Worldwide Guide
Other Tourist Scams to Know About — Worldwide Warning Guide
Other Tourist Scams are documented across 534 destinations worldwide in our database, with 879 verified reports. Timeshares, fake police, charity fraud, and miscellaneous scams targeting visitors. 20% of documented other scams scams are rated high severity. Most incidents fall in the moderate range, causing inconvenience and moderate financial loss. Europe has the highest concentration of documented other scams scams (246 incidents across 158 destinations), followed by North America (148 incidents). Valparaíso leads with 9 documented other scams scams — the highest of any single destination.
Scams Documented
879
Destinations Affected
534
High Severity
180
Regions Affected
13
How Other Tourist Scams Work — Fake Police, Timeshares, and Miscellaneous Fraud
The scams that do not fit neatly into transport, hospitality, or financial categories tend to share one characteristic: they leverage authority, urgency, or moral pressure in ways that are harder to resist than a simple overcharge. Fake police, charity fraud, and timeshare pressure tactics all exploit the tourist's unfamiliarity with local norms, their reluctance to create a scene in a foreign country, and their uncertainty about what is legally required of them.
Fake police are documented across Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America. The setup involves one or two individuals in uniform — sometimes genuine-looking, sometimes obviously costume — approaching a tourist and claiming to conduct a routine check for counterfeit currency or drug possession. The tourist's wallet is taken for "inspection" and cash is removed, or the tourist is told they face arrest and offered the option to pay a fine on the spot. Legitimate police officers do not conduct street-level currency checks or offer cash alternatives to formal arrest. If approached, the correct response is to insist on visiting the nearest police station.
Timeshare fraud is documented most heavily in Mexican beach resorts — Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Playa del Carmen. Tourists are approached with offers of free gifts, tours, or meals in exchange for attending a "short presentation." The presentation is a high-pressure sales environment that can last several hours and involves multiple closers, manufactured urgency, and prices that bear no relationship to actual market value. Signing anything in this context is the primary risk; tourist timeshare contracts in Mexico are notoriously difficult to exit.
Charity impersonators operate in high-traffic tourist areas across Europe, particularly Paris, Amsterdam, and London. Individuals, often in organized teams, approach tourists with clipboards claiming to collect donations for a legitimate charity. The charities named are either fabricated or real organizations with which the collectors have no affiliation. Cash collected is retained by the operators. Legitimate charities do not collect cash donations on public streets from unsolicited approaches.
Gem and investment scams follow a common pattern: a friendly local introduces the tourist to a "once in a lifetime" opportunity to purchase gemstones, art, or other goods at below-market rates and resell them at home for significant profit. The goods are either worthless or counterfeit, and the resale market the operator describes does not exist. This scam is documented most heavily in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Turkey.
How serious are other scams scams?
Other Tourist Scams Worldwide
The most frequently reported other scams scams across all destinations, ranked by severity and frequency score.
Express kidnapping — known locally as sequestro relâmpago — involves criminals forcing a tourist or visitor into a vehicle at knifepoint or gunpoint and driving them to one or more ATMs to withdraw the daily maximum before releasing them. The UK FCDO and U.S. State Department both explicitly name Salvador in advisories warning of this crime type, and it is documented across major Brazilian cities. A newer variant called flash kidnapping involves forcing the victim to send large sums via Brazil's Pix instant transfer app rather than visiting an ATM, making the theft harder to reverse.
How to avoid it
Never resist if confronted — comply and prioritize personal safety over cash. Carry only small amounts of cash daily and set a low daily ATM withdrawal limit on your card before traveling. Avoid using ATMs or walking alone after dark, particularly around Pelourinho's perimeter streets and the Barra neighborhood after late evening. Inform your bank of your travel plans so unusual withdrawal patterns trigger alerts.
In November 2024, six tourists died and several others were hospitalised after consuming suspected methanol-laced alcohol in Vang Vieng, triggering government travel advisories from the US, Australia, Canada, and Denmark. Methanol is an industrial chemical sometimes substituted for ethanol in bootleg spirits to increase potency or cut costs. Victims were offered free shots at a backpacker hostel before falling ill; early symptoms resemble ordinary intoxication, making the poisoning hard to detect until it progresses. As little as 60ml of methanol can be fatal, and the substance is colourless and tasteless.
