TikTok Account Exposes 23 Of The Most Used Tourist Scams That Still Work Because Not Enough People Are Aware Of Them
TikTok account @isotravels has released a series of videos titled "Known scams in every country" and while they don't cover every country, we can forgive the clickbait—underneath the slightly misleading title lies a comprehensive list of all the dirty ways in which people try to rob tourists blind.
From "artists" to "train inspectors", scammers come in many disguises and they're willing to use every trick in the book to make a dollar. Continue scrolling and check out what you should be careful of when traveling abroad.
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France
To learn more about potential dangers abroad, Bored Panda got in touch with a travel blogger and speaker known online as A Lady in London. From what she has seen in the 112 countries she's been to, the places scammers target tourists the most are the places where tourism is prevalent.
"The more tourists there are in a place, the more scammers have easy targets. This is particularly true in big cities or places where large crowds of tourists congregate on a regular basis," A Lady in London said. "Touristy restaurants, street performances, and other areas can fall into this category as well."
Turkey
Also in Istanbul, a shoe cleaner 'accidentally' drops the brush passing by, when you call him and give it to him, he expresses grattitude by almost forcefully cleaning your shoes (while talking about his allegedly sick child in hospital) and then asks for compensation that's worth more than the shoes. Fell for it myself, but didn't pay him more than a proper amount.
India
We often dismiss stories about these experiences, thinking only naive and trusting people can fall for these cheap gimmicks. But according to American traveler Rick Steves, even sophisticated travelers can become victims; there are just too many subtle ways to be scammed — a cabbie pads your fare, a shop clerk suddenly inflates prices, a public Internet terminal records your password, or a waiter offers a special with a 'special' increased price. The list goes on.
Canada
This happens a lot in Toronto. There is also a lot of "fundraising" scams where a kid will hand you a chocolate bar and the adult demands money to support community youth or sports or a fake charity and if you don't pay will make a scene of you taking the childs chocolate without donating. To avoid all this, just don't put your hand out when a random person is handing you something.
Portugal
In Europe, for example, Spain is considered the worst country for tourist scams. A few years ago, a survey by financial comparison website money.co.uk found that more than one in five UK holidaymakers who visited the country in the last year became victims of misdemeanors like the ones you see in the pictures. France came in second, and Italy was third. A similar study found that Barcelona was the worst city in Europe for scammers, with Paris and Rome closely behind.
But A Lady in London thinks tourist scams exist nearly everywhere, and it's often more about the specific scammers rather than the country as a whole. "Individuals who want to take advantage of tourists will operate regardless of location. Some places may have stricter laws against scams or punishments for them, so those countries might deter scams more. But that won't necessarily stop everyone. Culture and income disparities can play into whether there are more scammers, too," she pointed out.
Italy
Her biggest advice to avoid these situations is to always be aware of your surroundings and to trust your instincts. "Being aware of your surroundings will help you avoid common tourist scams like pickpocketing, and trusting your gut will help you avoid people who may seem friendly and helpful but are actually trying to swindle you," A Lady in London said. "Things like money belts and bag locks can help from a logistical standpoint, too."
Have you personally been wronged by scammers in the countries you visited? Let us know in the comments below. By sharing our experiences, we can help each other spot these opportunists before they cast their nets on us.
Morocco
Nigeria
Netherlands
Brazil
Iran
I don't think many people plan on going on holiday to Iran any time soon.
For an American in Iran, is the best situation that you could be through, by a wide margin.
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This scam is common in many countries ... strangers approaching to give you directions or other information. Here's my general rule of thumb when traveling in a foreign country ... I NEVER engage with a person that has approached me offering help ... NEVER! I will simply say, "No thank you" and continue walking. I may have the person to stop following me but I keep walking. If I need assistance, I have no problem asking someone. When I approach someone for help, it always ends up good. When someone approaches me, it almost always ends up bad.
I had someone do that in Germany - honest, genuine person who was lovely and helpful. Sadly, we all have to be cautious but not everyone is a git out to get you. Sad, isn't it?
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GUYS!!! There are like millions royalty free stock images. Is it really necessary to use watermarked stolen pics?
I went to Iran in 2019 - everyone was amazingly friendly, helpful and kind. I felt much safer than London, LA, Brisbane....
no one has actually felt safe in LA for some time now ...
