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40 Tourist Scams
- Thread starter threetri333
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ItAintEasyBeinCheesy
it's 4th of July in my asshole
This is why you act like a local when you go on holidays. Pretend to talk on your phone while taking photos, if you want to take a picture of the Leaning Tower of Pisa and want to look like you're holding it up just dress up like a Mime and pretend to be working. Nod knowingly at all signs even if they are in a different language.
Super useful, trust me I went to Africa and no one knew I wasn't from there.
Super useful, trust me I went to Africa and no one knew I wasn't from there.
Kotetsu534
Member
I've travelled a fair bit and avoided scams, despite them being attempted on me many times, especially in Paris and Barcelona. I know I'd be a sucker if I was in a country with few English speakers and a young, attractive lady approached me for advice though (the lure to restaurant and leave him a massive bill trick, or something like it).
D
Deleted member 57681
Unconfirmed Member
It's missing the "ten mothers with eight-year-olds strapped to their belly surrounding you on the sub to distract you from the pickpocket", as seen in Rome.
Someone tried the friendship-bracelet thing on me there, but I got nothing to steal.
Someone tried the friendship-bracelet thing on me there, but I got nothing to steal.
Oh man the mental image of this is making me laugh so hard.
teruterubozu
Member
That's why I avoid cruise ships. They deliberately herd people into these cesspools.
I can already see which ones I would be the most susceptible too but I'm confused about the scams where they try to make you pay for a sample or out of guilt. The overpriced taxis and cafes make sense but the others I personally would just ignore when the attempt is made to extort me.
That should tell you something if they list another country you've never been to.
I'm surprised the Ticket scam isn't a common worldwide thing. It was the only one I see frequently in the US.
That should tell you something if they list another country you've never been to.
I'm surprised the Ticket scam isn't a common worldwide thing. It was the only one I see frequently in the US.
Yeah, i had someone try the bracelet thing on me. Just grabbed my wrist out of nowhere and was freaking fast with trying to tie the knot (when the knot is tied you cant take it off so have to take it). It was that my hubby reacted fast, right away the dude had 4 of his buddies come over though.
Also ran into the roses and petition one, i'm sure they are making realy good money with that stuff.
You really see them scouting and checking a lot at the trainstation/in the train too.
DragonSworne
Banned
It's free if you have status at the hotel chain.
Alx
Member
Woah, the thrown baby is at least creative. o_0
I've seen the "stain on your jacket" trick in the Hustle TV show, nice to see that the show is popular in South America. ^^
I've had the Rosemary thing tried on me in Spain (not Madrid though... not sure if it was Granada or Sevilla..). Of course I knew it was a scam, but didn't have any change to lose, and she didn't curse me in the end
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I've had "the flirt" happen in Budapest too, only it was two Hungarians pretending to be Dutch (funnily enough I knew they were fake because of Neogaf, from which I learnt about the "women beating men with a stick" tradition, which they didn't know about). I played along too and lost some money, but not too much since there was a limitation on my credit card. Had some fun in the meantime, so it was worth it. ^^ (the Flirt is a common scam all around the world by the way, it happens in Paris a lot especially in shady bars/strip clubs, where girls will order (fake) champagne and make you pay for it).
Everything considered I've been lucky for now. Always keep change in my pockets (learnt that from a McGyver episode 
), so it's harder to steal and people don't locate my wallet when I pay.
I've seen the "stain on your jacket" trick in the Hustle TV show, nice to see that the show is popular in South America. ^^
I've had the Rosemary thing tried on me in Spain (not Madrid though... not sure if it was Granada or Sevilla..). Of course I knew it was a scam, but didn't have any change to lose, and she didn't curse me in the end
.I've had "the flirt" happen in Budapest too, only it was two Hungarians pretending to be Dutch (funnily enough I knew they were fake because of Neogaf, from which I learnt about the "women beating men with a stick" tradition, which they didn't know about). I played along too and lost some money, but not too much since there was a limitation on my credit card. Had some fun in the meantime, so it was worth it. ^^ (the Flirt is a common scam all around the world by the way, it happens in Paris a lot especially in shady bars/strip clubs, where girls will order (fake) champagne and make you pay for it).
