Question 1

What is the "Jet Ski Damage Scam" scam in Koh Samui?

Accepted Answer

The most reported scam in Koh Samui. Rental operators take a security deposit or hold your passport, then claim on return that you caused damage to pre-existing dents or scratches. Repair bills of 10,000–50,000 THB are demanded. Operators may be backed by individuals who make peaceful resolution difficult. Photograph and video the entire jet ski before riding — every angle, every scratch. Never hand over your passport as a deposit (illegal under Thai law). Use only reputable operators with published reviews.

Question 2

What is the "Smash-and-Grab Car Theft" scam in Cape Town?

Accepted Answer

Thieves smash car windows at traffic lights and grab bags, phones, and laptops left visible on seats — the entire theft takes under 10 seconds. This is one of Cape Town's most consistently reported tourist dangers, occurring on the N2 highway between Cape Town International Airport and the city centre, along De Waal Drive, and at slow-moving intersections in the CBD including Buitenkant Street and Roeland Street. Thieves on foot or bicycle often work in pairs, with one creating a distraction as the other strikes. Never leave any item visible in a parked or moving car. Lock all bags in the boot (trunk) before reaching your destination. Keep car doors locked and windows up at all times in the city. Do not use your phone at traffic lights.

Question 3

What is the "Pickpockets on the Metro" scam in Paris?

Accepted Answer

Organized pickpocket gangs operate heavily on RER B from CDG airport, Metro lines 1 and 6 (tourist lines), and at Châtelet-Les Halles. They target distracted tourists with luggage and phones out. Keep bags in front of your body on the Metro. Put your phone in a zipped pocket. Be especially alert at heavily-used transfer stations. On the RER from the airport, sit in the middle of carriages and keep luggage between your feet.

Question 4

What is the "Fake "Cigar Factory" Bargain Cigars" scam in Havana?

Accepted Answer

Men approach tourists in Habana Vieja claiming to work at a factory and offering premium Cohiba or Romeo y Julieta cigars at a fraction of store price. The cigars are invariably counterfeit, stuffed with low-grade tobacco or banana leaves. Buy cigars only at official La Casa del Habano stores. If the price seems too good to be true, the cigars are definitely fake.

Question 5

What is the "Motorbike Rental Damage Scam" scam in Koh Tao?

Accepted Answer

Rental shops on Koh Tao take a cash deposit or passport, then inspect bikes meticulously on return and cite pre-existing scratches as new damage, refusing to refund the deposit. Never surrender your passport as collateral — it is illegal in Thailand. Photograph every millimeter of the bike before riding and send photos to yourself with a timestamp.

Question 6

What is the "Hashish and Fake Police Entrapment" scam in Chefchaouen?

Accepted Answer

A local dealer befriends tourists and offers hashish. Shortly after you accept, a "police officer" (working with the dealer) appears threatening arrest unless you pay a large bribe immediately. Never accept drugs from anyone in Morocco. This scam is well-organized and specifically targets tourists in Chefchaouen. If confronted, insist on going to the official police station.

Question 7

What is the "ACL / SXSW Fake or Scalped Tickets" scam in Austin?

Accepted Answer

When Austin City Limits Music Festival and SXSW sell out, scammers flood Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and third-party sites with counterfeit wristbands and fake e-tickets. Victims have paid $500–$1,000+ and received nothing. The BBB received over 200 reports on ACL ticket fraud alone in a single season. Buy exclusively from the official ACL website or SXSW's official channels. If buying resale, use only SXSW/ACL-authorized resale platforms. Never pay via Zelle, Venmo, or wire transfer for tickets from a stranger.

Question 8

What is the "Pickpockets on Bus 40 and 64" scam in Rome?

Accepted Answer

Buses 40 and 64, which run from Termini Station to the Vatican, are notorious for organized pickpocket gangs. The buses get very crowded and thieves work in teams — one distracts while another steals. Take the Metro (Line A to Ottaviano) instead of buses 40/64 when going to the Vatican. Keep bags zipped and in front of you. Be especially alert when the bus is crowded or when someone creates a distraction.

Other Tourist Scams to Know About — Worldwide Warning Guide

Most Common Other Tourist Scams

Jet Ski Damage Scam

Smash-and-Grab Car Theft

Pickpockets on the Metro

Fake "Cigar Factory" Bargain Cigars

Motorbike Rental Damage Scam

Hashish and Fake Police Entrapment

ACL / SXSW Fake or Scalped Tickets

Pickpockets on Bus 40 and 64

Destinations with Other Tourist Scams

Other Scam Guides