Tourist Scams Around the World

When travelling in a foreign country it’s easy to become a target for scammers. You might look lost or confused or be experiencing culture shock; all of which can lead to letting your guard down and people taking advantage of your situation. It’s common for travelers to not realize they are being scammed, or have been scammed, until the scam is over and you’re left standing their feeling dumbfounded and foolish. Below are some popular tourist scams around the world.

1) Paris: Gold Ring scam. The last time I was in Paris I was strolling along the Seine minding my own business, when a young girl walked by and picked up something from the ground. It was a “gold” ring which she assured me was 18 karat gold. My first thought was that some poor person lost their wedding band. The girl said it was my lucky day and that I should keep it. I didn’t feel comfortable taking it. What if the owner was running frantically around retracing their steps looking for the ring? The girl kept persisting I take it and I kept insisting no. She finally gave up, walked away, and then asked me for money for food. I politely declined. Three hours later, while strolling on the other side of the Seine, the same thing happened again. That’s when I realized something fishy was going on. I came home and googled “gold ring Paris” and sure enough loads of information came up on this popular tourist scam. To me, it seems an awfully round about way for someone to ask for money, but I guess it works for them. I must have seen over 10 gold rings lying on the ground during my walk that day! It’s a good thing I don’t like gold jewelry. It saved me from being scammed.
2) Bangkok; Gem scam (also happens in Turkey for carpets, etc). Be weary of people who approach you on the street giving directions (if you look lost) and then offer you a tour in their friend’s Tuk Tuk or taxi, which will conveniently (for them) stop at a gem stop along the way. If you don’t want to buy anything at the gem shop, it can become uncomfortable as the shop owner will keep pleading for you to buy something before leaving the shop. They will tell you it’s the best price in town, etc. At this point, its best to politely leave the store and find your way back to where you need to go. Keep in mind, however, if someone does begin to talk to you on the street offering help it is not necessarily a scam. But if something doesn’t feel right, politely excuse yourself and walk away. Use your gut instinct in this situation.
3) Mustard scam (all over the world). This is one of the oldest tricks in the book. Someone discreetly spills mustard or some other goop on you then points it out and offers to help clean it up. While cleaning up the stain, they clean out your pockets at the same time.

For your next trip, do some research before hand and see what scams exist that you need to watch out for. Keep all your belongings in a safe spot and leave your fancy jewelry at home. Try to blend in with the locals as much as possible to avoid standing out as a target.

Chances are you won’t be caught in a scam, but if it happens, take a deep breath, remain calm and try to enjoy the rest of your vacation. Remember, it can happen to anyone, even seasoned travellers.

Travel smart!
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