

Safeguard yourself from such nightlife scams with these practical measures:

1. Exercise caution when attractive locals insist on taking you to exclusive clubs, buying you drinks, or displaying excessive flirtation—especially if you stand out as a foreigner.
2. If a situation feels too good to be true or becomes uncomfortable, trust your instincts and proceed with caution.
3. Remember that boarding a plane doesn’t suddenly make you ten times more attractive.

By staying vigilant and aware of these red flags, you can navigate nightlife in a new country more safely and avoid falling victim to scams.

7: Attraction Is Closed

Imagine this scenario: a friendly local approaches you and claims that the attraction you intend to visit is closed, citing reasons such as a religious ceremony or holiday. Subsequently, they offer to guide you to an alternative attraction or shop, where you may find yourself pressured to make a purchase or pay a hefty entry fee.

How Women Can Avoid It:

Protect yourself from falling victim to this deceptive scam with these practical tips:

1. Rather than relying solely on the local’s information, seek out the main entrance or ticket counter and verify the situation yourself.
2. Be aware that most attractions typically close for the day, not just for lunch. It’s a red flag if someone suggests they’re closed temporarily for a specific reason.
3. Proactively research the open hours of attractions before your visit, as this information is readily available online.

By staying informed and taking these precautions, you can thwart the deceptive tactics of the local attractions scam and ensure a more enjoyable travel experience.

8. The Strip Show

Picture this: you witness a seemingly heated argument between a good-looking woman and a street vendor. The vendor accuses her of shoplifting, prompting her to vehemently deny the allegations. In an attempt to prove her innocence, she starts removing her clothes—doing so very slowly. As the vendor apologizes and departs, the crowd realizes that their wallets have mysteriously disappeared, courtesy of a team of pickpockets exploiting the distraction.

How Women Can Avoid It:

Protect yourself from falling victim to the distraction pickpocket scam with these straightforward measures:

1. Stay alert and focused on your surroundings, avoiding unnecessary distractions.
2. Mind your own business and resist the urge to get involved in seemingly unusual situations.
3. Keep walking and maintain a safe distance from potential scams.

By staying vigilant and following these guidelines, you can navigate through such deceptive scenarios and safeguard your belongings from pickpockets.

9. Friendly ATM Helper

When using an ATM, it’s essential to be wary of a common scam involving a seemingly ‘helpful’ local. Here’s how it typically unfolds: a friendly individual approaches you, offering assistance to avoid ATM fees. In reality, they intend to use a card skimmer, capturing your credit card information when they get close. Often, there’s a second person in line pretending to be a regular customer, endorsing the ‘helpful’ person’s suggestions.

How Women Can Avoid It:

Shield yourself from falling victim to ATM skimming scams with these proactive steps:

1. Never allow anyone to stand close to you during an ATM transaction.
2. Always cover the number pad with your other hand while entering your PIN code.
3. If someone approaches or behaves suspiciously, immediately take your card and locate another ATM.

By staying vigilant and following these precautions, you can safeguard your credit card information from potential skimming scams and ensure a secure ATM transaction.

10. Talkative Cashiers

Picture this scenario: as you hand your credit card to the shop’s cashier, it appears she’s engaged in a phone conversation. Yet, if you listen closely, you might detect the subtle sound of a camera shutter, indicating she’s discreetly snapping a picture of your card.

How Women Can Avoid It:

Safeguard your credit card information from photo scams with these practical strategies:

1. Wait for the cashier to conclude their phone conversation before handing over your credit card.
2. Consider using cash for transactions to minimize exposure to this type of scam.

By staying attentive and taking these precautions, you can protect your financial details and enjoy a more secure payment experience.

11. The Fake Petition

Imagine this scenario: you’re exploring a popular tourist attraction, and someone approaches you, urging you to sign a petition. Often, it’s a woman or a teenager, sometimes feigning deafness, presenting what seems to be an official-looking petition, ostensibly in support of a charity (note that the petition is often in English, a potential red flag). Feeling uncertain about the situation, you sign the document to alleviate the awkwardness, only to discover that the petitioner now insists on a cash donation. Falling for this scam can lead to financial loss or, at worst, pickpocketing during a confrontation.

How Women Can Avoid It:

Protect yourself from the deceptive petition scam with these proactive steps:

1. Ignore individuals approaching you to sign a petition, especially when they are part of a group trying to surround you.
2. Keep walking without engaging in the interaction.

