Travel
8 Popular Travel Scams You Should Know About
Don’t let these clever scams ruin your vacation.
The Fake Baby Scam
Ah, Rome. The land of the infamous fake baby trick. This scam works by a woman tripping and throwing her bundled “baby” right into your line of fire so you’ll have to try and save it. While you’re enthralled with what’s probably a sack of flour in a scarf, thieves will be taking your camera bag or anything else you’ve left behind in pursuit of saving this woman’s baby. They’re really good. Another common gypsy endeavor happens when a small child comes up to you to give you a flower, while another one is picking through your purse or pockets behind you. Beware of anyone tripping and tossing their baby, or any other weird situations. It’s most likely a distraction.
“Free” Massages on the Beach
Who wouldn’t want a free massage while basking in the sun on the beach? This scam is super common on the beaches in South America, like Colombia’s Baru Islands Playa Blanca. You’ll be soaking up the sun when a woman comes up and begins massaging you, as a “gift.” Creepy, but great! Yet after you’ve enjoyed the treat, she’ll ask for about $10 in pesos for her services. When traveling, it’s important to remember that nothing is actually free, so expect local opportunists to charge you for just about anything they do for you.
Claire Martinez
I would just add that in a lot of countries, taxi drivers are just charging a lot more because you’re a tourist and they’re aware that you don’t know the prices there. So ask a local to book your taxi or someone that knows the country very well.
Sandra Walling
There was this kind cab driver, and I ask for his phone number so that I can easily contact him when I need I ride. He has been my driver for almost 2 years now 🙂
Mary Shirley
Those crazy CD bullies! It happened to me, one time. I threw his CD back to him! I was like, Dude, I don’t even know you!
Mira Kent
Haha! I love your come back to that dude! ?
Bernice Miles
You should always have phone records in case of emergencies. Aside from your phone contacts, you should have a phone book.
Cindy Simon
Oh, scammers! They’ll do anything just to have some easy money from people. Why don’t they just find a decent job!
Sharon Novak
Paris. This is a sad news to read that there are a lot of scammers in the city of love 🙁
Delores Mullen
I’m sad by those fake baby scams. You’re going to help that lady and yet they’ll be taking advantage of that kindness that you’ve shown.?
Ann Amos
I’ve never liked traveling alone. I can travel alone as long as the trip will be by a group. I prefer that than being alone, by myself, in a strange place I don’t know.
John Lineberger
I’m gonna share this with my girlfriend because she and her family loves to travel. It’s better to know about this and be careful than be sorry at a later time.
Donna Mack
Poor camels! Those Egyptians should be the one who’s TAKING CARE of them since they’re making use of them.