Travel Scams

Savvy travelers know how to spot and avoid scams found in most popular tourist locations. Con artists are always upping their game with the sole intention to take your money from you or to distract you while an accomplice pickpockets you and takes your valuables. Read where and how these thieves like to prey on tourists. Don’t be a victim.

France – Watch Out for the Infamous Paris String or Friendship Bracelet Scam

POSTED June 23rd 2021 BY Beth Williams
A Famous Tourist Scam in Paris, France The Paris string scam in and around Paris (as well as other tourist cities in France and Italy) is also known as the  “Friendship Bracelet Scam” or the “French String Scam.” It’s a popular game or gift to engage you and distract you while an accomplice picks your pockets, bags, or bullies you into giving a donation in...
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France: Found-Lost Gold Ring Scam in Paris – Videos

POSTED August 3rd 2020 BY Beth Williams
Beware of the Lost-Found Gold Ring Scam The “lost ring” scam is one of the oldest and most famous of the tourist scams in Paris, France and has now spread all across Europe where many tourists gather. There are several versions of this scam and its delivery is dependent on the scam artist or thief presenting the scam. One common thread is that always the...
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Deaf Mute and Fake Petition Scams in Europe

POSTED June 28th 2020 BY Beth Williams
Tourist Scams in Europe Include “Deaf Mute” People with Petitions  Thieves and scammers make a living preying on the kind hearts and naivete of tourists.  Familiarize yourself with the petition scams in Europe and save your money. The Deaf Mute Scam and the Fake Petition Scam typically involves women or young girls as the scammers. Some are pregnant, but on occasion young boys may also...
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Travel Scams in Europe You Need to Know Now

POSTED January 15th 2020 BY Travel Writer
Where there are tourists, there are pickpockets and con-artists. Travel scams in Europe typically fall into two categories.  Distraction thefts and thefts of opportunity. Some scams seem to be more prevalent in some countries while other travel scams are more popular in different countries. You’re more vulnerable to being ripped off in unfamiliar surroundings and street thieves take advantage of this. Trending Distraction Travel Scams...
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Paris – Fake Petition Scam –

POSTED October 29th 2019 BY Beth Williams
In Paris Don’t Fall for the – Fake Petition Scam The fake petition scam has been going on in France, Italy, and Spain for years because it is so successful. It’s a scam many first time visitors fall for because it starts out as what appears to be a legitimate conversation with a friendly local.  You will usually find con-artists with clipboards at many of...
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Italy: Pickpocket Scams in Venice

POSTED March 20th 2019 BY Beth Williams
Venice is a great “don’t miss” city in Italy, but it’s also where pickpockets prey on tourists. Like tourists, pickpockets love Venice, too. The allure of Venice with its great history, art, beautiful sights, and of course, gondolas attract tourists and tourists attract pickpockets, scam artists, and street thieves; the more tourists there are, the more pickpockets there are.  After the summer months, Carnival is...
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Be Aware of “Rogue” or Free Wi-Fi Networks

POSTED April 30th 2017 BY Beth Williams
If you use so-called ‘free’ Wi-Fi networks while at your favorite cafe or while traveling, you might get more than you bargained for. Protect yourself – and your identity – with these simple tips. You’re sitting in an airport lounge and seize the chance to check your e-mails before your flight departs. You log on and are tempted by a wireless Internet provider offering free...
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Common Scams To Watch Out For When Traveling

POSTED April 12th 2010 BY Beth Williams
Tourists have been the targets of scam for as long as anyone can remember. What’s interesting is that many of these scams used over 100 years ago are still as popular today – they are just updated a little bit to fit today’s times. Here is a list of the most common travel scams that you should be aware of before traveling overseas.  Travel Scam...
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