By remaining vigilant and adhering to these precautions, you can steer clear of potential scams and enjoy a safer travel experience.

12. Injured Or Child Beggars

Street beggars, often portraying themselves as deaf, blind, pregnant, or accompanied by a ‘helper,’ are a common sight for travelers. Women with babies, potentially not their own, and children are frequently used by begging gangs to evoke sympathy, exploiting the challenge most people face in saying no to the old, injured, or young. Unfortunately, these seemingly desperate situations often conceal ulterior motives, with accomplices strategically observing where you keep your wallet for potential pickpocketing.

In other instances, groups of boys or girls with big eyes, troubled expressions, and colorful raggedy clothes adopt a polite, beggar-style approach to unsuspecting tourists. While their pleading eyes capture your attention and they hold up a heart-tugging message scrawled on cardboard, you may be fooled into thinking they are genuine beggars. Meanwhile, your purse or backpack is deftly rifled through.

How Women Can Avoid It:

Protect yourself from street begging scams with these practical steps:

1. Exercise Caution: Be wary of emotional appeals from beggars, especially those employing children or using scripted messages on cardboard.
2. Prioritize Charity Support: Instead of giving cash directly to street beggars, channel your generosity through reputable charities.
3. Secure Belongings: Utilize a dependable money belt to thwart potential pickpocket attempts and safeguard your valuables.

By staying vigilant and adopting these precautions, you not only shield yourself from scams but also contribute to responsible and impactful giving practices.

13. A Botched Drug Transaction

Beware of the Drug Planting Scam: A prevalent scam in many developing countries, particularly those renowned for vibrant party scenes, such as Southeast Asia. Here’s how it unfolds: you find yourself in a popular tourist area, and someone approaches you with an offer for drugs. If you accept, the situation takes a sudden turn as a real police officer appears on the scene. The ‘drug dealer’ and the officer collaborate to threaten you with arrest unless you pay an on-the-spot fine, essentially a bribe. Faced with this dilemma, many opt to pay the bribe rather than risk imprisonment.

How Women Can Avoid It:

1. Just Say No: The first and foremost advice is to abstain from engaging in any illegal activities, especially in a foreign country.

By exercising caution and steering clear of illicit offers, you can ensure a trouble-free and enjoyable travel experience. Remember, staying on the right side of the law is key to a memorable journey.

14. Group Photo Offer

Beware of the Photo Scam: Picture this: you’re enjoying the sights at a bustling tourist location or landmark, and a friendly local offers to capture a group photo of you and your friends. However, as you prepare for that perfect shot, you suddenly realize your newfound photographer has vanished—along with your expensive camera.

How Women Can Avoid It:

Read the situation carefully before handing over your camera to a stranger. If in doubt, consider asking fellow tourists for assistance and offer to reciprocate.

15. Fake WiFi Hubs

Beware of Free WiFi Traps: In today’s connected world, free WiFi is almost ubiquitous. However, not all unlocked connections are as harmless as they seem. Crafty hackers often set up enticing, unsecured WiFi hotspots in public places, luring unsuspecting victims to connect and unwittingly granting access to their computers, passwords, and online accounts.

How Women Can Avoid It:

1. Verify with Staff: Before connecting, always check with the hotel, coffee shop, or airport staff to confirm the official WiFi network. Avoid tempting unlocked connections.
2. Use a VPN: Encrypt your online activities with a Virtual Private Network (VPN) such as NordVPN for an added layer of security against potential threats.

By taking these precautions, you can surf the web safely and keep your personal data out of the clutches of cybercriminals.

16. The Wrong Change

Watch Out for Similar Bills: In countries where currency bills share similar colors or similar-sized coins, it’s easy to fall victim to a sly scam. Scammers capitalize on the tendency of people to first notice colors. When you receive a stack of change with identical hues, you might assume it’s correct, only to later discover you’ve been handed the wrong bills.

How Women Can Avoid It:

1. Count Your Change: Every time you receive change, take a moment to count it meticulously. This simple act can thwart scammers hoping you’ll realize the mistake too late.
2. Get Familiar with the Currency: To enhance your defense against deceptive currency swaps, familiarize yourself with the distinctive features of local money. Take note that the valuable €2 coin shares a resemblance with several coins of lesser value, such as Italy’s former 500-lira coin, Turkey’s 1-lira coin, and Thailand’s 10-baht coin.