How to avoid it
Avoid free shots or drinks of unknown origin at hostels and bars. Purchase alcohol only from licensed liquor stores, reputable hotels, or sealed bottles from recognisable brands. Never consume homemade spirits, unlabelled local vodka or whisky (particularly products branded as Tiger vodka or generic local spirits), and inspect any bottle seal for signs of tampering before drinking.
Criminals deliberately puncture the tire of a rental vehicle — often while it is parked at a viewpoint, petrol station, or roadside stop — then wait nearby. When the driver notices the flat tire and exits the vehicle, one person approaches offering help while an accomplice steals belongings left inside. The US State Department, UK FCDO, and Canadian Government all document this pattern in Valparaíso and Santiago. Rental cars are specifically targeted because they are easy to identify and often contain luggage and electronics.
How to avoid it
Never leave bags or valuables visible in a parked rental car. If approached by strangers offering help with a breakdown, keep the vehicle locked until you have secured all belongings. Call your rental company before accepting any roadside assistance.
Con artists posing as plainclothes police officers approach tourists on the Metro or near major landmarks, flash a fake or real-looking badge, and demand to inspect wallets, phones, or bags for "counterfeit currency." Accomplices watch nearby and distract or block exits while cash and cards are stolen or switched. Victims are often too intimidated to refuse. Multiple TripAdvisor threads and the US State Department advisory confirm this as an active and ongoing scam in Paris.
How to avoid it
Real French police (Police Nationale) always wear uniforms when stopping members of the public on the street or Metro. If someone in plainclothes claims to be police, insist on going to the nearest police station (commissariat) to resolve any issue. Never hand over your wallet — offer only your passport or ID card. Call 17 if you feel threatened.
During Kölner Karneval (Cologne Carnival) in February, the city center becomes one of Europe's densest street party environments, with hundreds of thousands in costume. Pickpockets operate freely in the crowds along Zülpicher Strasse, the Altstadt, and the Heumarkt. Drink spiking incidents in the bars and clubs of the Bermuda-Dreieck triangle have been reported by local police each year during the main carnival days.
How to avoid it
Wear a money belt under your costume and carry only small amounts of cash. Attend with a group and establish a meeting point in case of separation. Never accept drinks from strangers, and keep your glass covered when not drinking. The official Cologne Carnival app provides safe location guidance.
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.
How to avoid it
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.
Rental shops at Koh Tao document pre-existing damage poorly or not at all, then claim tourists caused scratches or dents upon return. Charges of 3,000–15,000 THB are demanded to cover 'repairs' that are never actually made. Some shops retain the tourist's passport as deposit collateral, giving them significant leverage. The island's winding hilly roads make minor scratches genuinely common.
How to avoid it
Photograph every angle of the scooter before riding, including existing scratches and dents, and send photos to yourself with a timestamp. Never surrender your passport as a deposit — offer a cash deposit instead. Inspect the bike with the rental agent present and have damage noted in writing.
The US State Department travel advisory for the Dominican Republic specifically warns against leaving food or drinks unattended and against consuming alcohol alone or with new acquaintances. Incidents of drink spiking facilitating assault, robbery, and sexual assault have been reported in Santo Domingo bars, nightclubs, and resort venues. In some documented cases hotel staff or other guests were implicated. The UK FCDO and Australian DFAT also flag sexual assault risk at tourist accommodation and nightlife venues.
How to avoid it
Never leave drinks unattended at bars or clubs. Do not accept drinks from people you have just met. Travel to nightlife venues with trusted companions and establish a check-in arrangement. If you feel suddenly dizzy or disoriented after a single drink, alert a trusted person immediately and seek medical attention. Stick to sealed bottled drinks when possible at informal venues.
Where other scams scams concentrate
Regions ranked by total documented other scams incidents. Higher counts typically reflect higher tourist volume.
Europe
158 destinations · 51 high severity
246
incidents
North America
94 destinations · 27 high severity
148
incidents
Southeast Asia
57 destinations · 25 high severity
102
incidents
South America
43 destinations · 37 high severity
82
incidents
South Asia
31 destinations · 12 high severity
51
incidents
Sub-Saharan Africa
24 destinations · 6 high severity
48
incidents
East Asia
29 destinations · 6 high severity
43
incidents
Middle East
25 destinations · 1 high severity
38
incidents
Caribbean
23 destinations · 6 high severity
38
incidents
Oceania
18 destinations · 1 high severity
35
incidents
North Africa
20 destinations · 1 high severity
33
incidents
Central America
8 destinations · 4 high severity
11
incidents
Central Asia
4 destinations · 3 high severity
4
incidents
Common red flags for other scams scams
These warning signs appear across multiple destinations and scam variants in this category. Recognising any of these should trigger caution.
a vague damage diagram
no receipt offered
cash-only transaction
rapid onset of disorientation inconsistent with alcohol consumed
memory gaps after a night out
drink accepted from a stranger
pressure to decide quickly
identical mass-produced items
Where Other Tourist Scams Occur
Other Tourist Scams have been reported in 534 destinations. Click any to see the full scam list.
