Top travel scams tourists need to watch out for
A recent study identified the most common scams targeting international travellers and revealed how much money each one could cost you. Here’s what to know…
Compare the Market recently conducted a study that exposed the most common tourist scams around the world and the average amounts travellers usually lose.
According to the Daily Mail and the study, these scams include everything from dishonest taxi drivers to fake booking websites. Here’s what travellers should watch out for when going abroad this year…
1. Overpriced taxi rides – The #1 scam
Topping the list are overpriced taxi fares, with nearly a third (32%) of travellers reporting they’ve been overcharged. The average loss per trip is around £17 or R400. The best way to avoid this? Book your ride in advance, preferably through your hotel or a trusted ride-hailing app, and agree on the fare before setting off.
2. Street sellers with ‘free’ items
Street sellers rank as the second most common scam, often tricking tourists by offering items as “free” and then demanding payment once accepted. Others deceive travellers by selling counterfeit products marketed as genuine leather, silk, or other luxury goods. According to the study, about 20% of travellers fall for these scams, losing an average of £17.39 or R410 per incident. The golden rule: if it sounds too good to be true, it likely is.
3. Restaurants inflating bills
Restaurants abroad have been known to inflate final bills, adding hidden charges or outright overpricing items. Almost one in five (18%) travellers surveyed say they’ve been hit with an inflated bill. A quarter contested it and paid less, but over half paid in full, losing an average of £22.58 or R530 per incident. Always check the bill carefully and don’t hesitate to question suspicious charges.
4. Fake booking websites
Online booking fraud is a growing problem. Around 12% of holidaymakers admit to falling victim to fake accommodation or travel websites, losing an average of £113.30 or R2 700 each time. Always double-check the website URL, read reviews, and use secure payment methods.
5. Phishing emails pretending to be hotels
Phishing scams rank fifth, with 11% of travellers clicking on fake emails designed to steal money or personal information. Typically, scammers pose as hotels and request upfront payments. Victims lose an average of £75 or R1 800. When in doubt, contact the hotel directly via official channels before paying.
6. Dodgy money exchanges
Lastly, money exchange scams remain a risk. Tourists who use unofficial exchange services or unverified ATMs can be short-changed, offered terrible rates, or even have their cards skimmed. About 10% of travellers admitted falling victim, losing an average of £28 or R680.