10 common travel scams — and how to avoid them

By Andrea Sachs Andrea Sachs Travel reporter Email Bio Follow May 23 at 11:49 AM Earlier this spring, I watched a young, solemn man dressed like a Buddhist monk approach a tourist on the Mall. He showed him a petition to build a temple and slid a bracelet made of prayer beads onto his wrist. The visitor was pulling money out of his wallet when I intervened and told him the truth: He had fallen for a scam.

Bernier-Toth, who has lived in Africa and the Middle East, can empathize with scam victims. She has been one herself — twice. In Johannesburg, she was withdrawing funds from an ATM when a man asked if she needed help. In a flash, he palmed her card, slipping past her friend who was posted as her lookout. The second time, she was in cab in Istanbul when the driver handed her out-of-circulation currency as change.

Corrupt cabbies The scam : The cabdriver claims the meter is broken and quotes an outrageously inflated price . . . The cabbie informs you that your destination — a hotel, temple, museum, teahouse — is overbooked or closed and takes you to his friend’s lodging or attraction. He charges you a higher fare, plus earns a kickback . . . The driver takes a convoluted route, jacking up the rate.

How to avoid it : Secure all of your valuables before heading out for the day. For instance, stash wallets in slash-resistant bags that lock or in hidden pouches — any strategy that will thwart sticky fingers. Ignore your good Samaritan impulses and do not retrieve any valuable objects, including people, from the ground. In the vehicular accident scenario, wait for the police to arrive, assuming you can trust law enforcement. If you are in a country with corrupt cops, contact the U.S.

How to avoid it: Rent through a reputable company. Take photos of the vehicle before you leave the premises and keep an eye on your rental at all times. If the disagreement escalates, contact the police or embassy. Counterfeit currency The scam : The currency exchange booth gives you counterfeit money or obsolete notes . . . A cabdriver, restaurant or retailer claims you paid with fake money, switching your real notes for fake ones. Or you receive funny money as change.

How to avoid it : Don’t pull over unless you hear a noise or see an emergency light pop on. If you must stop, find a commercial area busy with cars and people. Know the exact location of the ticket office, and don’t let anyone tell you differently. Ask to see the officer’s credentials and know the local laws. The shell game The scam : A game maestro plays hide-and-seek with three cups and a ball. Players bet on the round object’s location.

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