Travel scams

11 September, 2023 By: Vanessa Pogorelic

Travellers have been falling prey to ingenious con artists and highly dexterous pickpockets for as long as leisure travel has existed. Here’s what you need to look out for these days.

As international travel slowly returns to pre-pandemic levels, scammers trying to separate travellers from their money are also back in business.

In particular, online travel scams have become a whole new battleground, underlining the importance of booking your travel through a reputable travel provider, whether purchasing in person or online.

But beyond the digital scams that can trap those booking a trip online (usually with ‘too-good-to-be-true’ offers), those occurring at ground level once you arrive are also very much alive and well.

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A recent RAC survey found almost 30 per cent of members had either fallen victim to a scam while holidaying overseas or had a scam attempt made, with many reporting credit card fraud or currency exchange scams.

Being far from home and our familiar surroundings and support systems, can naturally make us more vulnerable - as can jetlag. At the same time, getting swept up in the excitement of being somewhere new can also mean we miss the cues that signal we may be about to get ripped off.

So here are some common travel scams that should be on every international traveller’s radar.

Free (hacked) Wi-Fi

Getting access to free Wi-Fi when you’re travelling can be very handy, but be cautious when using public Wi-Fi to ensure it’s a legitimate network you’re joining.

RAC Travel’s Michelle Miller says hacked Wi-Fi networks have become more of an issue as travellers have become more dependent on connected devices.

“Using free Wi-Fi, especially at airports, can be a risk. Never use free Wi-Fi for personal information like online banking, and never join a public Wi-Fi network that doesn’t require a password.”

You should only use free Wi-Fi in reputable establishments or your accommodation and ensure that the name of their network is the right one you select on your phone. It’s also recommended that you switch off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on your phone when you’re not using them.

Classic distraction scam

You’re walking through a crowd when someone bumps into you, spilling a drink or food either onto you or themselves. While you’re busy attending to the situation, their accomplice helps themselves to something you’re carrying. Similarly, if you’re looking at a map or tourist brochure and are approached by a ‘friendly’ stranger who wants to help, be alert to what else may be happening around you and don’t allow them to get too close. They may genuinely want to help you, or possibly just want to help themselves.

“This is also common on trains,” says Michelle Miller. “Someone will accidently bump into you or drop a bag, and while you’re distracted, another person is stealing your purse, wallet or mobile phone.”

Helpful locals that want to be paid

If someone offers to help carry your luggage, unless it’s a hotel porter, politely decline. Locals who offer to help you carry your suitcase or other luggage may then demand payment.

“This happened to me in Italy,” says Miller. “I was struggling to carry my suitcase up some stairs at the train station. I thought the gentleman was being nice, offering to assist me but then he aggressively demanded payment at the top of the stairs.”

Also be mindful of people on the street dressed up in costumes who offer to have their photo taken with you, with your own camera – they may then demand payment.

Dodgy ATMs

If you’re using an ATM machine out on the street, check for signs of tampering, including loose parts. Scammers can use small hidden cameras or card skimmers and even fake keypads to capture your card’s PIN. Where possible, use ATM machines that are located inside banks. When this isn't an option, find a machine in a busy location that looks to be in good condition. As a fallback, always have a backup card with you.

Free bracelet scam

This one is more common than you think. You’re visiting a popular attraction when suddenly someone is securing a cheap bracelet to your wrist as a souvenir of your visit. Once the bracelet is tightly secured, they then demand payment. This could also be used as a diversionary tactic to distract you while someone else snatches and runs off with some of your belongings.

“The bracelet scam is still popular in Europe,” says Miller. “Don’t let anyone try to put things like bracelets on your arms or rings on your fingers. The moment they do, they will ask for payment and will create a scene or threaten you if you refuse to pay.

“Groups of scammers will congregate outside popular tourist attractions looking to target unsuspecting tourists. Be alert, as these places are often very crowded, which makes it easier for scams to take place and then the criminal will disappear into the crowd.”

Taxi and rideshare scams

The broken taxi meter has been doing the rounds for decades. Before you get into the taxi, ask the driver if the meter is working and switched on. It is now the law in many countries that the meter should be used.

If someone with a rideshare company logo on their car says they’ve just had a cancellation or that the payment system is down, and then offers to drive you for cash, walk away.

Money-changing scams

Even for those who are well aware of this old magic trick, it’s still possible to become a victim.

You stop at a money changer to stock up on some local currency. They take your cash, do some calculations then start counting out the notes you’re about to receive one by one. You count them too – yes, they’re all there. But sometime later you realise that between the money being counted out and you taking possession of it, a chunk of it has magically disappeared.

RAC’s Michelle Miller says to be safe, you should avoid using money changers at small booths you find in the street.

“Money-changing scams are still out there, especially in places like Asia. I recommend changing a small amount of currency at the airport when you arrive or use banks or your hotel. Currency cards are another alternative method of payment that you can use.”

If you do opt to use independent money changers, make sure you really are getting a good rate, and count it all out again yourself before you leave the counter to avoid leaving a large and unintended tip.

Closed attraction scam

You hail a taxi and ask to be taken to a particular attraction, only to be told by the driver that it is currently closed. They then offer to take you to an alternative attraction. But enroute you’re taken to some less impressive places where you’re expected to buy their goods – and where the driver is also getting a commission for depositing you there.

Rental scam

If you’re renting a jet ski, scooter or any other vehicle or leisure craft, take shots of it in front of the vendor, noting any existing damage before you pay to hire it. A common scam is for the customer to return the vehicle and then be accused of causing some pre-existing damage, which the vendor will insist you pay for. You should also never leave your passport as security for the rental.

Michelle Miller says car hire companies are also known for trying to charge people for pre-existing damage to vehicles.

“It’s really important that you check your vehicle thoroughly before driving out of the depot. Advise the staff member of any damage and document the damage, even if it’s minor scratches and dents. Taking photos of the vehicle before you drive it is also a good idea.”

What to do if you’re scammed

In more serious scam cases, always make a report to local police and ask for a copy of the report, then call your travel insurer’s emergency assistance line. If you need immediate assistance where you are, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate to see if they can help. Assistance from embassy or consular staff will depend on the circumstances, but they may at least be able to provide some guidance.