Travelling alone can make for an exciting and relaxing holiday. Be aware of your surroundings and common scams to make your trip the best it can be. We have listed six common scams that occur all over the world.
1. Taxi Scams
Supposed taxi drivers can scam tourists through a variety of methods. The most obvious scam occurs when the traveler and the driver do not agree on a fare. Try to negotiate the price for the drive beforehand, and know the currency exchange rate and typical cost for such a drive.
Try to keep your bags with you, so that the driver will not be able to hold your bag hostage until you pay the amount that they demand.
It is also possible for the taxi driver to be a complete fraud. This could result in kidnapping, assault, or robbery. Make sure your cab driver is registered before entering the vehicle. Consider prepaying online and maintaining an online record of your route, so that others will know if something goes amiss. Be sure to keep your receipt if you do prepay in order to avoid paying twice.
2. Supposedly Closed, Inaccessible, or Fully Booked Lodging
It is not uncommon to enter a cab, provide your lodging destination, and the cab driver claim that the hotel, hostel, etc. is fully booked. They may then try to take you to another destination, where you will have to pay for lodging all over again.
Drivers may instead claim that the lodging is permanently closed, has changed location, or that the route is blocked by a festival or major event. Beware of any of these claims, especially when they are followed by an attempt to take you to a different destination.
More than likely, the cab driver has an agreement with a hotel, in which they are paid a commission for bringing customers. In the worst-case scenario, the driver may simply try to kidnap the tourist.
3. Miscounted Change
Always watch when someone counts your change during any sort of transaction. This can be when you purchase something or when you seek currency exchange in a bank. The person counting your money may “miscount”, giving you less change than you were supposed to receive. They then pocket the difference.
This also relates to the need to know the currency exchange rate of the country you are visiting. Someone may try to scam you by claiming the value of your money is different from what it actually is.
4. Pick Pockets and Thieves
These are the old dogs with various new tricks. Pick pockets generally depend on distractions to steal your money or possessions. Be aware of anyone who tries to touch you, especially if they have a partner who may be speaking to you.
Never leave your bags unattended for any reason. It is not uncommon for one person to stage a distraction, you turn your back on your luggage, and another person walks away with your belongings.
5. Holding Your Passport Hostage
Never give your passport to anyone unless you are absolutely sure that they are official. That is, if they are wearing a uniform, have a photo ID and a badge, and are working in a Customs office or something similar.
It is not uncommon for individuals to masquerade as police, demand to see your passport, and refuse to return it until you pay a bogus fine.
On a similar note, do not give your passport to a business as a security deposit. Sometimes businesses that rent equipment will demand your passport then refuse to return it until you pay a fee for alleged damages to the equipment.
6. Free Food or Drink
We have all heard stories about the person at the party who gives an unsuspecting attendee a spiked drink. A similar experience can occur while travelling. Do not leave your drink unattended, or accept free food or drink from anyone. If it is spiked, you may wake up hours later without your belongings and/or in a place you do not recognize.
Conclusions
Solo holidays can be fun and exciting for a variety of reasons. Travel scams can cause stress in a trip if you are not careful. Be aware of these general scams, and do your research on common scams in an area before you visit. Always listen to your gut. If something feels dangerous or questionable, it probably is.