17. Motorbike Scam

Renting a moped or scooter can enhance your travel experience, but beware of potential scams that could leave you facing unexpected expenses. In many cases, passports are used as collateral instead of cash deposits, leaving you in situations that may get you stranded. Some rental agencies target travelers by stealing motorbikes overnight or causing damage to them overnight to charge exorbitant prices for repairs.

A more common scam is the ‘discovery’ of new damages and making you have to fork over a lot of money because they are holding your passport hostage.

How Women Can Avoid It:

1. **Thorough Documentation: Snap photos of the motorbike’s condition before and after use. This visual record can serve as crucial evidence in case of disputes over damages.
2. **Avoid Leaving Passport as Collateral: Opt for a monetary deposit instead of surrendering your passport. This reduces the risk of exploitation and ensures a smoother transaction.
3. **Independent Inspection: In the event of damage disputes, choose repair services recommended by impartial sources. This minimizes the chance of inflated repair costs and protects your interests.
4. **Secure Parking: When returning the motorbike for the night, choose a secure location. This precaution reduces the likelihood of theft or damage.
5. Do not share the address of your accommodation with the rental agency

18. Fake Bus/Train/Plane Tickets

In the world of travel, enticing offers may come your way—discounted train tickets, shortcuts, skip queues for a slightly higher fee, or even a friendly taxi driver recommending a local travel agent. However, these seemingly attractive propositions may lead to a scam where the tickets offered are not genuine, leaving you without both money and valid tickets.

How Women Can Avoid It:

Verify Sources: Ensure the authenticity of your transportation tickets by purchasing them only from official ticket offices or reputable websites.

19. Fake Currency Scam

In bustling city centers with numerous currency exchanges near popular tourist spots, a common scam involves individuals approaching you, offering an enticing money exchange deal. They promise a fantastic rate, claim no commission fees, and may even appear to be affiliated with a nearby exchange place, complete with a name tag.

Despite their seemingly legitimate presentation, the catch becomes apparent after the exchange. Some of the notes, often hidden within the stack, turn out to be counterfeit, and by the time you realize it, the person has vanished.

How Women Can Avoid It:

If an offer sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Play it safe by exchanging currency exclusively at established and reputable currency shops. Travel wisely and protect your finances!

20: Jewelry Or Carpet Deals

During your travels, be wary of a common scam where a local individual casually reveals a lucrative side business involving buying jewelry, gemstones, watches, or carpets at a seemingly unbeatable price overseas and reselling them for a substantial profit in the United States or another country. Despite the enticing offer to share the secret and guide you to the best deals, the catch is that these products are, unfortunately, counterfeit.

How Women Can Avoid It:

No matter how tempting the deal may seem, resist the urge to buy expensive luxury items while on vacation. If it appears too good to be true, chances are it’s a travel scam. Protect yourself from potential fraud and stick to reputable sources for your purchases.

21: Fake Hotel Wakeup Call

Cheapflights.co.uk uncovered a disturbing trend: hotel guests falling victim to fake wake-up calls.

Here’s how the scam typically unfolds:

Late at night, your hotel room phone rings and the caller identifies themselves as a staff member from the front desk. They claim that the internal computer system has crashed, necessitating the re-collection of your credit card information. Unbeknownst to you, the caller is a scammer using a smuggled mobile phone.

In your groggy, sleep-addled state, you unwittingly provide them with all the details they need to drain your bank account. Shockingly, this scam has been particularly prevalent in Georgia, USA.

How Women Can Avoid It:

Never disclose your credit card details during a phone call, especially if it seems unexpected or occurs at odd hours. Instead, if you encounter any issues, visit the front desk in person the next morning to address them.

Travel Scams: Learning Lessons

The reality is, that no matter how savvy you are, encountering a travel scam is almost inevitable. But here’s the silver lining—don’t let it discourage you from exploring the world. Consider it a rite of passage for every traveler.

Sure, falling victim to a scam can be embarrassing, especially when it involves parting with your hard-earned money. However, perspective is key. There are always worse things that could happen, and viewing it as a valuable learning experience can shift the narrative.

Embrace the lessons, stay informed, protect yourself, and let these encounters shape you into a more seasoned traveler. After all, the journey is about more than just the destinations—it’s about the experiences and lessons along the way!

Don’t forget to read our simple steps to planning your dream trip!