Smartly Avoiding The Worst Possible Travel Scams

No matter what part of the globe you’re anxiously waiting to travel to, let us warn you about something. Scams are everywhere. There are shady people all around the globe, anxiously waiting for you to be victim of their tactics and winning the situation.

You might think the smart ones can get away from this, but the truth is, it can happen to everyone and anyone.

Although it is impossible to avoid the possibility of being scammed, you need to be aware of the type of scams that exist and the measures you need to take should a mishap occur to you.

Let’s learn about the worst travel scams existing around the globe and how to smartly overcome them.

1. The Taxi Meter That Is Always Out Of Order

You’ll hear it everywhere, and they have a good reason for it. This is especially true for drivers located near the airports and train stations. The drive is going pretty smooth until you’re informed that the meter is broken. How does that become your headache?

Well, when you have to pay a ridiculous amount for the journey it surely becomes your problem. So how do we overcome the issue? Luckily, not all drivers are like that. So before you start your journey, negotiate with your driver about the fare or ensure that the meter is working properly. If he still refuses to turn it on, you have a very good reason to look for another one for yourself.

2. Fake Officers

This is one of the worst travel scams you could ever come across. This has been commonly happening in large cities where there is so much commotion that you can hardly spot something going wrong. Typically, you’ll see a stranger approaching you and offering an attractive packet of drugs. While you’re busy having a communication, you’ll witness a team of two or more mean appearing, dressed up in a police uniform and shiny badges. They will insist you hand them your passport and wallet. Knowing its best not to mess with armed forces, you’ll end up giving it to them. Worst of all, you’ll keep thinking where you went wrong!

Solution? Never do that. Even if you are assured they’re the actual policemen. Ask them for their identification and let them know they’ll have to ring the police first to confirm their identity. Fabricate a story that your passport and wallet are locked up in the hotel room. Just do not give it away like that!

3. Scheming With A Bracelet

Who doesn’t like fancy bracelets on their hands? Well, scammers would certainly enjoy this situation. One fine day while you’re busy traveling, a charming person would approach you offering advice or trying to converse. It all goes well and the person ties a fancy bracelet on your wrist. There you go, you’re great friends!

But wait, what just happened? They demand a payment, you refuse and they create a scene that you’ve stolen their valuable. In a state of panic, you end up paying a handsome amount for an item you never really wanted.

So the next time there is a possibility of this awful scene, stay away from over friendly people. You never really know what they might end up scheming against you!

4. Free WiFi

Who doesn’t love open networks? Specially while you are traveling and need to stay connected to the globe. Well, you must watch out! This is because some free open WiFi networks can be extremely dangerous. You happily access them, and they access all your private information through their special codes.

Free WiFi is great, but before you connect yourself to it, make sure that you use the official networks of the hotels, transportation and restaurants. A VPN can be used to encrypt all your online activity.

You don’t have to be afraid of traveling as you’ve just mastered how to overcome the worst travel scams.