16 Places In The World Known For Targeting and Scaming Tourists

Getting scammed on vacation sounds like the worst way to spend your trip. You’re there to relax, see the world and enjoy your trip, not get stressed out over sneaky schemes! Some destinations are infamous for their tourist traps, from sketchy street vendors to fake tour guides. But don’t let that ruin your desire to visit these destinations! With a little know-how and a sharp eye, you can dodge the cons and keep the good times rolling. If you are planning a trip to one of these hot scam spots, just stay sharp and stay savvy, and you’ll still have an epic adventure. A little caution goes a long way toward keeping the fun on track!

Morocco

Located in North Africa, Morocco is unfortunately renowned for its many tourist scams. Cities such as Marrakesh and Fes are full of fake guides trying to guide you around the city and then asking for money you never thought you had to pay. For instance, Fes is renowned for being a massive intricate maize, and finding the right way inside the medina is impossible. Ask shop owners for directions instead of trusting random people saying they want to help.

Thailand

The most common scams in Thailand concern transportation. Whether you are taking a tuk-tuk or a taxi, the probability of your driver charging you extra is quite high. People here often refuse to use meters, so they can ask you whatever price they want at the end of your ride. On top of this, tourists are often taken to stores selling fake or overpriced gems, even when they are uninterested.

France

You may think Western Europe is always safe, but this is not always true. France is one of the most touristic countries in the world, meaning that people here have devised all sorts of scams to get money from naive tourists. People may ask you to sign a petition and insist you pay a ‘voluntary donation.’ Unauthorized street vendors may also push you to buy bracelets and other objects you don’t need, claiming they are presents to then ask for money.

Kenya

Located on the East Coast of Africa, Kenya is a wonderful destination for those wanting to immerse themselves in the most authentic African culture. Yet, beware of scams! The most common one is probably the tendency to sell overpriced or fake safari tours to foreigners. Of course, taxi drivers here may also charge you extra just because you are not a local.

Mexico

We now head to Latin America to warn you about the most common scams in Mexico. Unfortunately, people going to tourist destinations such as Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, and Cancún should watch out for a number of scams. For instance, you may purchase fake services or activities when buying tickets from unauthorized street vendors. Even though the government is trying to limit the presence of these people on most tourist sites, scams are unfortunately still present.

South Africa

South Africa can be quite dangerous if you don’t know where to go and which areas to avoid. Some of the most common frauds here include ATM scams. For instance, people may install skimming devices on local ATMs to steal tourists’ data, including card details. Others may try to help you when withdrawing money with the simple goal of stealing all your cash.

India

Fake tour guides are quite common in India. Their game? They offer overpriced tours showing almost nothing you may find interesting, and then they lead you to their friends’ shops, from which they get commissions on all your purchases. Again, similarly to many other countries on our list, taxis are another big issue. The chances of you being asked too much money are incredibly high.

Egypt

Similarly to Morocco, tourists heading to Egypt must remember that they will probably be stopped by dozens of people asking them to visit their shop, offering unrequested tours, or trying to sell whatever goods they have. Scammers here may also try to sell you fake ancient artifacts that, according to them, are millions of years old even though they were manufactured last month.

Indonesia

Here is another country in Southeast Asia. Indonesia is quite renowned for its money exchange scams. For instance, people may offer to exchange your money, giving you a terrible exchange rate. Another common scam concerns temples. Tourists may be asked to give donations that are incredibly overpriced. If you are heading here, also beware of motorbike scams, with agencies claiming you ruined their rented motorbike.

Italy

Like France, Italy is full of scams due to the many tourists heading there every year. For instance, if you’re moving by train, someone will surely ask you whether you have an extra euro for him, as he only needs an extra 70 cents to buy his ticket. Of course, none of this is true. Unauthorized street vendors are also quite annoying and may even tie bracelets to your wrists, saying it’s free, to then ask for money.

Argentina

We head back to Latin America to discuss common scams in Argentina. Unfortunately, fake bills are quite common here. You may receive these from taxi drivers or when exchanging money with unofficially exchange stores. Restaurants may also overcharge you if they realize you are a foreigner, especially in tourist destinations such as Buenos Aires.

Brazil

Brazil is another destination where tourists should always be extra careful. For instance, people may try to sell fake or overpriced tickets to the most popular attractions, so always buy from their official websites or directly on-site. You may also find thieves trying to distract you by stealing your belongings, such as your wallet or phone. Always beware!

Croatia

Tourist scammers in Croatia often target unsuspecting visitors in popular areas, especially in cities like Dubrovnik and Split. Common tactics include overcharging for drinks or meals, using misleading menus, or even offering “free” services that later come with hefty fees. There are also lots of aggressive street performers who expect tourists to tip and hassle them if they don’t pay up. Croatia is a beautiful place to visit, but you need to research prices and watch for performers as you navigate the cobblestone streets.

Prague

While may be a very gorgeous city, so many tourists often fall victim to currency exchange scams. Some exchange offices are known to advertise “no commission” but then give terrible rates or even slip counterfeit bills into your exchange money. There are also lots of pickpockets in crowded areas, especially during busy festivals and peak tourist season. If you choose to visit Prague, only use trusted currency exchanges that are reputable. Make sure you check your bills and then hold on to them tightly!

Nigeria

Nigeria is known for scams like internet romance, friendship, and employment fraud, so it’s important to be cautious before you travel to this faraway country. One common scam involves people claiming they’re wealthy but can’t access their funds, and then they will ask for your bank account details to “help.” Another scam to watch out for is fake wifi hubs, where unprotected networks can be set up to steal your personal information while you are traveling. The slow-count scam is also common in Nigeria, where cashiers delay giving change to distract you and make you overpay without noticing. The bottom line is to watch your money closely, keep your personal devices locked, and don’t trust anyone who wants to be your ‘friend.’

Russia

Russia has its fair share of tourist traps, starting with some sketchy taxi apps that will have you paying triple just to get across town. You are definitely better off sticking to legit rides like Yandex or Uber. And you should definitely watch out for bars with mysteriously “special” menus with no listed prices that leave your wallet crying when the bill arrives. Be smart and don’t pay for anything that seems too good to be true!