Introduction
Travel scams cost tourists $10 billion annually. In 2026, scammers use sophisticated tactics including fake booking sites, AI-powered phishing, and coordinated street cons. Knowledge is your best defense.
Airport & Transport Scams
Fake taxis, rigged meters, wrong change, and baggage handlers demanding tips. How to identify official vehicles and pre-book rides.
Accommodation Frauds
Fake Airbnb listings, bait-and-switch hotels, hidden fees, and payment scams. Verification tactics and booking protection.
Tourist Attraction Cons
Skip-the-line ticket scalpers, fake tour guides, overpriced photos, and free bracelet scams. Official ticket channels and refusal strategies.
Restaurant & Shopping Tricks
Menu pricing scams, counterfeit goods, distraction theft, and ATM skimming. Bill verification and safe payment methods.
Police & Official Impersonators
Fake police fines, document checks leading to theft, and border crossing bribes. Verification procedures and embassy contacts.
Digital Scams
Phishing booking emails, fake WiFi networks, credit card skimming, and SIM swap attacks. Secure browsing and payment protection.
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