Valparaíso
Chile
9 scams
Salvador
Brazil
8 scams
Tijuana
Mexico
8 scams
Kampot
Cambodia
6 scams
Hamburg
Germany
6 scams
Accra
Ghana
6 scams
Vang Vieng
Laos
5 scams
Koh Samui
Thailand
5 scams
Lagos
Nigeria
5 scams
Buenos Aires
Argentina
5 scams
Corfu
Greece
5 scams
Seoul
South Korea
5 scams
Pushkar
India
4 scams
Fez
Morocco
4 scams
Koh Phangan
Thailand
4 scams
Amsterdam
Netherlands
4 scams
Las Vegas
USA
4 scams
Ibiza
Spain
4 scams
Tokyo
Japan
4 scams
Cabo San Lucas
Mexico
4 scams
Tel Aviv
Israel
4 scams
Cinque Terre
Italy
4 scams
Byron Bay
Australia
4 scams
Abu Dhabi
UAE
3 scams
Cairo
Egypt
3 scams
Koh Tao
Thailand
3 scams
Bali
Indonesia
3 scams
Istanbul
Turkey
3 scams
Mykonos
Greece
3 scams
Cape Town
South Africa
3 scams
Wroclaw
Poland
3 scams
Cannes
France
3 scams
Bogotá
Colombia
3 scams
Montego Bay
Jamaica
3 scams
Puerto Vallarta
Mexico
3 scams
Cusco
Peru
3 scams
Sharm El Sheikh
Egypt
3 scams
Siargao
Philippines
3 scams
Cozumel
Mexico
3 scams
Lloret de Mar
Spain
3 scams
Florence
Italy
3 scams
Kathmandu
Nepal
3 scams
Punta Cana
Dominican Republic
3 scams
Cebu
Philippines
3 scams
Cali
Colombia
3 scams
Valencia
Spain
3 scams
Paphos
Cyprus
3 scams
Glasgow
United Kingdom
3 scams
Dubai
UAE
3 scams
Nairobi
Kenya
3 scams
Queenstown
New Zealand
3 scams
Salou
Spain
3 scams
Batam
Indonesia
3 scams
Mysore
India
3 scams
Genoa
Italy
3 scams
Medellín
Colombia
3 scams
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
3 scams
San Juan
Puerto Rico
3 scams
Merida
Mexico
3 scams
Fort Lauderdale
USA
3 scams
Macao
China
3 scams
Hanoi
Vietnam
3 scams
Kochi
India
3 scams
Udaipur
India
3 scams
Gatlinburg
USA
3 scams
Puebla
Mexico
3 scams
Diani Beach
Kenya
3 scams
Palawan
Philippines
3 scams
Munich
Germany
3 scams
Uluru
Australia
3 scams
Cork
Ireland
3 scams
Tromsø
Norway
3 scams
Rome
Italy
2 scams
Paris
France
2 scams
Pai
Thailand
2 scams
Calgary
Canada
2 scams
Chefchaouen
Morocco
2 scams
Marrakech
Morocco
2 scams
Santo Domingo
Dominican Republic
2 scams
Gdansk
Poland
2 scams
Scottsdale
USA
2 scams
Kavos
Greece
2 scams
Johannesburg
South Africa
2 scams
Magaluf
Spain
2 scams
Puerto Morelos
Mexico
2 scams
Barcelona
Spain
2 scams
Kansas City
USA
2 scams
Mexico City
Mexico
2 scams
Lisbon
Portugal
2 scams
Cancun
Mexico
2 scams
Kandy
Sri Lanka
2 scams
Goa
India
2 scams
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam
2 scams
Phuket
Thailand
2 scams
Koh Lanta
Thailand
2 scams
Pattaya
Thailand
2 scams
Prague
Czech Republic
2 scams
Crete
Greece
2 scams
Key West
USA
2 scams
Casablanca
Morocco
2 scams
Lombok
Indonesia
2 scams
Venice
Italy
2 scams
Benidorm
Spain
2 scams
Mombasa
Kenya
2 scams
Osaka
Japan
2 scams
Luang Prabang
Laos
2 scams
Myrtle Beach
USA
2 scams
Boston
