Traveling can be an exhilarating experience, filled with adventure and the opportunity to explore new cultures. However, for many tourists, it can also be a minefield of scams and deceit. The more you know about the tricks and traps scammers use, the better off you’ll be on your next trip.  

Car rental scammers set up a website that looks like a legitimate rental car company. But when you call and reserve a car your information and credit card information is stolen. Thieves hope that travelers are overwhelmed, stressed, confused and likely making a reservation from a smartphone while handling other, distracting issues. Look closely at the website, phone number, URL address and e-mail addresses and you will more easily spot the fakes.  

Accommodation scammers may list fake properties on bogus vacation rental websites, collecting deposits for accommodations that don’t exist. Always book through reputable platforms and read reviews. 

Street-level cons can take many forms and often catch tourists off guard.  

Ride-share impersonators posing as drivers pick up unsuspecting tourists and charge them exorbitant fees. A close criminal cousin to ride-share imposters are taxi drivers who overcharge tourists unfamiliar with the local taxi services and protocols.  

Travelers are often approached at baggage claim by a person offering a taxi into the city, they are annoying and persistent. Before your trip, research where the taxi line is at your arrival airport and the usual cost for a taxi to your destination. Or arrange a car service through the hotel.  

Fake tour guides are scammers posing as official tour guides and offer tours at inflated prices or lead tourists to overpriced shops or restaurants. Some phonies will tell you an attraction is closed and try to sell “special” access to you. Don’t buy it.  

An alarming trend is the use of intimidation tactics by street performers. These individuals may engage in seemingly harmless acts, such as juggling or dancing, before aggressively demanding tips. These pushy street performers may become confrontational if they feel they haven’t received enough compensation for their “entertainment.”  

If you find yourself in a situation where someone is being overly aggressive, it is best to walk away confidently but calmly.  

One of the most insidious scams targeting travelers is the proliferation of fake travel document websites. These websites often masquerade as legitimate services that offer expedited passports or visas, but in reality, they aim to steal personal and payment information.  

The website will not have a .gov address or may have a misspelling in the name – like govv.uk.com instead of .uk.gov – that you may not detect right away. Only the federal government can process passports, while various authorized companies can expedite visa applications for a fee. 

There will always be rip-off artists targeting tourists. To avoid falling victim to these scams, remain vigilant, trust your instincts, and always do your research before engaging with strangers or making transactions. 

The best traveler scam-blocker defense is knowledge. Before embarking on your trip, take the time to research not only your destination but also the common scams that occur there. Many travel blogs, forums, and government travel advisories provide valuable insights about how to identify a threat and avoid it.  

Despite your best efforts, you may still encounter a scam. If this happens, it’s essential to remain calm and composed. If a con artist is aggressive, avoid engaging in a confrontation. Politely, but firmly, walk away. If you have been scammed or if you witness a scam, report it to local authorities. This can help prevent others from falling victim to the same scam and may assist law enforcement in addressing the problem. 

Don’t let scams ruin your journey. Equip yourself with knowledge and stay aware. That’s the best way to ensure a safe and memorable trip. 

Harding Bush is a former Navy SEAL and associate director for security operations at Global Rescue, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services.