Top 5 Travel Scams To Watch Out For

Vacations can be an enjoyable and relaxing time to let your guard down, but it is important to not relax too much. Unfortunately tourists can become victims of scams. Travel deal site, Cheapflights.com determined the Top 10 Travel Scams to Watch Out For so that tourists can be safe while on vacation.

Here are five of the top 10 travel scams from Cheapflights.com

Fake Police

When a cop comes up to you and tells you that you committed a crime that you didn't commit, you may be dealing with a fake cop. For instance, a counterfeit cop might try to charge you a ridiculous fine for something silly like putting out a cigarette in public. To avoid this scam, make sure to ask to see the officer's ID or contact the actual police.

Fake Souvenirs

Tourists may want to pick up some fancy items as a souvenir and they may be offered deals that seem too good to be true. It just might be. As part of the "Gem Scam," vendors may try to sell desirable items such as leather or "authentic" carpets which turn out to be nothing more than a counterfeit, cheaply made item. Some items never eve make it back to the buyer.

Distractions

Locals know how to fool tourists and it can be done pretty simply. A child may wave a newspaper in your face, an old woman might need help or a stranger might offer to help clean a mess off your shirt. While they're doing this, a second person is pickpocketing you. Always be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings close.

Bar Scams

This can happen in many ways but a common tactic is for a group of local women to ask a male tourist to join them at a bar. The group enjoys a few beverages and the locals disappear, leaving the big bill for the tourist to pay for.

Tricky Taxi Drivers

Cab drivers have a reputations for scamming travelers. They have specific tricks to charge tourists more. For instance, they may inflate fares or they may tell a tourist that the location that they want to go to is closed and they take them to one that is further away, which hikes up the fare. It is best to travel in a licensed cab and to agree on a fixed fare if possible. If they tell you the location is closed, insist on going there anyway to see for yourself.

To see more of the top travel scams, visit Cheapflights.com.