USA
2 scams
Alanya
Turkey
2 scams
Montreal
Canada
2 scams
Philadelphia
USA
2 scams
Hurghada
Egypt
2 scams
Denver
USA
2 scams
Ayia Napa
Cyprus
2 scams
San Antonio
USA
2 scams
Sunny Beach
Bulgaria
2 scams
Marbella
Spain
2 scams
Boracay
Philippines
2 scams
Kos Town
Greece
2 scams
Marseille
France
2 scams
Livingstone
Zambia
2 scams
Rotorua
New Zealand
2 scams
Hammamet
Tunisia
2 scams
Tulum
Mexico
2 scams
Faliraki
Greece
2 scams
Perth
Australia
2 scams
Colombo
Sri Lanka
2 scams
Rishikesh
India
2 scams
Gili Islands
Indonesia
2 scams
Krakow
Poland
2 scams
Madrid
Spain
2 scams
Palm Springs
USA
2 scams
Bávaro
Dominican Republic
2 scams
Atlanta
USA
2 scams
Auckland
New Zealand
2 scams
Cartagena
Colombia
2 scams
Galapagos Islands
Ecuador
2 scams
Dar es Salaam
Tanzania
2 scams
Wellington
New Zealand
2 scams
Innsbruck
Austria
2 scams
La Fortuna
Costa Rica
2 scams
Machu Picchu
Peru
2 scams
Guangzhou
China
2 scams
Petra
Jordan
2 scams
Sint Maarten / St. Martin
Sint Maarten / St. Martin
2 scams
Quito
Ecuador
2 scams
Windhoek
Namibia
2 scams
Isfahan
Iran
2 scams
Batumi
Georgia
2 scams
Nashville
USA
2 scams
Amritsar
India
2 scams
Sydney
Australia
2 scams
Florianópolis
Brazil
2 scams
Nadi
Fiji
2 scams
Bodrum
Turkey
2 scams
San Pedro
Belize
2 scams
Phnom Penh
Cambodia
2 scams
Chamonix
France
2 scams
Mendoza
Argentina
2 scams
Providenciales
Turks and Caicos
2 scams
Antigua Guatemala
Guatemala
2 scams
Bilbao
Spain
2 scams
Tamarindo
Costa Rica
2 scams
St. Petersburg
Russia
2 scams
Nassau
Bahamas
2 scams
Varadero
Cuba
2 scams
Willemstad
Curacao
2 scams
Tahiti
French Polynesia
2 scams
Bordeaux
France
2 scams
Ios
Greece
2 scams
Ocho Rios
Jamaica
2 scams
Vientiane
Laos
2 scams
Kelowna
Canada
2 scams
Guadalajara
Mexico
2 scams
São Paulo
Brazil
2 scams
Playa del Carmen
Mexico
2 scams
Abidjan
Côte d'Ivoire
2 scams
Salt Lake City
USA
2 scams
Roatan
Honduras
2 scams
Bocas del Toro
Panama
2 scams
Christchurch
New Zealand
2 scams
Torremolinos
Spain
2 scams
Melbourne
Australia
2 scams
Mandalay
Myanmar
2 scams
Porto
Portugal
2 scams
Taipei
Taiwan
2 scams
Berlin
Germany
2 scams
Edinburgh
United Kingdom
2 scams
Gran Canaria
Spain
2 scams
Port Louis
Mauritius
2 scams
Guatemala City
Guatemala
2 scams
Brisbane
Australia
2 scams
Lake Como
Italy
2 scams
Puerto Escondido
Mexico
2 scams
Liverpool
United Kingdom
2 scams
Birmingham
United Kingdom
2 scams
Bath
United Kingdom
2 scams
Maputo
Mozambique
2 scams
Tbilisi
Georgia
2 scams
Tirana
Albania
2 scams
Rabat
Morocco
2 scams
Sucre
Bolivia
2 scams
Minneapolis
USA
2 scams
Jasper
Canada
2 scams
Utila
Honduras
2 scams
Maldives
Maldives
2 scams
Banos
Ecuador
2 scams
Punta del Este
Uruguay
2 scams
Toledo
Spain
2 scams
Byblos
Lebanon
2 scams