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I know FOR A FACT that this is rare because most people will genuinely invite u to their family home for lunch or dinner or offer to show you around with friends or take pictures with u because seeing tourists is quite rare here in Iran! trust me you won't experience true hospitality from strangers & awesome middle eastern food until u travel to Iran!☺️
They do that in Mexico. If you refuse, miraculously a "policeman" will be on the spot saying you have to pay. Just walk away.
Egypt
Romania
I'm from Romania and never saw or heard that. Instead you may get the "French", "Italian", "Portugal" or "Australian" treatment. Really, there are many was to get scammed in Romania
Thailand
They are also known for taking you into tailors shops where they'd get a cut of any purchases (and you're obviously given a hard sell).
United Kingdom
Not a scam I am aware of and I'm from the UK. Here they tend to just pickpocket or downright mug you.
America
Spain
Germany
Ireland
Mexico
Really? When someone pretended to be from my country, I would speak to him in my language. An "Accent" is not enough proof.
Very handy to know. I picked up some tips when I went to South America and India. Only go out with as much cash as you need. Keep your paper money in your socks. They won't be able to take it from there. Wear your rucksack on your front and if travelling on a bus, keep it on your lap, not the floor. Also, when walking around on your own, appear confident. If you seem nervous, you're a target. I used to just sing to myself and look around like I owned the place. I never lost anything in 6 months by following these tips.
My son and I traveled a great deal when he was younger. I taught him to stand up straight, head high, look strangers in the eye, and then nod. Look as if you know where you are going, even when lost. (He studied maps and did know the best route.) Casual attire isn't the same everywhere. Jeans and T-shirts are perfect for garden center -- not much else. Pay attention to your surroundings, watch body language, look confident. I talk to strangers, with discretion, decide where to stay or eat in the moment. Treating others with respect, as an equal, has made the biggest difference.
Load More Replies... In Rome you sometimes get men or women dressed as Priests or Nuns outside of a church asking for money if you enter, these people are Roma and are not with the churches. Churches in Rome accept donations INSIDE the church not at the door.
Our big wonderful world is full of unique cultures. Exploring each is an opportunity to learn. It can be tremendous fun. Knowing a bit about the culture before you arrive makes it easier. What to wear, basic manners, which of our normal habits are insulting to them, and how to be safe. What works in Boston, doesn't always work in NYC. People love to brag about their country. Go to non-touristy neighborhood and ask how they do things, what they eat, etc. You will be amazed. We stay at small local inns or convents. Few tourists, lots of travelers.
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Prague: Money exchange offices that advertise no commission fees - but they grossly overcharge you on the exchange itself. And strangers that offer you to exchange money on the street only to give you invalid currency. But I have heard these few years back, there might be different tricks today.
Netherlands;. getting a cab in a city i used to live in, but my accent implies im from out of town. We saw half the city beforr we got there (i noticed, but was too caught up in the conversation with my friend, to let it dawn upon me.
Some of these seem like 1 times incidences and many of them are not unique to the specific countries unfortunately. Scams happen anywhere, it's best to be aware of them and any potential dangers/issues when traveling, and follow the safety guidelines of the area you are visiting. Like when they tell you not to leave the resort for your own safety.... or not to give money to the homeless people.
You will be targeted based on your demeanor. If you look like a lost, helpless tourist, they will target you. I've traveled extensively and my goal is always to blend in as much as possible--walk confidently, know your route, look at a map on your phone discreetly (download in advance in case you don't have signal), don't get distracted, and keep track of your belongings to name a few. I may not look like a native, but at least I could be mistaken for an expat. I've gotten so good at it, though, that many times other tourists have come up to me for directions or I've had native people start speaking to me in a language I can't speak!
Argentina: EVERYONE WILL STEAL YOU, yes, EVERYONE, don't trust even the police.
Once in New York, scammers dressed in Disney costumes gestured for a photo and then charged us for it. It's still in my bedroom, though, and it's kind of nice.
Yea I wouldn't call that a scam. I'm from the States and have been to NYC more times than I can count. If I'm in a situation like that, I assume I'll be charged. But be careful if they say they'll take the picture on your phone! That's not your phone anymore!
Load More Replies... I think this article is as fake as it can get. At least the one for Romania is a blatant lie. I'm Romanian, if anyone thinks of asking dumb questions like hAvE yOu bEeN TheRe etc and I can tell you straight up there is no such thing anywhere. Sure, you can get mugged and scammed for money but this isn't a thing. I'm going to put this under lies for attention and move on.