Everything considered I've been lucky for now.
Always keep change in my pockets (learnt that from a McGyver episode ), so it's harder to steal and people don't locate my wallet when I pay.
D
Deleted member 102362
Unconfirmed Member
When I was in Germany, there were Roma out trying to pickpocket people. One used her child to ask our group, in English, to give her money so she could go back to her home in the Balkans. Thankfully, I was with a large group of people and didn't lose anything, but it was certainly an educational experience.
cr_blah_blah
Member
I've had the rose one happen more than a handful of times here in Texas. The most annoying thing is you can say upfront "I'm not going to buy one, I'm not interested" before they even hand the rose to your gf/wife and they still do it and expect money.
I usually see the "hand you something and then expect payment for it" thing at train stations when travelling in Europe. At this point I just take whatever it is they offer and drop it on the ground to piss them off. Or a strong slap on the item if they insist on pushing it into my arms. Fuck these people.
I saw so many of these in Paris. Especially the bracelet thing. How are you supposed to get out of that? Do people just cut it off? Can you just walk away with a free bracelet?
Thailand is a fun place to visit, but there are so many elaborate scams. The jewelry thing is just the tip of the iceberg. Search for "Thailand jewelry scam" on Google and you will find so many IDENTICAL stories filled with ridiculous, almost Indiana Jones-esque escapades. The "Grand Palace is closed" scam is super annoying. It's not like a guy just walks up to you and says it either, these scammers either pay the guards or dress up as them, forbidding you to go in. It then ties into the tuk tuk thing. You can actually use the tuk tuk thing to your advantage though. Basically the scam is they take you to a bunch of places you don't want to go and try to make you buy stuff there. Sometimes the places aren't actually that bad, but a bit boring like tailors and what not. They give the tuk tuk drivers gas cards for bringing people to their stores. What we did was plan everything out up front. We told him where we wanted to go and we asked him what stores he was going to take us to. We told him that if everything went according to the plan, we would tip him extra. We used him for maybe two or three days and it was excellent. I can't remember the price, but we basically had a personal driver for maybe $3 a day. This guy was ready to take us as soon as we stepped out of the hotel each day. Just spend like 15 minutes in the boring store, take a business card, and then you can go wherever you want. The person I was traveling with actually bought a custom made shirt from one of the stores he took us to. I think your mileage may very greatly, but you can at least use this one to your advantage if you get the right driver.
Thailand is a fun place to visit, but there are so many elaborate scams. The jewelry thing is just the tip of the iceberg. Search for "Thailand jewelry scam" on Google and you will find so many IDENTICAL stories filled with ridiculous, almost Indiana Jones-esque escapades. The "Grand Palace is closed" scam is super annoying. It's not like a guy just walks up to you and says it either, these scammers either pay the guards or dress up as them, forbidding you to go in. It then ties into the tuk tuk thing. You can actually use the tuk tuk thing to your advantage though. Basically the scam is they take you to a bunch of places you don't want to go and try to make you buy stuff there. Sometimes the places aren't actually that bad, but a bit boring like tailors and what not. They give the tuk tuk drivers gas cards for bringing people to their stores. What we did was plan everything out up front. We told him where we wanted to go and we asked him what stores he was going to take us to. We told him that if everything went according to the plan, we would tip him extra. We used him for maybe two or three days and it was excellent. I can't remember the price, but we basically had a personal driver for maybe $3 a day. This guy was ready to take us as soon as we stepped out of the hotel each day. Just spend like 15 minutes in the boring store, take a business card, and then you can go wherever you want. The person I was traveling with actually bought a custom made shirt from one of the stores he took us to. I think your mileage may very greatly, but you can at least use this one to your advantage if you get the right driver.
twdnewh_k
Member
I noticed this in South East Asia.