Ponta Delgada
Portugal
2 scams
Lamu
Kenya
2 scams
Edmonton
Canada
2 scams
Ubud
Indonesia
2 scams
Shimla
India
2 scams
Antwerp
Belgium
2 scams
San Pedro de Atacama
Chile
2 scams
Sigiriya
Sri Lanka
2 scams
Galway
Ireland
2 scams
Hallstatt
Austria
2 scams
Manali
India
2 scams
Meteora
Greece
2 scams
Mount Fuji
Japan
2 scams
Yokohama
Japan
2 scams
Bariloche
Argentina
2 scams
Aswan
Egypt
1 scam
Cologne
Germany
1 scam
Koh Chang
Thailand
1 scam
Austin
USA
1 scam
Napa
USA
1 scam
Antalya
Turkey
1 scam
San Francisco
USA
1 scam
Rio de Janeiro
Brazil
1 scam
Krabi
Thailand
1 scam
Tenerife
Spain
1 scam
Havana
Cuba
1 scam
Phu Quoc
Vietnam
1 scam
Lanzarote
Spain
1 scam
Algarve
Portugal
1 scam
Milan
Italy
1 scam
Manchester
United Kingdom
1 scam
Budapest
Hungary
1 scam
Jaipur
India
1 scam
Jodhpur
India
1 scam
Nha Trang
Vietnam
1 scam
New Delhi
India
1 scam
Rhodes
Greece
1 scam
Santorini
Greece
1 scam
Mui Ne
Vietnam
1 scam
Kolkata
India
1 scam
Varna
Bulgaria
1 scam
Bagan
Myanmar
1 scam
Palermo
Italy
1 scam
Chicago
USA
1 scam
Pittsburgh
USA
1 scam
Hong Kong
China
1 scam
Hvar
Croatia
1 scam
Jerusalem
Israel
1 scam
Agadir
Morocco
1 scam
Kona
USA
1 scam
Da Lat
Vietnam
1 scam
Kauai
USA
1 scam
Bangkok
Thailand
1 scam
Flores
Indonesia
1 scam
Chiang Rai
Thailand
1 scam
Geneva
Switzerland
1 scam
Valladolid
Mexico
1 scam
Sedona
USA
1 scam
Lefkada
Greece
1 scam
Arusha
Tanzania
1 scam
Zadar
Croatia
1 scam
Varanasi
India
1 scam
Maui
USA
1 scam
Oxford
United Kingdom
1 scam
Corfu Town
Greece
1 scam
Budva
Montenegro
1 scam
Shanghai
China
1 scam
Hue
Vietnam
1 scam
Sarajevo
Bosnia and Herzegovina
1 scam
Puno
Peru
1 scam
London
United Kingdom
1 scam
Dubrovnik
Croatia
1 scam
Warsaw
Poland
1 scam
Arequipa
Peru
1 scam
Charlotte
USA
1 scam
Yerevan
Armenia
1 scam
Riga
Latvia
1 scam
Seville
Spain
1 scam
Mumbai
India
1 scam
Anaheim
USA
1 scam
Los Angeles
USA
1 scam
Jesolo
Italy
1 scam
Honolulu
USA
1 scam
Porto Seguro
Brazil
1 scam
Jeju Island
South Korea
1 scam
Zanzibar
Tanzania
1 scam
Tangier
Morocco
1 scam
Penang
Malaysia
1 scam
Niagara Falls
Canada
1 scam
Thessaloniki
Greece
1 scam
Agra
India
1 scam
Singapore
Singapore
1 scam
Split
Croatia
1 scam
Grand Cayman
Cayman Islands
1 scam
San Sebastian
Spain
1 scam
Santiago
Chile
1 scam
Muscat
Oman
1 scam
Bratislava
Slovakia
1 scam
Halong Bay
Vietnam
1 scam
El Nido
Philippines
1 scam
Beijing
China
1 scam
Ninh Binh
Vietnam
1 scam
Playa de las Americas
Spain
1 scam
Siem Reap
Cambodia
1 scam
Cappadocia
Turkey
1 scam
Amalfi Coast
Italy
1 scam
Washington DC
USA
1 scam
Belgrade
Serbia
1 scam
Trinidad
Cuba
1 scam
Golden Sands
Bulgaria
1 scam
Jeddah
Saudi Arabia
1 scam
Sapa
Vietnam
1 scam
Albufeira
Portugal
1 scam
Destin
USA
1 scam
Cairns
Australia
1 scam