Half of this list is completely made-up ("in Mexico people will imitate your accent and claim to be from your country ---but unable to speak your language?!-- and say they're robbed", "In germany there's fake ticket inspectors that will fine you if you have a valid ticket"), the other half is standard scams with a random country slapped on them. "Any half-skilled pickpocket in touching distance can take your stuff without you noticing, and swap items faster than the eye can see" covers about 75% of the items, the rest is "people foisting stuff on you are after your money" (well, that's also a summary of the advertising business).
How stupid do you have to be to fall for ANY of these? Go to a taxi stand. DO NOT get into a car that's only a couple of steps away - USE THE STAND. Uber is available all over the world. In Italy and Spain, that means black cars, and they're amazing. DO NOT take anything from someone's hand. DO NOT stop walking just because someone asks you to. DO NOT go to restaurants just because someone wants you do - MAKE dinner reservations BEFORE you travel. DO NOT let anyone block your way.
Many of these are not so easily avoided. Getting into a taxi, from the taxi stand, doesn't always make a difference. Taxis from Logan Airport in Boston won't always take the fastest route. They enter the wrong tunnel before you can say a word. I had a set amount I paid taxis from the airport. It includes a large tip for honest drivers, those who choose the longer route get almost no tip. The look on drivers faces when they realize I beat them at their own game There are inexpensive, reliable buses from the airport. Less convenient but cheaper.
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Tbh it's not a disaster if you get scammed out of a few euros in a country where most people are poorer than you. Whoever does such scams probably needs the money much more than you. I'd rather pay a bit extra in India rather than add more money into Jeff Bezos' pockets. (keep in mind I'm talking just about getting scammed in small ways out of small sums that won't hurt you to lose, not thousands of euros)
In Santo Domingo we were driving our rental car back to our resort and got stuck in the crosswalk as the light turned red. The traffic cop on foot signaled us to pull over and got into the backseat demanding our rental papers and passports. He then signaled us to drive ahead when another man hopped in and offered to translate. Now we are driving outside the city and I'm arguing in HS Spanish..luz verde, while he yells luz rojo!!! The 'translator' wants vente. He tells us to pull over and stop, Hands us back our papers, Gets out (about a ten min drive so far). Since we were in the middle of nowhere we offered to drive them back... they just waved us on.
I think anyone from a fairly rich or Western country who is traveling to a third world country should include charitable giving as part of their trip expenses. There are so many beggars in these poorer countries. And this is how they earn their livelihood. So if you plan to travel, please budget in for the beggars. Know how much you will give on a weekly basis, or which sorts of people you will choose to help, etc. I did this when I went to India, and it made my trip much easier. I had no feelings of guilt because I knew I was sharing my undeserved blessings with as many others as I could. At the same time, I also got to know some people that I never would have met otherwise, and I avoided a lot of resentment that many tourists feel towards beggars.
The NY one is ridiculous so is the UK one. I'm sure these things have happened but these are not the scams du jour for these areas.
Chile: beware of taxis, especially in Santiago. They're delinquents and WILL scam you. Never give money to homeless people, offer them food or cigarettes instead. If you see women with a baby asking for money, ignore them, the baby isn't theirs and they just use them to get sympathy. Alwayas carry your bag on the front, and your phone/wallet on your front pockets. Pick pocketing is a national tradition in this shïthole. And if you get mugged by a kid, run. They're unaccountable for their actions (shït laws) and they're never alone, usually work for gangs.
No China? In Beijing, young women approach you and tell you they are from Western China, and that 'they'd like to practice their English'. They suggest you two go for some tea. Once at the tea parlor, someone else offers 'samples', that will turn out quite expensive, and you will have to pay for. Someone had warned me about this, so I didn't fall for it, but I was approached at least 7 times in three days... Another scam - that I did fall for - was also in Beijing: a street seller called me after I had paid for my (inexpensive) purchase and had started walking away. He was saying the bill I gave him was ripped. I gave him another one and he gave the 'ripped' bill back to me. He tried to do it a second time and I just ignored him and kept walking away. Later on, I realized he had exchanged my Chinese bill for a Taiwanese one, which is very similar looking, but of less value.
HACKS: If you are in another country and a taxi driver or Stranger asks you if you are new here, Say No. If you don't then, The driver will go an alternate route and charge more. the stranger will know you aren't familiar with the surrounding place.
They are real. Go to Times Sq. guys "giving out" their stand up or music demos. Once it's in your hand they ask for $20 (or higher?) and go down from there.
