Travel Scams

Don't let them ruin your travels

How Scammers Operate

Scammers are very devious in how they operate. They often choose their victims carefully and target a key demographic depending on the nature of the scam. Typically they will not try and hustle the locals as they will have a better knowledge of the scams that are pulled in the area, but they will hustle backpackers and independent travellers.

The scammer will try to look for an opening or a way to get your attention so they can interact with you. This could be by dropping something at your feet and asking if you dropped it or commenting on something you are wearing. As soon as you engage in a conversation, they will be eager to carry out the scam and will often be very persistent.

Sometimes the scams are so good and appear so clean that you will not even realise you have been hustled at all. The first sign could be looking in your pockets or bank account or wondering how your 20 Baht note turned into 10. Do not expect the scammer to hang around after the scam as they hope to be gone before you realise.

Why Are Scams So Effective?

Scams work so well on people that travel because it is a time when you relax, let your guard down and try new things. This unfortunately opens up great opportunities for others to swindle you out of money or possessions.

The effectiveness of the scam also depends on the scam itself and the way it is carried through. Professionals will have tried and performed these scams thousands of times before and will come up with an answer for every question you could possibly ask so do not try to catch out the hustler.

Spotting A Scam?

It is harder to spot the scammer than the scam. Before you know it the artist will be with you before you even knew they were there. The key is in seeing how you are getting conned and the other important skill is how to get out of it. Your best bet is to use your common sense and judgement. If a guy approaches you in Thailand and offers you gems to buy so you can sell them on in Malaysia for twice the price then it is a scam. If it was true then why does he not do it himself?

Although things can be cheap in other places in the world, remember to buy from stalls in markets or shops, and not people on corners. I am not saying you cannot get scammed on stalls or in shops, but you have more control over the situation as it is easier to walk away.

Remember, scams can happen at any place and at anytime so be vigilant.

Avoiding Scams

Your best defence is to not stand out. As a traveller or backpacker this is hard to do because you will look lost and confused, and be carrying luggage bigger than yourself. If you are approached by someone, nine times out of ten it will not be malicious so do not go off with that attitude, but keep your wits about you.

Before you travel speak to someone who has visited the same area or other travellers you meet. They may know of some typical travel scams or ones that have been tried on them in that area. Doing a little bit of research can be hugely beneficial as you can learn from other people's experiences.

You may think visiting a more touristy area is safer than wondering off the beaten track and in most cases this is true except for scams. Tourist hotspots are the main feeding ground for hustlers so this is when you should be most alert. Count your change and check boxed products before you buy.

How to avoid being scammed while travelling.





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