Okinawa
Japan
1 scam
Mazatlan
Mexico
1 scam
Bologna
Italy
1 scam
Cambridge
United Kingdom
1 scam
Ottawa
Canada
1 scam
Hua Hin
Thailand
1 scam
Savannah
USA
1 scam
Skiathos
Greece
1 scam
Amman
Jordan
1 scam
Toronto
Canada
1 scam
Sihanoukville
Cambodia
1 scam
Lyon
France
1 scam
Hyderabad
India
1 scam
Helsinki
Finland
1 scam
Aruba
Aruba
1 scam
Fukuoka
Japan
1 scam
Hiroshima
Japan
1 scam
Islamabad
Pakistan
1 scam
Kotor
Montenegro
1 scam
Sintra
Portugal
1 scam
Hampi
India
1 scam
Moscow
Russia
1 scam
Las Terrenas
Dominican Republic
1 scam
Lhasa
China
1 scam
Essaouira
Morocco
1 scam
Quebec City
Canada
1 scam
Acapulco
Mexico
1 scam
Valletta
Malta
1 scam
Blackpool
United Kingdom
1 scam
Bengaluru
India
1 scam
Panama City Beach
USA
1 scam
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
1 scam
Baku
Azerbaijan
1 scam
Skopje
North Macedonia
1 scam
Manila
Philippines
1 scam
Rimini
Italy
1 scam
Virginia Beach
USA
1 scam
Granada
Spain
1 scam
Dahab
Egypt
1 scam
Phoenix
USA
1 scam
Zagreb
Croatia
1 scam
Vilnius
Lithuania
1 scam
Shenzhen
China
1 scam
Puerto Plata
Dominican Republic
1 scam
Limassol
Cyprus
1 scam
Uyuni
Bolivia
1 scam
Negril
Jamaica
1 scam
Fortaleza
Brazil
1 scam
Foz do Iguaçu
Brazil
1 scam
Alexandria
Egypt
1 scam
Langkawi
Malaysia
1 scam
San José
Costa Rica
1 scam
Vancouver
Canada
1 scam
Panama City
Panama
1 scam
Tallinn
Estonia
1 scam
Orlando
USA
1 scam
Da Nang
Vietnam
1 scam
Hoi An
Vietnam
1 scam
Chengdu
China
1 scam
Kyiv
Ukraine
1 scam
Athens
Greece
1 scam
San Juan del Sur
Nicaragua
1 scam
Copenhagen
Denmark
1 scam
Iquitos
Peru
1 scam
Adelaide
Australia
1 scam
Asunción
Paraguay
1 scam
Montañita
Ecuador
1 scam
Halifax
Canada
1 scam
Guayaquil
Ecuador
1 scam
Aqaba
Jordan
1 scam
Portland
USA
1 scam
Córdoba
Argentina
1 scam
Dhaka
Bangladesh
1 scam
Makarska
Croatia
1 scam
Puerto Princesa
Philippines
1 scam
Kuwait City
Kuwait
1 scam
Victoria Falls
Zimbabwe
1 scam
Kampala
Uganda
1 scam
Dakar
Senegal
1 scam
Monastir
Tunisia
1 scam
Riyadh
Saudi Arabia
1 scam
St. Lucia
St. Lucia
1 scam
Pisa
Italy
1 scam
St. Louis
USA
1 scam
Manaus
Brazil
1 scam
Oslo
Norway
1 scam
Malaga
Spain
1 scam
Yangon
Myanmar
1 scam
Oaxaca
Mexico
1 scam
Tunis
Tunisia
1 scam
Eilat
Israel
1 scam
Belize City
Belize
1 scam
Nuremberg
Germany
1 scam
Heraklion
Greece
1 scam
Luxor
Egypt
1 scam
Pokhara
Nepal
1 scam
Surabaya
Indonesia
1 scam
Rhodes Town
Greece
1 scam
Funchal
Portugal
1 scam
Fuerteventura
Spain
1 scam
Mahé
Seychelles
1 scam
Máncora
Peru
1 scam
Yogyakarta
Indonesia
1 scam
Catania
Italy
1 scam
Kigali
Rwanda
1 scam
Turin
Italy
1 scam
Gold Coast
Australia
1 scam
Recife
Brazil
1 scam
Salzburg
Austria
1 scam
Suzhou
China
1 scam
Montevideo
Uruguay
1 scam
Bari
Italy
1 scam
Viñales
Cuba