When going with a driver/tour operator, they would take you to all the legit tourist attractions and locations; but they would also take you to places where they would get a kick-back if you buy anything.
Jewelry or painting shops, and even restaurants.
Don't know if this classifies as a scam but it happens.
Another thing I have seen is someone coming up to you in the street and giving you some kind of scratch and win cards. They usually do this with 2 or more people. The cards will have you 'winning' shirts and other useless stuff; but there will be one 'top winner' card thrown in there. It happened to me in Bali, the guy said the top prize would be an iPad, cash, or a hotel stay. Of course you always win the hotel stay and there are strings attached, and they would try and make me buy some vacation packages and what not.
When going with a driver/tour operator, they would take you to all the legit tourist attractions and locations; but they would also take you to places where they would get a kick-back if you buy anything.
Jewelry or painting shops, and even restaurants.
Don't know if this classifies as a scam but it happens.
Another thing I have seen is someone coming up to you in the street and giving you some kind of scratch and win cards. They usually do this with 2 or more people. The cards will have you 'winning' shirts and other useless stuff; but there will be one 'top winner' card thrown in there. It happened to me in Bali, the guy said the top prize would be an iPad, cash, or a hotel stay. Of course you always win the hotel stay and there are strings attached, and they would try and make me buy some vacation packages and what not.
Chairmanchuck
Member
What I always wondered in Paris was, how can they do it? These scammers there do it near the Eiffeltower. Had this ring-one happen there and some "deaf" girl trying to get 10 from me.
The police is always there but doesnt care it seems. I wonder if those scammers pay the police to not notice...
The police is always there but doesnt care it seems. I wonder if those scammers pay the police to not notice...
Yeah, experienced one of these in South Korea, but everyone else was so nice so I won't let a few rotten apples spoil my memories of the place. Even had a man offer to take my photo with no problem.
Alx
Member
They're very organized and can flee in mere seconds when the police comes too close. They always have people on the lookout. In the end the police is mostly there to scare them away, since what would they do if they caught them ?
And yeah, highly touristic places are usually "shitholes" like that (and Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world), that's why you should do your best to avoid them. Or learn to be rude as a Parisian towards anybody asking you for anything.
Sorry real tourists, but that's one of the reasons Parisians seem so rude in those places... Someone once started to shoo me away before realizing I was bringing him back something that fell from his bag (which apparently can be a scam too, but I was just being helpful).
Revolutionary
Member
Uh the music artist one is kinda bullshit, unless you're meeting them in a back alley or something. They're usually in very public places - their "accomplices" (IF they actually have any) can't and won't do anything if you simply walk away, like with any beggar.
What's this? I'm planning to travel to the US next year, so this stuff is great to be aware of.
A guy will bump into you and drop his bottle or glasses saying you broke it and will demand some compensation. They usually do this in crowded areas so if they try this on you just walk away.
The weird thing about the NYC "artist" scam is that I see these guys constantly walking around outside my office in SoHo with a stack of like 8 CDRs in their hands.
Why it's weird is that everyone who lives here knows about the scam, and because these guys walk around with so many CDs in their hands it's obvious who is doing it. I'm surprised cops don't just watch these guys for 5 minutes when they inevitably will try to strongarm some tourist and bust them.
If I were doing this scam, I'd keep the CDRs in a bag.
I also hate these guys because Broadway is an absolute shit show of slow moving tourists to negotiate through. Mix in three of these guys who are actually stopping groups of tourists in the middle of the sidewalk and the entire street gridlocks.
Why it's weird is that everyone who lives here knows about the scam, and because these guys walk around with so many CDs in their hands it's obvious who is doing it. I'm surprised cops don't just watch these guys for 5 minutes when they inevitably will try to strongarm some tourist and bust them.
If I were doing this scam, I'd keep the CDRs in a bag.
I also hate these guys because Broadway is an absolute shit show of slow moving tourists to negotiate through. Mix in three of these guys who are actually stopping groups of tourists in the middle of the sidewalk and the entire street gridlocks.
what's this infographic got against people trying to get on the come-up
I fell for this one the first time I was in NYC all those years ago.
