Scam Scams Scammed.
OVERCHARGING.
COERCING.
THE SWITCH.
THE CLIP.
THE MISDIRECT.
DOWNRIGHT DECEIVING.
RESPONSIBILITY.
LOW DOWN ON LOW LIFES.
Scam artists love Americans because, for the most part, we want to be nice. They play on that. Also, for whatever reason, at home, we KNOW that if a deal seems TOO good to be true, it is. But once we leave our house, we think we are the exception to that rule. We’re not.
Their scams range from the simple to the complex, and when done right, you may never realize it.
So are you a sitting duck for a scam? You don’t have to be. A little skepticism and keeping an eye on your surroundings will go a long way to make you less of a target.
Understand, you will NEVER get the “best price,” but try not to pay double or worse.
(BACK TO TOP)
BASICS
- When going out sightseeing, take ONLY what you need. Leave 10 of the credit cards, the 5 Rolex watches, the tiaras, and your grandmother’s irreplaceable necklace in the room safe.
Better yet, LEAVE THIS STUFF AT HOME.
- Back pockets, purses slung over a shoulder, are screaming to a thief that you want to be robbed. Front pockets are less tempting. Money belts you wear under clothes are even less appealing to thieves.
NEVER, NEVER, NEVER put something down “just for a moment” while you look for something else. Wallet on a counter, sunglasses on a display case…. YOU are being watched. Have someone you know hold it, or put your expensive sunglasses on a chain around your neck. OR, wear really cheap sunglasses you can afford to keep giving away when you travel.
Don’t become the BFF of total strangers. This is tough; we want to be nice. They use this to their advantage.
The world today is dangerous on many levels. There is a BILLION dollar industry of people working 25 hours a day, eight days a week, trying to separate you from your money/belongings. You need to play tough.
There is nothing “common” about sense these days. We SHOULD know better; we SHOULD have seen that coming. When traveling, replace your “common” sense with a “sixth” sense.
FULL DISCLOSURE
I’m not only the president of the “They are out there waiting to take advantage of you” club, but I am also a victim.
After 40 years of traveling and “preachin'” safety, I (stupidly) and on autopilot stuffed my wallet into my back pocket while running from a ticket machine to catch a subway that was about to leave. My wallet was gone before the very next station. How do I know? Before the third station, my phone started lighting up with texts from my credit card companies. “Did you authorize a payment of 650 euros at… They were trying to buy product they could resell before I reported the CC missing.
IT CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE, even those who are “professional” travelers. But do everything you can to make sure it doesn’t become a habit.
ATM & TICKET MACHINES
If you are not going on high alert at one of these, then just take all your money and throw it in the air.
First Rule. Banks, train stations, do NOT NOT NOT have staff to help you use the ATM or ticket machine. If someone tells you they work for the bank, go somewhere else.
Rule 2. If there are people gathered around (not standing in line but hovering) near an ATM/ticket machine, look for another one.
Rule 3. If at all possible, never approach one of these alone. Take a Thelma to ride shotgun, Louise. Someone who can hold your (purse, wallet, bag, camera, etc) and watch your back.
Rule 4. Banks and train stations do NOT NOT NOT have staff to help you use the ATM or ticket machine. If someone tells you they work for the bank, go somewhere else.
Rule 5. Try to avoid ATMs in the most tourist-crowded sections of town. Try to see where locals use ATMS.
Rule 6. Watch someone else use the ATM – ticket machine first. Make sure you actually see money/tickets come out of the machine.
Rule 7. If your card does not work, go to DEFCOM 3. Try one more time, and if that doesn’t work, WALK AWAY!!!!! Look for another machine. If the machine eats your card and doesn’t return it, report it to the bank immediately. (Banks do not have staff outside.)
Rule 8. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER hand your credit card or bank card to ANYONE who isn’t behind a bank or store counter. You have NO idea how small credit card scanners are these days.
If you skip rule 8, please call the financial institution associated with the card (if you still have your phone) and report the card stolen immediately.
Rule 9. IF you have to hand your credit card to someone, try not to let it out of your sight. When it is returned, STOP!!! Is it your card they are returning?
If you can help it, use ATMs only in non-touristy areas during the bank’s opening hours. That way, if there is a problem, you can report it.
Did I mention that banks do not have staff at….
OVERCHARGING.
Exchange Offices
These are legal thieves who advertise. If you want the worst exchange rate in town, go to one of these (or a hotel’s front desk.) To add insult to injury, do they also tack on a transaction fee?
Why not just send me all your money since you do not seem to want to keep it.
Taxi scam (that’s almost redundant).