1 scam
La Paz
Bolivia
1 scam
Lahore
Pakistan
1 scam
Rotterdam
Netherlands
1 scam
Izmir
Turkey
1 scam
Cuenca
Ecuador
1 scam
Bishkek
Kyrgyzstan
1 scam
Samarkand
Uzbekistan
1 scam
Plovdiv
Bulgaria
1 scam
Charlottetown
Canada
1 scam
Chiang Mai
Thailand
1 scam
Sapporo
Japan
1 scam
Astana
Kazakhstan
1 scam
Wadi Rum
Jordan
1 scam
Gyeongju
South Korea
1 scam
Maceió
Brazil
1 scam
Reykjavik
Iceland
1 scam
Victoria
Canada
1 scam
Nara
Japan
1 scam
Branson
USA
1 scam
Erbil
Iraq
1 scam
Tampa
USA
1 scam
Nosy Be
Madagascar
1 scam
Whistler
Canada
1 scam
Cape Cod
USA
1 scam
Busan
South Korea
1 scam
Hobart
Australia
1 scam
Doha
Qatar
1 scam
Sofia
Bulgaria
1 scam
St. John's
Canada
1 scam
Novi Sad
Serbia
1 scam
San Miguel de Allende
Mexico
1 scam
Louisville
USA
1 scam
Galle
Sri Lanka
1 scam
Jackson Hole
USA
1 scam
York
United Kingdom
1 scam
Zakynthos
Greece
1 scam
Barbados
Barbados
1 scam
Brighton
United Kingdom
1 scam
Paros
Greece
1 scam
Chisinau
Moldova
1 scam
Lima
Peru
1 scam
Samaná
Dominican Republic
1 scam
Chennai
India
1 scam
Natal
Brazil
1 scam
Memphis
USA
1 scam
Atlantic City
USA
1 scam
Asheville
USA
1 scam
Brussels
Belgium
1 scam
Rovinj
Croatia
1 scam
Santa Fe
USA
1 scam
Iguazu Falls
Argentina
1 scam
Mostar
Bosnia and Herzegovina
1 scam
Ohrid
North Macedonia
1 scam
San José
Costa Rica
1 scam
Seattle
USA
1 scam
Darjeeling
India
1 scam
Kobe
Japan
1 scam
Sousse
Tunisia
1 scam
Shiraz
Iran
1 scam
San Diego
USA
1 scam
Kefalonia
Greece
1 scam
Verona
Italy
1 scam
New Orleans
USA
1 scam
Chongqing
China
1 scam
Dublin
Ireland
1 scam
Houston
USA
1 scam
Granada
Nicaragua
1 scam
Papeete
French Polynesia
1 scam
Bruges
Belgium
1 scam
Guanajuato
Mexico
1 scam
Kaohsiung
Taiwan
1 scam
Saskatoon
Canada
1 scam
Algiers
Algeria
1 scam
Dresden
Germany
1 scam
Monaco
Monaco
1 scam
Santiago de Compostela
Spain
1 scam
Naxos
Greece
1 scam
Banff
Canada
1 scam
Jakarta
Indonesia
1 scam
Almaty
Kazakhstan
1 scam
Ayutthaya
Thailand
1 scam
Zurich
Switzerland
1 scam
Charleston
USA
1 scam
Nagasaki
Japan
1 scam
Swakopmund
Namibia
1 scam
Sanya
China
1 scam
Toulouse
France
1 scam
Český Krumlov
Czech Republic
1 scam
Frankfurt
Germany
1 scam
Ghent
Belgium
1 scam
Aspen
USA
1 scam
Bohol
Philippines
1 scam
Belfast
United Kingdom
1 scam
Ushuaia
Argentina
1 scam
Córdoba
Spain
1 scam
Hakone
Japan
1 scam
How to protect yourself from other scams scams
Other Tourist Scams are documented in 534 destinations — research the specific other scams warnings for your destination before departure.
Common warning signs across all destinations: a vague damage diagram, no receipt offered, cash-only transaction, rapid onset of disorientation inconsistent with alcohol consumed. Train yourself to recognise these patterns.