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Meh, not true. There are scammers everywhere, but more often than not, they are not locals themselves. They came to the tourist spot to make money.
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Actually, this post did put a smile on my face. I've been to many, and lived in two, of these countries. It's part of the experience ... and it brought back memories.
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What? These and much worse things happen. It is true that there are common practices used in different places. People learn them off each other. What you are saying is every tourist shouldn't be worried about anything.
Load More Replies... Very handy to know. I picked up some tips when I went to South America and India. Only go out with as much cash as you need. Keep your paper money in your socks. They won't be able to take it from there. Wear your rucksack on your front and if travelling on a bus, keep it on your lap, not the floor. Also, when walking around on your own, appear confident. If you seem nervous, you're a target. I used to just sing to myself and look around like I owned the place. I never lost anything in 6 months by following these tips.
My son and I traveled a great deal when he was younger. I taught him to stand up straight, head high, look strangers in the eye, and then nod. Look as if you know where you are going, even when lost. (He studied maps and did know the best route.) Casual attire isn't the same everywhere. Jeans and T-shirts are perfect for garden center -- not much else. Pay attention to your surroundings, watch body language, look confident. I talk to strangers, with discretion, decide where to stay or eat in the moment. Treating others with respect, as an equal, has made the biggest difference.
Load More Replies... In Rome you sometimes get men or women dressed as Priests or Nuns outside of a church asking for money if you enter, these people are Roma and are not with the churches. Churches in Rome accept donations INSIDE the church not at the door.
Our big wonderful world is full of unique cultures. Exploring each is an opportunity to learn. It can be tremendous fun. Knowing a bit about the culture before you arrive makes it easier. What to wear, basic manners, which of our normal habits are insulting to them, and how to be safe. What works in Boston, doesn't always work in NYC. People love to brag about their country. Go to non-touristy neighborhood and ask how they do things, what they eat, etc. You will be amazed. We stay at small local inns or convents. Few tourists, lots of travelers.
Load More Replies... Prague: Money exchange offices that advertise no commission fees - but they grossly overcharge you on the exchange itself. And strangers that offer you to exchange money on the street only to give you invalid currency. But I have heard these few years back, there might be different tricks today.
Netherlands;. getting a cab in a city i used to live in, but my accent implies im from out of town. We saw half the city beforr we got there (i noticed, but was too caught up in the conversation with my friend, to let it dawn upon me.
Some of these seem like 1 times incidences and many of them are not unique to the specific countries unfortunately. Scams happen anywhere, it's best to be aware of them and any potential dangers/issues when traveling, and follow the safety guidelines of the area you are visiting. Like when they tell you not to leave the resort for your own safety.... or not to give money to the homeless people.
You will be targeted based on your demeanor. If you look like a lost, helpless tourist, they will target you. I've traveled extensively and my goal is always to blend in as much as possible--walk confidently, know your route, look at a map on your phone discreetly (download in advance in case you don't have signal), don't get distracted, and keep track of your belongings to name a few. I may not look like a native, but at least I could be mistaken for an expat. I've gotten so good at it, though, that many times other tourists have come up to me for directions or I've had native people start speaking to me in a language I can't speak!
Argentina: EVERYONE WILL STEAL YOU, yes, EVERYONE, don't trust even the police.
Once in New York, scammers dressed in Disney costumes gestured for a photo and then charged us for it. It's still in my bedroom, though, and it's kind of nice.
Yea I wouldn't call that a scam. I'm from the States and have been to NYC more times than I can count. If I'm in a situation like that, I assume I'll be charged. But be careful if they say they'll take the picture on your phone! That's not your phone anymore!
Load More Replies... I think this article is as fake as it can get. At least the one for Romania is a blatant lie. I'm Romanian, if anyone thinks of asking dumb questions like hAvE yOu bEeN TheRe etc and I can tell you straight up there is no such thing anywhere. Sure, you can get mugged and scammed for money but this isn't a thing. I'm going to put this under lies for attention and move on.
Half of this list is completely made-up ("in Mexico people will imitate your accent and claim to be from your country ---but unable to speak your language?!-- and say they're robbed", "In germany there's fake ticket inspectors that will fine you if you have a valid ticket"), the other half is standard scams with a random country slapped on them. "Any half-skilled pickpocket in touching distance can take your stuff without you noticing, and swap items faster than the eye can see" covers about 75% of the items, the rest is "people foisting stuff on you are after your money" (well, that's also a summary of the advertising business).
