Avoiding Tourist Scams: The 10 You'll Actually Encounter

Travel scams are not random; they're industrialised. Each city has a small set of scripts that recycle for decades. Knowing the ten most common defuses 95% of them — without making you paranoid.

1. The friendship bracelet

Where: Paris (Sacré-Cœur, Eiffel), Rome, Florence. The script: Someone ties a bracelet on your wrist while smiling and chatting, then demands payment. Defuse: Keep hands in pockets and walk past with 'no thank you'. Don't engage in conversation.

2. The 'closed temple' diversion

Where: Bangkok, Delhi, Marrakech. The script: A friendly local says your destination is closed today but they know a great alternative — which turns out to be a gem shop. Defuse: Always check opening hours independently. Politely say 'I'll check myself, thanks' and walk on.

3. The taxi meter problem

Where: almost everywhere. The script: 'Meter is broken' / 'special tourist rate'. Defuse: Use the app version (Uber, Grab, Bolt, Cabify). If you must hail, agree the price before getting in, or insist on the meter.

4. The petition

Where: Paris (Louvre, Trocadéro), Madrid. The script: Someone (often a young woman) asks you to sign a petition for a charity. Once you stop, accomplices pickpocket. Defuse: Don't stop. Hands in pockets.

5. The spilled drink

Where: Barcelona, Buenos Aires. The script: Someone bumps you and spills something on you. They apologise effusively while cleaning — and an accomplice takes your bag. Defuse: If anything is spilled, keep your bag on you and don't let strangers near.

6. The credit card swap

Where: restaurants and bars globally. The script: Card is taken out of sight, comes back as a similar-looking but different card. Defuse: Watch the card. Use tap-to-pay where possible. Use a card with strong fraud protection and instant notifications.

7. The fake police

Where: Prague, Bucharest, Bangkok. The script: 'Police' demand to inspect your wallet or passport for 'counterfeit currency'. Defuse: Real police don't do this on the street. Ask to walk to the nearest police station; the scammers will disappear.

8. The henna / photo hustle

Where: Marrakech, Cairo, Times Square. The script: A henna artist grabs your hand or someone in costume insists on a photo, then demands €20. Defuse: Don't extend your hand. If approached for a photo, just say no and walk on.

9. The ATM helper

Where: tourist quarters globally. The script: Someone 'helps' you use the ATM and skims your PIN. Defuse: Use ATMs inside bank branches. Cover the keypad. If anyone offers help, walk away.

10. The 'too cheap' tour

Where: everywhere. The script: A €5 day tour with mandatory 'shopping stops' at gem markets, leather workshops, perfume sellers. Defuse: If a tour is 70% cheaper than the market, you're the product. Book reputable operators and read recent reviews.

The mindset

Most strangers who approach you in a tourist area want something. The rare genuine kindness is unmistakable — and rarely requires you to stop walking. Trust the gut feeling that something is off. Carry only the day's cash, leave the rest in the hotel safe.

Your TravelTiger dossier

A TravelTiger dossier includes a city-specific scam awareness section — the ones currently active where you're going — so you arrive informed without being paranoid.