In many countries, there aren’t meters. Ask the price before getting in. Is that round trip or one way? Per person or taxi? Don’t jump in and say “Take me” because they will do just that.
If you are traveling with luggage, ask whether there are any fees. Ask what the total will be. And then only pay that. NEVER pay until you reach your destination.
MAKE SURE you have the correct name and address of where you are going. In other words, do not jump in a taxi and say the “Royal.” It’s not uncommon for a large city to have a Royal Hotel, a Hotel Royal, Royal B&B, The Royal Inn… Get the idea? You want to go to the Royal Hotel, 600 Main Street. Then if they take you to a different location, you know something funny is going on.
Watch your luggage go in the trunk before getting in. Be out of the taxi and make sure ALL of your luggage comes out. Do not pay the cab until all luggage is out and visible to you. If a driver tells you to pay first, tell them your wallet is in your suitcase in the trunk.
In general, get a receipt of some kind. Writing down the taxi number in the driver’s view can also keep their motives pure. Your phone probably has a camera. Take a picture of the license plate, taxi number, driver, or all three. Never shove your camera in someone’s face while taking a picture. Do it discreetly.
NOTE: Another reason I travel with only carry-on luggage is it fits in the taxi with me. If I do have to leave a cab early, I have everything with me. The power is on my side.
Shopping scam.
Stores without prices – You better really want the item because you are going to pay for it.
In like manner, items only in the local currency. Ask what the conversion rate is. If it’s for a bottle of water, you’re losing a few cents. However, if it’s over $100, you may now be looking at a $20-$30 difference. Waiting for a surprise at the end is no fun. Ask upfront. Some countries may even offer you a better rate on U.S. currency, since their currencies are in even worse shape.
Exact Change Scam.
You do not have the exact change. The shopkeeper does not have change. So he gives you “cr@p” merchandise to “make up the difference.” That’s one way to move products no one is buying. Small bills, small bills, did I mention always have small bills? You do not want to end up with lots of change, or worse.
NOTE: Do not accept the torn currency. You will not be able to use it at your next stop. Hand it back and let the clerk know you are NOT a tourist.
Do you want change back for that?
A variation on exact change is the clerk or ticket window person who takes a long time. Or they spend time talking to the other clerks. Finally, you get a stack of flyers and your tickets. You grab it and walk away. THEN you realize you gave them a 20, and the price is 18. Guess who just made a $2 tip from you? There is no way to prove you gave them a 20. And all of a sudden, that clerk speaks NO English. ANY TIME you are dealing with money, do NOT let your guard down. The price is 18. “Here is a 20,” you say as you hand them a 20. DO NOT leave the window until you are confident you have the correct change. The people behind you will wait. Do not let the clerk push you away because people are whining.
Give your money away scam.
So help me, this happens. A person says they are a coin or currency collector. They get you talking (mistake #1). Next, you are taking YOUR money out of your pocket. (mistake #2) Ohhh, I have never seen a U.S. one-dollar bill (or a 5 or a 10). The next thing you are handing them your coins or bills. Guess what? They are no more coin collectors than I am a driver at Indy. They are at the exchange, getting local currency before you reach the end of the block.
“Feed the Children” scam.
A “destitute” mother needs your help to buy food for her babies. You go to a store and run up quite a bill. She can’t pay for it, so you do out of the kindness of your heart. Many thanks, you leave feeling better. They put the cans back on the shelf, and the mother gets a kickback for leading you to them. Business quiz: if you sell one item 20 times, what is the return on that 50 cents can of beans?
Hot out of the trunk scams.
Someone wants to sell you something out of a car. Nothing good comes out of a car window, or down an alley, or at his cousins/friends/mother’s store. Another saying we ALL know but temporarily forget when traveling is, You get what you give. Why is that knockoff purse/watch/scarf only $10? Because its value is much less than that.
What an attentive guide/driver.
The driver or guide is hanging around the place they recommend. It is not because they worry about your meal or fashion choices. This scene is a visible sign that they are going to get a kickback on whatever you purchase. You are paying for this one way or another. If the guide or driver has been excellent, AND the store is a level of quality you like, go for it. If you feel like it is a “trap” in any way, you can walk away. Yes, you can. You are a traveler, not a tourist.
(BACK TO TOP)
COERCING.
Unless you are in a shop, do not try anything on.
Do NOT let anyone touch your arm or ANY part of your body. In many cities along the Mediterranean, someone will offer you a “friendship bracelet,” which they tie on your wrist. When you can’t get the bracelet off, they start in. You MUST pay/ donate for the bracelet you are wearing.
If somebody drops something, let them pick it up.
