Maybe it’s a generational thing, but I never grew up in an era where the kindness of strangers was accepted without reservation. Traveling abroad to famous locations allows to collision of uninformed tourists and practiced scam artists. As a teenager, I was afforded the opportunity to travel to Italy to play soccer and was warned of these scam artists. Children running around the piazza were not to be trusted and old women talking to you or attempting to hand you their children were attempting to lift your wallet. As an adult, I’ve been chased through Montmarte by some kind stranger who made the mistake of putting a bracelet on my daughter’s wrist, assuming that I would entertain his sob story. Below is a list of scams to be aware of. While the details may change, the general premise will remain the same no matter your location.
1. The Distraction Technique: The distraction technique involves creating a diversion to steal from unsuspecting tourists and it’s one of the oldest tricks in the book. Common scenarios include someone spilling a drink on you, a stranger asking for directions while an accomplice picks your pocket, or a street performer suddenly grabbing your attention while an accomplice snatches your bag. To avoid falling victim to this scam, stay alert and keep your valuables secure.
2. Overpriced or Fake Taxi Services: In many tourist destinations, unscrupulous taxi drivers prey on unsuspecting travelers by overcharging for rides or taking longer routes to inflate fares. Additionally, some drivers may claim their meter is broken or insist on a fixed price before the journey begins, often at an exorbitant rate. To avoid this scam, research reputable taxi companies in advance, agree on a fare or ensure the meter is running before setting off, and consider using ride-sharing services where available. I also use the CityMaps2Go App that allows me to see if we are deviating from a route that makes sense and it can be used offline.
3. The Fake Police Officer Scam: This scam involves individuals posing as police officers who stop tourists under the guise of a routine inspection or to investigate a fabricated crime. They may demand to see your passport or wallet, claiming they need to verify your identity or check for counterfeit currency. To avoid falling victim to this scam, ask to see their official identification.
4. The Fake Tour Guide Scam: At popular tourist destinations, scammers may pose as unofficial tour guides offering to show you around local attractions for a fee. However, once you've paid upfront, they'll either disappear without a trace or provide subpar and rushed tours that fail to deliver on their promises. To avoid this scam, book tours through reputable agencies or hotels, research online reviews, and be wary of individuals approaching you on the street with unsolicited offers. If you research the area, you can even find free tours that provide amazing service because the guides survive off of tipping. I’ve had amazing experiences with this.
5. The Friendship Bracelet Scam: This scam involves street vendors or seemingly friendly locals offering to make friendship bracelets or trinkets for tourists as a gesture of goodwill. Once the bracelet is tied around your wrist, they'll demand payment, often at an inflated price, and may become aggressive or refuse to let you leave until you pay up. To avoid this scam, politely decline any unsolicited offers from strangers and keep moving if approached by persistent vendors. Often the bracelets are cheaply made and designed to fall apart if not removed a certain way, complicating the situation. Similar to the bracelet scam, a kind individual hands your partner a red rose, and then they will demand a significant amount of money because some individuals will not want to look cheap or unromantic.
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