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 Travel solo - common scams

Street sellers - never let anyone give you a bracelet, heather, lavender, etc. or drape anything over your shoulder. You will be charged for the 'gift'. Simply refuse to take it or put it straight back into their hands and keep walking. Do not stop. A more extreme example is when someone thrusts a baby in your arms and they riffle through your pockets. Yell for help, loudly.

Fake police - if you are asked in the street for your passport, do not hand over any documents. If they say they are the police then tell them your passport is in the hotel safe. If they say you have done something wrong, do not pay a fine in the street. Ask for identification and tell them you will call the police to check their identification. Do not offer to accompany them anywhere, stay in a public spot and find a real police officer.

An accidental distraction - if you feel something hit your shoulder or back and a kind stranger tells you it's bird poo or sauce, do not accept their help. It is a common way to have your wallet, purse of phone stolen. If someone asks you to sign a petition then walk on. While they are telling you about their cause, their friends may well be picking your pocket, or cutting through your backpack. If someone stops you and asks if you speak English, then ignore them. Do not worry about being rude. It is better than being robbed.

Money scams - never agree to exchange foreign currency on the black market. The currency you are given could be counterfeit. Stick to banks and ATMs. 

A special chance to buy something precious - whether it be gems, rugs, gold, know that losing money on a fake will make you feel like a fool. Be wary of that great deal you are offered by the friendly guy in the shop or cafe.

Fake wi-fi zones - be wary of free wi-fi zones as they are often hacked. 

Taxi driver tells you your hotel is closed - never believe him. He will offer to take you to a better hotel that is cheaper. Ignore him, tell him you called the hotel and you know it is open.

The seductive flirt - for some reason, men are more likely to fall for this than women. It often happens in a cafe or bar, a young person of the opposite sex starts a conversation, creates a connection, suggests going somewhere else. Either you end up with a huge bar bill or, worse, wake up in a strange room with no purse or wallet.

Someone needs help - beware of the stressed stranger trying to take you somewhere to help their wife, child, friend. This could be a scam and you are being led down a dark and lonely alley. Tell them you will call for help, but go nowhere with them. 

Crowded public spaces are a pickpocket's dream. Keep your back pockets empty. Only keep small change for snacks, bus fares etc. in your pockets.

Happy to hear about your experience with scams.



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