Cheap flights are on the rise and it means that more people can afford to travel but it brings more opportunities to some people who prey on unsuspecting visitors. It can happen to anyone but most of the times victims are innocent tourists.

Below I have compiled a list of some common scams which are practised over and over again in different parts of the world.

Broken Camera

Everyone is taking pictures of a famous sight, and someone comes up with a camera and asks that you take his picture. But the camera or mobile phone doesn’t seem to work. When you hand it back, the “tourist” fumbles and drops it on the ground, where it breaks into pieces. He will either ask you to pay for repairs or steal your wallet while you are bending over to pick up the broken object.

The best way to deal with this type of scammer is to stay firm on your ground and talk back because scammers prey on weak people most of the times.

Broken Taxi Meter

Before getting into a taxi, always check if meter was working if not then agree a fixed price. It will save you from a nasty fare at the end.

Cheap Hotel

A local becomes your friend out of nowhere and then he wnats to help you to find a cheap hotel. Don’t fall for it becasue that guy wants to earn a handsome commission.

Distractions

Most pickpockets work in teams. One person distracts you with a map or something similar, and the other person robs your stuff. Groups of little kids are also used as distractions. It all could appear very normal innocent and genuine but it only takes few seconds to lose you valuables.

Don’t Show Your Wealth

Don’t wear expensive jewelry and don’t show off your fancy camera or mobile tphone when you’re not using it. Kepp it in your bag or pocket where possible.

Fake Car Crash

In this scam one can drive an old car into you and then claim that it was your fault. They will try to get cash from you because they don’t like police to be involved.

Fake Charity Petition

You’re at a popular sight when someone comes to you with a paper in her hand. Most of the times it is a woman or a teen who, often pretending to be deaf, will try to get you to sign an official-looking petition, supposedly in support of a charity (the petition is often in English, which should be a clue). The petitioner then demands a cash donation. At best, anyone who falls for this scam will dole out few euros but at worst, they’re pickpocketed while distracted by the petitioner.

Fake Police

Two thieves in uniform, posing as “Tourist Police” — stop you on the street, flash their bogus badges, and ask to check your wallet for counterfeit bills or “drug money.” You won’t even notice some notes are missing until after they leave. Never give your wallet to anyone even they are genuine police.

Never hand over your wallet or passport. Request they show you their identification and then inform them you will call the police to confirm they are who they say they are. Or tell them your passport is locked up in the hotel safe, and they’ll need to accompany you to your hotel. If they don’t allow this, simply walk away.

Helpful local

It can happen on busy train stations or bus stations. A local bystander would offer his assistance to purchase a ticket and then demand money for his services. Sometimes they can ask for €20 or €50 even.

Maintain personal space

Many of the most successful scams require a naive and trusting tourist. One can attact you with something silly and then steal you wallet. It happened to me in Jerusalem and I put my hand out to stop that guy coming near me but he managed to steal my wallet. I was lucky to chase down the robber and took my wallet back.

Mess on your shirt

You’re jostled in a crowd as someone spills ketchup or fake pigeon poop on your shirt. The thief offers profuse apologies while dabbing it up — and pawing your pockets. There are variations: Someone drops something, you kindly pick it up, and you lose your wallet. Or, even worse, someone throws a baby into your arms as your pockets are picked. Assume beggars are pickpockets. Treat any commotion (a scuffle breaking out, a beggar in your face) as fake — designed to distract unknowing victims.

Mugging in Europe

Violent crime in Europe is generally very minimal, but there are some cases of muggings. Don’t make yourself an easy target and you shouldn’t have any problems.

Don’t wear flashy jewelry.

Stash the expensive electronics.

Stick to busy, well-lit streets at night.

Be aware when withdrawing money from an ATM.

Walk with confidence because muggers only want to attack the weak.

Puncturing tires

Beware of “highway pirates” in Italy who will puncture your tires at a parking lot and follow you until you’re forced to stop. They will then pretend to help you while robbing your stuff from the boot of the car.

Room “Inspectors”

There’s a knock at your door and two men claim to be the hotel’s room inspectors. One waits outside while the other comes in to take a look around. While you’re distracted, the first thief slips in and takes valuables left on a dresser. Don’t let people into your room if you weren’t expecting them. Call down to the hotel desk if “inspectors” suddenly turn up.

Slow Count

Cashiers who deal with lots of tourists thrive on the slow count. Even in banks, they’ll count your change back with odd pauses in hopes the rushed tourist will gather up the money early and say “Grazie.”.

Such a Deal

If a bargain seems too good to be true…it’s too good to be true.

Talkative Cashiers

The shop’s cashier seems to be speaking on her phone when you hand her your credit card. But listen closely and you may hear the sound of the phone’s camera shutter, as she takes a picture of your card. Try to pay with cash because it is much safer than credit cards.

The Attractive Flirt

A single male traveler is approached by a gorgeous woman on the street. After chatting for a while, she seductively invites him for a drink at a nearby nightclub. But when the bill arrives, it’s several hundred dollars or euros more than he expected. Only then does he notice the burly bouncers guarding the exits. There are several variations on this scam. Sometimes, the scam artist is disguised as a lost tourist; in other cases, it’s simply a gregarious local person who just wants to show you his city. Either way, be suspicious when invited for a drink by someone you just met; if you want to go out together, suggest a bar (or café) of your choosing instead.

The “Friendship” Bracelet

A vendor approaches you and aggressively asks if you’ll help him with a “demonstration.” He proceeds to make a friendship bracelet right on your arm. When finished, he asks you to pay a premium for the bracelet he created just for you. And, since you can’t easily take it off on the spot, you feel obliged to pay up. (These sorts of distractions by “salesmen” can also function as a smokescreen for theft — an accomplice is picking your pocket as you try to wriggle away from the pushy vendor.)

The “Found” Ring

An innocent-looking person picks up a ring on the ground in front of you and asks if you dropped it. When you say no, the person examines the ring more closely, then shows you a mark “proving” that it’s pure gold. He offers to sell it to you for a good price — which is several times more than he paid for it before dropping it on the sidewalk.

The Stripper

You see a good-looking woman arguing with a street vendor. The vendor accuses her of shoplifting, which she vehemently denies. To prove her innocence, she starts taking off her clothes — very slowly. Once she’s down to her underwear, the vendor apologizes and she leaves. Suddenly all the men in the crowd find out that their wallets have “left,” too, thanks to a team of pickpockets working during the show.