Fake Tours and Other Hidden Travel Scams You Should Know

14 February 2026

Traveling is one of the most enriching experiences in life. However, amidst the wonders of discovering new places, there are hidden dangers lurking in the form of scams. Some of the most notorious ones are fake tours, leaving unsuspecting tourists out of pocket and with a ruined vacation. But that’s not all—scammers have gotten creative with an arsenal of travel cons aimed at separating you from your hard-earned money.

Before you pack your bags, let’s dive into the world of travel scams, how they work, and most importantly, how to avoid them.

1. The Fake Tour Scam

How It Works

You're in a new city, strolling along, when a friendly “tour guide” approaches you with an irresistible offer—an exclusive tour at a fraction of the regular price. They promise hidden gems, VIP access, or even encounters with locals that no other tourists get to experience. It sounds like a dream, right?

Except, it's not.

Once you pay, one of two things happens:
- The guide vanishes, and there’s no tour.
- You get taken on a random, uninspiring walk with zero historical or cultural value, scammed out of your money and time.

How to Avoid It

- Always book tours through reputable agencies or via trusted travel platforms with verified reviews.
- If someone approaches you on the street offering a tour, be skeptical.
- Research the standard costs of tours; if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

2. The Taxi Overcharge Scam

How It Works

Imagine hopping into a taxi, exhausted from your flight, only to realize at the end of the ride that you've been overcharged three times the normal fare. This is common in many tourist-heavy cities. Scammers either:
- Refuse to use the meter, claiming it’s “broken.”
- Take unnecessarily long routes.
- Quote an absurdly high price at the end, betting that you won’t argue in an unfamiliar place.

How to Avoid It

- Use ride-hailing apps like Uber, Lyft, or Bolt where available.
- If using a taxi, insist on the meter being on before starting the ride. If they refuse, walk away.
- Research standard taxi rates beforehand.

3. The Friendship Bracelet Scam

How It Works

You're exploring a charming city when a stranger suddenly ties a bracelet around your wrist, claiming it’s a gift. Then they demand money, and if you refuse, they cause a scene, making you feel obliged to pay—sometimes even intimidating you into forking out cash.

How to Avoid It

- Always keep your hands to yourself when approached by strangers.
- Firmly say "No" and walk away if someone tries to put anything on you.
- Be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited gifts.

4. The Fake Police Officer Scam

How It Works

A "police officer" approaches you, claiming to be conducting a routine check for counterfeit money, drugs, or stolen passports. They ask you to hand over your wallet or passport for inspection. Before you know it, either your money disappears, or they demand an on-the-spot fine for a made-up offense.

How to Avoid It

- Ask for identification. Real police officers won’t hesitate to show credentials.
- Never hand over your wallet. Instead, offer to go to the nearest police station if they insist on checking something.
- If unsure, politely refuse and walk away.

5. The Closed Attraction Scam

How It Works

Outside a famous attraction, a friendly “local” informs you that it's unexpectedly closed for the day due to a special event or construction. But don’t worry—they conveniently know of another nearby “hidden gem” or can take you to a different location, usually at an inflated price. These alternative sites are often overpriced tourist traps or outright scams.

How to Avoid It

- Check official websites or call the attraction before taking someone's word for it.
- If approached by strangers saying something is closed, politely decline and verify the information yourself.

6. The Free Wi-Fi Scam

How It Works

You find a free public Wi-Fi network, connect, and start browsing. What you don’t realize is that hackers are running that "free" Wi-Fi, intercepting your data and potentially stealing sensitive information like passwords and credit card details.

How to Avoid It

- Avoid logging into banking apps or sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi.
- Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) when accessing public connections.
- Stick to secured networks from reputable sources like hotels or cafes.

7. The Fake Hotel Call Scam

How It Works

You check into a hotel and settle in for the night when your room phone rings. Someone claiming to be from the front desk asks to verify your credit card details due to a "system issue." Half asleep, you provide the details—only to realize later that you were tricked into handing over your card info to a scammer.

How to Avoid It

- Never share payment details over the phone. Instead, visit the front desk in person if there's an issue.
- Be cautious of late-night calls requesting financial information.

8. The Fake Petition Scam

How It Works

A person holding a clipboard approaches you in a busy area, asking you to sign a petition for a noble cause—helping the disabled, saving animals, or supporting a social cause. The moment you sign, they demand a donation. Some even use distraction tactics, with one scammer getting you to sign while another picks your pocket.

How to Avoid It

- Politely decline and keep walking.
- Keep an eye on your belongings when approached by strangers.

9. The Currency Exchange Scam

How It Works

You need local currency, and a friendly stranger or small exchange booth offers the "best rates." You hand over your money, only to later realize you were short-changed, given counterfeit bills, or tricked into accepting an unfavorable exchange rate.

How to Avoid It

- Exchange money at official banks or authorized currency exchange centers.
- Count your money before leaving the exchange booth.
- Avoid exchanging money with random individuals on the street.

10. The ATM Skimming Scam

How It Works

You insert your card into an ATM, withdraw cash, and go about your day. What you don’t realize is that a hidden skimming device recorded your card details, and scammers now have access to your bank account.

How to Avoid It

- Use ATMs inside banks instead of public machines.
- Inspect the card slot for anything suspicious before inserting your card.
- Enable transaction alerts so you’re notified of any unauthorized activity.

Final Thoughts

Travel is meant to be a joyful, eye-opening experience, but scammers are everywhere, waiting to take advantage of tourists who let their guard down. Armed with the right knowledge, you can outsmart these fraudsters and focus on enjoying your adventures safely. When in doubt, trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is.

Stay cautious, stay informed, and have an amazing (scam-free) trip!