Still feels bad ._.
Lost like $40.
milquetoast
Banned
if you approach me in the street or parking lot and are a stranger, I assume anything you say or do is the prelim to a scam and just keep it movin'. No I cannot help you, whatever it is.
Good to know, thanks! I'll be going alone, so I'll have to be extra careful of all these tactics.
This. If I'm in the city and you approach me for whatever reason, fuck off.
There's a documentary series on netflix from the UK, it's called Secret of the Thieves or something, or Secrets of the Scam, and for 7 episodes, they show the different methods used by store thieves, street pickpockets and scammers, it was very interesting stuff.. I wish I could remember the name but i'll reply with the name tonight.
And guys, I'm pretty sure that "gypsy" is considered to be a very bad racial slur. That graphic should be edited..
And guys, I'm pretty sure that "gypsy" is considered to be a very bad racial slur. That graphic should be edited..
Was it The Real Hustle?
iceatcs
Junior Member
1.21Gigawatts
Banned
There is a scam I've heard of in munich in the summer.
A lot of people sit in front of cafes where they have little tables, they place their stuff like smartphones or wallets on the table.
Fake tourists approach them with a big ass map, ask for directions, place the big ass map on table and steal the stuff from the table while you can't see it.
But thats not a real danger for tourists since nobody asks tourists for directions.
Also, don't give money to "homeless" people on the streets in europe.
Most of them are part of organised "begger groups" and they have to give the money they get to their bosses.
Also, for example in germany, nobody has to be homeless. People who live on the streets choose to do so. They could go to an institution and they would get a small apartment, but they don't want to do that.
A lot of people sit in front of cafes where they have little tables, they place their stuff like smartphones or wallets on the table.
Fake tourists approach them with a big ass map, ask for directions, place the big ass map on table and steal the stuff from the table while you can't see it.
But thats not a real danger for tourists since nobody asks tourists for directions.
Also, don't give money to "homeless" people on the streets in europe.
Most of them are part of organised "begger groups" and they have to give the money they get to their bosses.
Also, for example in germany, nobody has to be homeless. People who live on the streets choose to do so. They could go to an institution and they would get a small apartment, but they don't want to do that.
Solaire of Astora
Death by black JPN
Me too. Although I often feel like Japan is a scammer/thief paradise. People here are generally trusting and not used to scams. And don't get me started on all the stores leaving merchandise outside and unwatched.
Hell, a florists near my station leaves a ton of potted plants outside overnight. Where I'm from, people would steal/smash them at the end of a night out just for the sake of it.
The worst scam I've heard about here in Japan are the ones that involve calling elderly people, pretending to be their grandchildren and giving them a sob story about how they're in trouble and need money. My wife's grandmother has had that happen to her twice, but thankfully, she's far too clever to fall for that.
Twenty7KVN
Member
Are the 3 card monte guys pretty much extinct now? I remember i could find one of those guys on pretty much any high traffic street corner in nyc.
I've seen this in Montreal. I did a lot of back tracking during my trip so I always see beggars at the same spot. I even saw a shift change while I was waiting on line. The beggars seem polite so I never gave much thought to it.
BronsonLee
Member
what's this infographic got against people trying to get on the come-up
They're trying to save people around the world from shitty music!
Yeah, we had a guy pull this in Chicago too. Said he'd give us directions to a restaurant where we planned on meeting friends. We left the subway and he pointed in a direction and then asked for money for the help. Turned out that we were still like 10 blocks away and would have been better off staying on the subway we were on to begin with.
Chicago also had the Charge for a free newspaper scam and ton (literally fuck tons) of beggars. Including one that tried to strike up a conversation with us for cash while we were eating. While I think there is a legitimate issue with a lack of attention on the homeless and poor in this country, all of the scammers out there make it hard to actually do something legitimately good for them. Plus, it's never about getting food...it's always money.
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