7 Travel Scams You Need to Know (And How to Avoid Them)

Picture this: 

You're standing in front of the Eiffel Tower, trying to capture that perfect selfie when a friendly local offers to take a proper photo for you. "Better angle!" they insist with a smile.

You hand over your brand-new camera or phone. You pose, they step back... and then they're sprinting through the crowd, disappearing before you know what happened. 

I've learned the hard way (yes, even travel bloggers get scammed) that street smarts goes a long way when you're far from home. While most people you'll meet on your travels are genuine and honest, there's always that small percentage looking to take advantage of tourists.

Luckily, once you know what to look for, these scammers become pretty easy to spot. Let's break down 7 sneaky travel scams making the rounds in 2025, and I'll share some real-world tricks to keep you stay one step ahead.

1. The "Free" Bracelet or Gift Scam 

How it works: You're at a popular tourist area when someone approaches you and places a bracelet on your wrist, or hands you a small gift like a flower or handmade trinket. They act friendly and insist it's a gift. Moments later, they demand payment, often becoming aggressive or causing a scene if you refuse. You’ll often see this famous scam when visiting Sacre Coeur in Paris. 

How to avoid it:

• Politely but firmly decline anything being placed on your body
• Keep your hands in your pockets in crowded tourist areas so they can’t put the bracelet on you
• Practice saying "no thank you" in the local language
• Walk away confidently if someone tries to force a "gift" on you

2. The Fake Police Officer 

How it works: Someone claiming to be a police officer approaches you, stating they need to check your wallet for counterfeit bills or verify your passport. During this "inspection," they pocket some of your cash or swap your legitimate currency with fakes. 

How to avoid it: 

How it works: You hop into a taxi, and the driver claims the meter is broken, then charges an exorbitant flat rate at your destination. They might also take an unnecessarily long route or use rigged meters that run at higher rates. 

How to avoid it: 

How it works: You arrive at your booked accommodation only to be told there's an issue with your room or the entire property. The host or "helpful" local offers to take you to an alternative place, which turns out to be significantly lower quality or more expensive. 

How to avoid it: 

How it works: Thieves install nearly invisible card skimming devices over card readers at ATMs, gas stations, and payment terminals. These devices capture your card data while a tiny camera records your PIN. Even more concerning, modern scammers use RFID readers to wirelessly steal credit card information right through your wallet or bag – no physical contact needed. 

How to avoid it: 

How it works: Someone "accidentally" spills something on your clothing—coffee, water, or another liquid. As they apologise and help clean you up, an accomplice picks your pocket or steals your bag during the distraction. 

How to avoid it: 

How it works: You're at a famous landmark trying to get that perfect vacation shot when a friendly stranger offers to take your photo. The moment you hand over your expensive camera or smartphone, they dash off with it, disappearing into the crowd before you can react. Some variations involve the "photographer" having an accomplice who distracts you after the photo while they make their escape. 

How to avoid it: 

A little awareness goes a long way when travelling. By knowing these common scams, you'll explore with confidence and recognize potential threats before they become problems. Walking confidently, staying alert, and trusting your instincts will keep your travels memorable for the right reasons. 

Has anyone ever tried to scam you while traveling? Drop your story in the comments!