In Turkey, a shoeshine “accidentally” drops his brush while walking in front of you. You pick it up and return it, and he insists on giving you a shoeshine. He smears who-knows-what all over your shoes and shines them. Then he presents you with the bill for the shine. He never said it was free.
Another variation is someone says your shoes are dirty (dirt on the back of your pants/shirt). You look, and there is. This person’s friend threw the mud there 30 seconds earlier. They offer to clean it, and while you bend to wipe it, Boom, no more wallet. A seemingly kind passerby points to a white paste (fake bird poop) on your clothing. They present a map and shove it in your face looking for directions… FULL ALERT, GO TO DEFCOM 3. Their partner is moving in on your wallet in your back (WRONG) pocket or the purse hanging over your shoulder (WRONG).
Do not hand your camera to someone who approaches you and asks.
In plazas with lots of those flying rats (some call them pigeons), someone grabs your arm and holds it out. By a miracle, what seems like 100 of the filthy creatures will perch upon you. Here, give me your camera. You’re not getting the camera back for free.
Likewise, do not take a camera from anyone. You snap their picture, and as you return the camera, it drops “accidentally.” All of a sudden, they are in your face for damages. REALLY expensive damages, and the camera doesn’t look that expensive.
There are no free gifts.
A man compliments you and hands you a rose. You take it. He then belittles the person on your arm until they pay for it. Deny you a flower? Nope, they will pay for it.
There are no free services in tourist locations.
There are unofficial helpers at train stations. They will help you with the complex ticket machine. Or carry your luggage to the desk. None of this is for free. The station provides none of this.
Art Schools do not have open houses.
“Students” who speak excellent English invite you to their “Art School.” When you get there, very attractive “students” try to sell you awful art for excessive prices. The only artist benefiting from this exchange is under the category of a con. This scam is currently prominent in China. Never go somewhere with a stranger.
(BACK TO TOP)
THE SWITCH.
Currency scam.
You hand a clerk a $20, they “accidentally” drop it. They reach down and bring back up a $10, and proceed to make your change. When you hand over the $20, say out loud, Here is a $20, so everyone knows how much you gave.
Count your change. There are various scams that shortchange you, usually in how they count your change. They tell you it’s $15, you watch them count it, and it was $15. Now YOU count it and see what it is. Do NOT leave the counter until you do. Make sure it’s all in the same currency.
So there are ways to reduce scams involving padding and giving the wrong change.
(BACK TO TOP)
“Excuse me, did you drop that?” scam.
Someone picks up a gold ring off the ground (It wasn’t there a moment ago). They will probably ask if you are missing it. This question is when shields go to full force, and you start charging the weapons. A scam is about to take place. It will be “REAL” gold, and they do not need it, so they offer to sell it to you. It almost seems too good to be ____ (you finish the sentence).
“Going out of their way to be nice” scam.
Precious Stones – buy them here cheap, and you can sell them back home for 100 times the price. They have an appraisal letter. They are worth about $1.00 regardless of what the appraisal says.
(BACK TO TOP)
THE CLIP.
FREE drinks!!! Free shows!!!
If you don’t laugh at this, and then RUN away from it, maybe you deserve to lose your money. If something seems…
The drinks A.R.E. free. It is the 100 Euro membership fee they sort of forgot to tell you about that is not free. But you already drank the Kool-Aid. Pay up.
OR, you sit down in the club that has very few people in it (warning, warning Will Robinson). Indeed, there are no locals. All of a sudden, you have several beautiful friends. Let’s have drinks. You will not believe how much ginger-ale in an old champagne bottle costs. The large men at the door will make sure you pay it.
In Asia, especially Bangkok, it is cheap drinks and sex shows. In S America, cheap drinks and a Tango Show. Notice, nowhere does it say the show is cheap. The “entertainment” charge on your bill is going to be anything except cheap.
Just like restaurants with carnival barkers out front, avoid any bars or clubs with them.
My new B.F.F. scam.
A man in a suit or a lady in a cute dress starts talking to you. Where are you from, sweetie? REALLY? I have friends/relatives from there. Now you’re B.F.F.s. Ohhh, I seem to be out of cash for (gas, a taxi). If you can lend me $20, $40, $100, I work at that pretty store there. (It’s usually an upscale shop, so you know they are good for it). You come by in 1 hour, and I’ll pay you back. Another variation is they work for a fashion designer. They give you a briefcase, wallet, bag, jacket as a gift. It almost seems too good to be…
In Cuba, a couple says, Let’s have a drink, and we will tell you how to see the “real” Havana. Let’s try “this” bar over here.
