Real warnings from real travelers. Browse thousands of scams reported worldwide or help others by sharing your experience.
Browse thousands of verified scam reports from travelers worldwide. Learn about common scams in specific destinations before you travel.
Get up-to-date warnings about taxi overcharges, fake tour guides, accommodation scams, and other tourist-targeted frauds.
Help other travelers by reporting scams you've encountered. Your contribution makes travel safer for everyone.
Latest reports submitted by the community
📍 Bangkok, Thailand
🗓️ Scam date: 6 June 2026
📝 Reported: 14 August 2026
When we were walking to the Grand Palace a man told us the temple was closed for a ceremony and suggested we take a cheap tuk-tuk tour instead. The driver took us to a few places but also stopped at a jewelry store where they tried to pressure us to buy things. Later we walked back to the palace and it was actually open.
📍 Rome, Italy
🗓️ Scam date: 12 March 2026
📝 Reported: 12 August 2026
We went to a small restaurant near the Colosseum. The menu didn’t list prices for drinks and starters. After eating, the bill came to €180 for two people, even though we only ordered a pasta and drinks. The staff refused to explain the charges and insisted we pay immediately. We felt tricked and overcharged.
📍 Paris, France
🗓️ Scam date: 7 April 2026
📝 Reported: 10 August 2026
I landed at Charles de Gaulle Airport and a man inside the terminal offered me a taxi ride. I thought he was an official driver. When we reached my hotel he showed me €240 on his phone and said that was the fare. I was tired and just paid, but later I found out airport taxis should cost about €50–55.
📍 Rome, Italy
🗓️ Scam date: 20 June 2026
📝 Reported: 9 August 2026
I booked an apartment online that looked very real with photos and reviews. The owner asked me to pay a deposit by bank transfer to confirm the reservation. After I sent the money, the listing disappeared and the person stopped replying to my messages. I later realized the listing was fake.
📍 Barcelona, Spain
🗓️ Scam date: 7 May 2026
📝 Reported: 7 August 2026
I was walking on Las Ramblas when someone stopped me asking for directions and showed me a map. While I was trying to help, another person opened my backpack and took my phone. I noticed it a few minutes later. It definitely looked like they were working together.
Scammers target tourists because they are unfamiliar with local prices, customs, and languages. Travel smarter by checking the scams reported at your destination before you go and learning how to recognize them early. Tourist Beware collects verified reports from real travelers around the world, so you can spot the warning signs, avoid common traps, and stay protected from day one of your journey.
Drivers who refuse the meter, rigged meters, and “broken” card machines are the most reported travel scams worldwide. Before getting in, agree on the price — or use ride-hailing apps that show the fare upfront.
Counterfeit attraction tickets and unlicensed guides prey on tourists at airports, train stations, and famous landmarks. Buy tickets only from official websites or licensed operators, and be wary of deals that sound too good to be true.
Fake listings, bait-and-switch room swaps, and last-minute “renovation” excuses leave travelers stranded. Verify reviews across multiple platforms, pay through trusted booking channels, and keep written confirmation of everything.
Hidden skimmers on ATMs and payment terminals copy your card details in seconds. Withdraw cash at banks during opening hours, cover your PIN, and check your statements while you travel.
Organized pickpockets work in teams: one creates a distraction while another takes your valuables. Keep bags zipped and in front of you in crowds, and never hang a phone or purse on the back of a chair.
“Tourist menus” with inflated prices and surprise service charges are common in busy areas. Check prices before you order, confirm the total, and read recent reviews to find places locals actually recommend.
Research before you go — read recent scam reports for your destination, learn local prices for common services, and save your embassy’s contact details.
Book through trusted platforms — use official websites, licensed operators, and payment methods with buyer protection. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
Keep your valuables secure — use the hotel safe for passports and extra cash, carry a decoy wallet, and never keep all your money in one place.
Stay alert in crowds — tourist hotspots attract pickpockets, and a staged question, petition, or “accidental” spill is often just a distraction.
Report scams you encounter — share your experience on Tourist Beware so other travelers can stay protected and avoid the same trap.