The most commonly targeted groups: Solo travelers, backpackers, Solo female travelers. If you fit this profile, exercise extra caution in this category.
Report any other scams scam to local police and your country's embassy. Even if recovery is unlikely, reports help maintain accurate travel advisory databases.
Cross-reference our warnings with recent traveler reports on forums like r/travel and TripAdvisor before your trip — conditions evolve and new variations emerge.
Safety Tips: Other Tourist Scams
Practical guides to avoiding other scams scams in specific destinations.
phuket
Phuket Jet Ski and Beach Scams: How the Damage Deposit Trick Works
The jet ski damage scam is Phuket's most financially harmful tourist fraud. Learn exactly how it works and how to protect yourself before renting anything on the beach.
amsterdam
Amsterdam Tourist Scams: What to Watch for in 2026
Bike rental fraud, overpriced cannabis shops, and transport scams are the main risks for tourists in Amsterdam. Here is a practical guide to staying safe.
What to Do If You Are Scammed While Traveling: A Step-by-Step Guide
Being scammed abroad is disorienting. Here is a clear action plan — what to do immediately, how to recover financially, and who to contact.
How to Keep Valuables Safe While Traveling: Practical Security Guide
Passport theft, bag snatching, and hotel room theft are the most common ways travelers lose valuables. Here is a systematic approach to protecting what matters.
Solo Traveler Safety Guide: How to Reduce Scam Risk When Traveling Alone
Solo travelers are disproportionately targeted by scams. Here is a practical safety framework for traveling alone in unfamiliar destinations.
How to Negotiate Prices Abroad: A Practical Guide to Haggling Respectfully
Haggling is expected in markets across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Learn how to negotiate effectively without overpaying or causing offence.
Other Tourist Scams — answered
What are other scams scams?
Timeshares, fake police, charity fraud, and miscellaneous scams targeting visitors. Our database documents 879 verified other scams scam incidents across 534 destinations worldwide. 180 of these are rated high severity, indicating significant financial or safety risk. The most common variants and how they work are detailed above.
Where are other scams scams most common?
Valparaíso has the highest documented other scams scam count with 9 incidents. Other high-activity destinations include Salvador (8), Tijuana (8), Kampot (6). Regionally, Europe has the most documented activity with 246 reports.
How do I avoid other scams scams?
The most effective defence against other scams scams is pre-trip research — knowing what specific scams exist at your destination makes them far easier to spot. General precautions: verify services through official channels, agree on all costs in writing before committing, maintain situational awareness in tourist areas, and trust your instincts when something feels wrong. See the individual scam entries above for specific avoidance tactics.
Are other scams scams dangerous?
Most other scams scams result in financial loss rather than physical danger. However, 180 of 879 documented incidents are rated high severity, indicating significant financial impact or potential safety concerns. The primary risk is financial — overcharging, counterfeit goods, or services never delivered. Physical danger is rare but documented in isolated cases, particularly where victims confront scam operators.
What should I do if I fall victim to a other scams scam?
If scammed: (1) Document everything — photos, receipts, descriptions, locations. (2) Report to local police and obtain a written report number (required for insurance claims). (3) Contact your embassy if the loss is significant or you feel threatened. (4) Notify your bank immediately if payment cards were compromised. (5) File a claim with your travel insurance provider. (6) Report to our database to help other travelers.
Which tourists are most targeted by other scams scams?
Based on our documented reports, the most frequently targeted groups for other scams scams are: Solo travelers, backpackers, Solo female travelers, Solo male travelers, solo travelers. This does not mean other travelers are immune — scam operators are opportunistic and will target anyone who appears unfamiliar with local norms.
Editorial note: Other Scams scam data is compiled from government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT), verified news sources, and traveler reports. Read our methodology →
Other Scam Guides
Taxi & Transport
Taxi & Transport Scams for Tourists — Worldwide Warning Guide
Street Scams
Street Scams Tourists Fall For — Worldwide Warning Guide
Restaurant Scams
Restaurant Scams Tourists Fall For — Worldwide Warning Guide
Accommodation Scams
Accommodation Scams to Avoid — Worldwide Warning Guide
Online Scams
Online Travel Scams to Avoid — Worldwide Warning Guide
Tour & Activities
Tour & Activity Scams for Tourists — Worldwide Warning Guide
Money & ATM Scams
Money & ATM Scams Targeting Tourists — Worldwide Warning Guide