A stranger, usually attractive, starts chatting with you for no reason. Soon she invites you for a drink or dinner at her favorite place. She excuses herself. You wait. And wait. She doesn’t return. You finally ask for the bill. It will be several hundred dollars. I have heard stories of them being in the thousands.
In Asia, your new B.F.F. invites you to a tea ceremony. Free passes to the hottest club in ______. By all means, they are free to get in. Also, they are several hundred to get out.
Currently, in Asia, there’s one that involves going to a stranger’s house for dinner. (Mistake #1). Then getting in a “can’t lose” poker game.
- DON’T GO ANYWHERE WITH STRANGERS.
- After you ignore rule 1 (because it does not apply to you), at least pick the bar yourself.
- When you finally realize your mistake, make your exit. If your “new friend” wants to go somewhere that is not full of locals, call it a night.
THE MISDIRECT.
Group scam.
Groups of women and children in traditional clothing doing something. But there are no men around. Oh YES, yes, there are. They are very close to your wallet or purse while you are watching the women and children. Another and unsettling take is the women have a doll in a baby dress. They throw it at you. While your arms are up to grab the little precious, they gang pickpocket you. Avoid these groups / keep a distance.
Street Performers – Sometimes, they are part of the scam, but (I want to believe) most often not. They distract you with their performance; the pickpocket goes around to the back door. Watch the performers. Just don’t have anything in your pockets. Or, lean up against a wall if you can.
People in Costumes – They are more than happy to let you take their picture or to pose with them. They will expect $10 for the favor.
“It was an accident,” scam.
Someone “accidentally” spills something on you. This person immediately starts “cleaning” you up, while another hand is cleaning you out.
Someone stops abruptly right in front of you. This person has a friend right behind you, but not for long.
Someone, usually a pretty girl, shoves something in your face to buy. At the same time, it blocks your vision just long enough for a hand to slip in your pocket.
Did you drop that? Scam.
Someone drops money at your feet (without you looking) and then calls your attention to it. “Did you drop that?” (deflector shields to full) You didn’t, but while you bend to pick it up, his partner removes your wallet.
(BACK TO TOP)
Flat tire scam.
In this case, you come out to your car, and there is a flat tire. A passing stranger is there to save you. Unload everything from the trunk to get to the spare. Your B.F.F. keeps you busy while his friend removes your luggage. In this case, put the bags in the car and LOCK IT while you fix the tire. P.S. – Guess how you got that flat tire?
(BACK TO TOP)
DOWNRIGHT DECEIVING.
And there are more scams out there.
For example, ANYTIME someone says, “ohh that’s not good,” B.S. shields to full power. This comment may be about your hotel, a restaurant your friends recommend, or a site. Expect to hear, “Ohh, I know a better place.” Other red flag words may be “too expensive” or “That’s no longer there / no longer open.” In this case, it is time to exit stage left.
Parents are looking for medicine for their very sick children. In reality, if the kid is sick, they would be at a hospital or clinic, not hitting up strangers.
Unofficial Tour Guides.
First of all, do I want a guide who can’t get a job with a legitimate tour company? Second, a majority of them don’t know much more about the site than you do. In 1084, Mr. Colos built this stadium for gladiatorial games, so it was called the Colosseum. That’s not worth $1, let alone the $20-30 they want. Especially in Europe, guides go to college and do know what they are discussing. Do not go halfway around the world and then blow it “saving on guides.” Get a good guidebook, or get a trained guide.
Room Inspectors / Money police.
There are so many variations on this. You do not let them in your hotel room; you never give them money. Call the front desk and report them.
Police in general. I do not know of ANY country where you (legally) pay the officer on the street. Unfortunately, fake uniforms and fake I.D.s are very easy to obtain. You will need to settle a real ticket either by mail or in person. Do not pull out money on the street.
Rental cars.
They try to race you through the inspection (or skip it) before you drive off. When you return the car, they point to the rusty scratch on the bottom of the bumper. They are going to charge you a silly amount to fix it. A good ding or scratch on a car can allow the unscroupulus to collect damages from dozens of unsuspecting tourists.
STOP and take your time to inspect the vehicle before you get in it. Make sure the agent WRITES down ALL dents, dings, and scratches. I also take photos with my phone. The hundreds of dollars you save are worth a few minutes of your time.
Surprisingly (sadly), the list goes on and on and.
(BACK TO TOP)
MAKE RESPONSIBILITY YOUR SUPERPOWER.
Should you ever leave your house?
ABSOLUTELY! But be aware of your surroundings and have a healthy amount of skepticism.
- For example, do not answer questions from total strangers about yourself. They do not need to know your name, where you are from, or where you are staying.
