Tourist Scams: A Real Risk for Every Traveler

Every year millions of tourists fall victim to scams at destinations around the world. From taxi drivers charging inflated fares to fake tour guides who disappear with your money, the traps for unsuspecting travelers are varied and sophisticated. The good news is that most of these scams follow predictable patterns that you can learn to recognize.

Whether you travel to Bogot谩, S茫o Paulo, Mexico City, or New York, knowing the most common scams will allow you to enjoy your trip without unnecessary worries.

Common Scams in Latin America

The Taxi Driver with Inflated Fares

This is probably the most universal scam. In cities like Bogot谩, Mexico City, and S茫o Paulo, some taxi drivers manipulate the meter, take longer routes, or simply charge exaggerated fares to tourists. To avoid this:

  • Use ride-hailing apps like Uber, DiDi, or InDriver
  • If you take a taxi, verify the meter is on and working correctly
  • Ask for the approximate price before getting in or research the standard fare
  • Check Encontrable for transportation recommendations in each city before your trip

Fraudulent Currency Exchange

In tourist areas of Colombia, Brazil, and Mexico, some street money changers offer incredibly good exchange rates. The trick is usually to deliver counterfeit bills, miscount the money, or apply a different rate than agreed. Always exchange money at authorized exchange houses or withdraw directly from recognized bank ATMs.

Fake Tours and Unauthorized Guides

In popular destinations like Cartagena in Colombia or Canc煤n in Mexico, people present themselves as certified tour guides when they are not. They may charge excessive prices for low-quality tours or even take you to establishments where they receive commission on your purchases.

Scams in the United States and Europe

The Bracelet or Gift Scam

In cities like New York, Miami, and many European capitals, someone approaches you in a friendly manner and offers a bracelet, a rose, or a "free gift." Once you accept it, they demand a high payment and can become aggressive. The rule is simple: do not accept anything from strangers on the street.

Restaurants with Double Menus

Some restaurants in tourist areas have two menus: one with normal prices for locals and another with inflated prices for tourists. This happens in destinations as varied as Miami, Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, and tourist zones in Mexico. Research average prices before sitting down and check online reviews.

Digital Scams Affecting Travelers

With the digitalization of tourism, new forms of scams have emerged:

  1. Unsecure public Wi-Fi: Fake networks in airports and caf茅s that capture your data. Always use a VPN when connecting to public networks
  2. Fraudulent bookings: Fake websites that mimic legitimate booking platforms. Always verify the URL and book only through recognized platforms
  3. Pre-trip phishing: Fake emails pretending to be from airlines or hotels requesting banking details. Never click on suspicious links
  4. Ghost accommodations: Properties advertised online that do not exist. Verify photos, read reviews, and use platforms with booking guarantees
According to the World Tourism Organization, tourist scams generate estimated losses of more than $50 billion dollars annually globally, affecting both travelers and the reputation of destinations.

How to Protect Yourself: Golden Rules

  • Research before traveling: Know the common scams at your destination. Use platforms like Encontrable to get reliable information about verified establishments and services
  • Trust your instinct: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is
  • Carry copies of your documents: Store digital copies in the cloud and carry separate photocopies of your passport and cards
  • Do not display valuables: Avoid showing expensive jewelry, large cameras, or wads of cash in public
  • Get travel insurance: Good insurance can cover losses from theft or fraud in addition to medical emergencies
  • Learn basic phrases: Speaking some of the local language shows you are not a completely uninformed tourist

What to Do If You Are a Victim of a Scam

If despite all precautions you fall for a scam, stay calm and act quickly:

  1. Document everything with photos, screenshots, and notes
  2. Report the incident to the local tourist police
  3. Contact your embassy or consulate if it is a serious situation
  4. Notify your bank if your financial data was compromised
  5. Leave honest reviews online to alert other travelers

For more tips on how to move safely around the world, visit our traveler tips section. If you are planning a trip soon, also check our destination guides and our culture section to better understand local customs.