How stupid do you have to be to fall for ANY of these? Go to a taxi stand. DO NOT get into a car that's only a couple of steps away - USE THE STAND. Uber is available all over the world. In Italy and Spain, that means black cars, and they're amazing. DO NOT take anything from someone's hand. DO NOT stop walking just because someone asks you to. DO NOT go to restaurants just because someone wants you do - MAKE dinner reservations BEFORE you travel. DO NOT let anyone block your way.
Many of these are not so easily avoided. Getting into a taxi, from the taxi stand, doesn't always make a difference. Taxis from Logan Airport in Boston won't always take the fastest route. They enter the wrong tunnel before you can say a word. I had a set amount I paid taxis from the airport. It includes a large tip for honest drivers, those who choose the longer route get almost no tip. The look on drivers faces when they realize I beat them at their own game There are inexpensive, reliable buses from the airport. Less convenient but cheaper.
Load More Replies... Tbh it's not a disaster if you get scammed out of a few euros in a country where most people are poorer than you. Whoever does such scams probably needs the money much more than you. I'd rather pay a bit extra in India rather than add more money into Jeff Bezos' pockets. (keep in mind I'm talking just about getting scammed in small ways out of small sums that won't hurt you to lose, not thousands of euros)
In Santo Domingo we were driving our rental car back to our resort and got stuck in the crosswalk as the light turned red. The traffic cop on foot signaled us to pull over and got into the backseat demanding our rental papers and passports. He then signaled us to drive ahead when another man hopped in and offered to translate. Now we are driving outside the city and I'm arguing in HS Spanish..luz verde, while he yells luz rojo!!! The 'translator' wants vente. He tells us to pull over and stop, Hands us back our papers, Gets out (about a ten min drive so far). Since we were in the middle of nowhere we offered to drive them back... they just waved us on.
I think anyone from a fairly rich or Western country who is traveling to a third world country should include charitable giving as part of their trip expenses. There are so many beggars in these poorer countries. And this is how they earn their livelihood. So if you plan to travel, please budget in for the beggars. Know how much you will give on a weekly basis, or which sorts of people you will choose to help, etc. I did this when I went to India, and it made my trip much easier. I had no feelings of guilt because I knew I was sharing my undeserved blessings with as many others as I could. At the same time, I also got to know some people that I never would have met otherwise, and I avoided a lot of resentment that many tourists feel towards beggars.
The NY one is ridiculous so is the UK one. I'm sure these things have happened but these are not the scams du jour for these areas.
Chile: beware of taxis, especially in Santiago. They're delinquents and WILL scam you. Never give money to homeless people, offer them food or cigarettes instead. If you see women with a baby asking for money, ignore them, the baby isn't theirs and they just use them to get sympathy. Alwayas carry your bag on the front, and your phone/wallet on your front pockets. Pick pocketing is a national tradition in this shïthole. And if you get mugged by a kid, run. They're unaccountable for their actions (shït laws) and they're never alone, usually work for gangs.
No China? In Beijing, young women approach you and tell you they are from Western China, and that 'they'd like to practice their English'. They suggest you two go for some tea. Once at the tea parlor, someone else offers 'samples', that will turn out quite expensive, and you will have to pay for. Someone had warned me about this, so I didn't fall for it, but I was approached at least 7 times in three days... Another scam - that I did fall for - was also in Beijing: a street seller called me after I had paid for my (inexpensive) purchase and had started walking away. He was saying the bill I gave him was ripped. I gave him another one and he gave the 'ripped' bill back to me. He tried to do it a second time and I just ignored him and kept walking away. Later on, I realized he had exchanged my Chinese bill for a Taiwanese one, which is very similar looking, but of less value.
HACKS: If you are in another country and a taxi driver or Stranger asks you if you are new here, Say No. If you don't then, The driver will go an alternate route and charge more. the stranger will know you aren't familiar with the surrounding place.
They are real. Go to Times Sq. guys "giving out" their stand up or music demos. Once it's in your hand they ask for $20 (or higher?) and go down from there.
Load More Replies... Meh, not true. There are scammers everywhere, but more often than not, they are not locals themselves. They came to the tourist spot to make money.
Load More Replies... Actually, this post did put a smile on my face. I've been to many, and lived in two, of these countries. It's part of the experience ... and it brought back memories.
Load More Replies... What? These and much worse things happen. It is true that there are common practices used in different places. People learn them off each other. What you are saying is every tourist shouldn't be worried about anything.
Load More Replies...