Real Tourist Scam Warnings Before You Travel.

Scammers posing as insurance agents or travel facilitators contact tourists after incidents (flight cancellations, medical emergencies) claiming to process claims, then request upfront fees or personal financial details. This exploits the confusion created by Middle East escalation-related travel disruptions and the complexity of invalidated insurance policies.

Officials or uniformed scammers at makeshift checkpoints in remote Palawan areas (island hopping routes, jungle treks) claim a new 'security surcharge' or 'terrorism prevention fee' is required due to heightened security threats. Fees range from 200-500 PHP and receipts are rarely provided.

Short-term rental hosts near Kona resort areas list properties with strict no-refund cancellation policies buried in fine print. Guests who book during lava activity advisories or hurricane watches find they cannot cancel without losing the full rental amount, even with months of advance notice.

Hotels and vacation rentals near Alii Drive and the Keauhou Resort corridor advertise nightly rates that exclude mandatory resort fees of $35-$65 per night. These fees are disclosed only during checkout and cover amenities like pool access and WiFi that guests assume are included in the base rate.

Standalone ATMs along Alii Drive and near Kailua Pier have been targeted by card skimming devices. Criminals attach thin overlay readers to legitimate ATM card slots and install pinhole cameras to capture PINs. Victims typically do not notice unauthorized charges until after they leave Hawaii.