- Do not be a walking A.T.M. or jewelry display. Only take what you need.
- NEVER, EVER go somewhere with a total stranger. At the same time, do not plan to meet them somewhere. That’s the same thing.
- A child is standing outside a tourist location trying to sell you something. They are in training to beg. Break the cycle.
- Do not have your name on the outside of your luggage so strangers can read it. “He knows my name.”
- Never (EVER) hand over your passport as security or a guarantee for a rental or ANYTHING.
- In reality, you only get what you pay for, nothing more. No total stranger is awaking today, saying, “Let me go make some tourist a rich person.”
- Stay a safe distance away when in crowds. Avoid being so close that you touch whenever possible.
- Don’t bend down for anything. If you must, squat; do not expose your pockets.
- Never sit near a door with phones or packages in the open.
- A.T.M.s, Subway ticket machines, and train stations do not have staff outside to help you.
- Announce how much money you are giving someone as you hand it to them. Always count your change before stepping away.
- Always ask for the fare before getting into a taxi and agree on it. NEVER pay until you get to the destination.
- Don’t look strangers in the eye.
- Do NOT use “No, thank you.” The correct term is “NO.” Say it as you mean it. Then walk away (don’t run; it attracts other scammers).
But it’s rude not to be polite.
In this case, the person is trying to rip you off. THAT’S rude. I believe Miss Manners will give you a pass on this social interaction.
On the other hand, you don’t need to be ugly. By all means, never accuse them of anything. That will cause an uncomfortable scene to become very tense, very quickly. In this case, make it clear they chose the wrong person to con. “NO.” Then walk away. The only other option is to say nothing and walk away.
But these are all common sense things. Really?
If I Google “tourist scams,” there are almost 1.8 million results….. so maybe it’s not as common sense as it needs to be.
When dealing with your money/credit cards,
SHUT UP and pay attention!!!
Well, that’s not very nice.
You are right! But, being nice does not seem to get the message across. By the end of the day, I hear sad stories about something I gave a clear warning about (nicely) that morning.
I don’t know how else to get the message across so that it sticks. Well, except to let you become a victim. That, unfortunately, seems to be the ONLY way some people learn.
When it is YOUR money, stop talking and pay close attention. Your friend can finish the wacky story as soon as the transaction is over.
If someone from your cruise ship or hotel warns you about a specific area, LISTEN.
For example, there is a little “market” near the cruise pier in Acapulco. Every week, I would warn guests that if they go in there, they will lose their wallet or purse. Minutes after arriving, I would have someone crying to me about a lost purse or wallet. “Where did this happen?” (I knew). “In that market over there.” “Did you not hear my several warnings NOT to go near there?” “Yes, but we thought you were joking.” I still cannot wrap my head around this logic.
THE SCAM OF THINGS TO COME.
YOU ARE SCARING ME.
That is not my intent, well entirely. But understand, this is not a trip to the park. There should be a little “this is scary” in you. You are going to (probably) a new country, a new city, a different way of life. The culture, the history, the traditions, the language, even the use of toilets may be different. A little fear is fantastic. It’s when you think you know everything and let your guard down that trouble strikes. Let’s call this fear/excitement. In the right consistency, it’s a good thing.
YOU ARE MEAN.
I am not trying to be mean here. BUT I have seen too many vacations go to heck in a handbag over something you could have avoided. And of course, even an experienced traveler may let their guard down once. That’s all a scam needs.
I did try the “nice” approach. And there were still too many victims. When I say it in a mean way, people start to think I am serious and that they should listen. Let’s write this off as tough love. Still friends?
Rule One.
Set yourself up for success. Guard your belongings.
Go back and read through some of the scams again. What would the outcome be if you were using a money belt instead of a wallet or purse?
What can you do differently from today on to move out of the thief’s cross-hairs?
To clarify, make sure you are not the low-hanging fruit on a con’s radar.
Rule Two.
Knowledge is power.
Before leaving home, familiarize yourself with things you should know about your destination. These are available on the U.S. State Department Website. Once on the site, search “travel advisory for _______” (country you are visiting).
At the same time, google “Tourist scams in _______” (country you are visiting). Read up so you can spot them coming. Preparation is at least half the battle.
When you know what to look for, it almost becomes entertaining. It’s also an exquisite feeling to know you are not going to be the crook’s next victim.
Rule Three.
Bad things happen to good people.
How you respond to a situation is a big part of how it turns out. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off. Then CONGRATULATE yourself. You left most everything back at the hotel, and you have your backups in place. You’re not a tourist. YOU ARE A TRAVELER.