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.

Paris – Fake Petition Scam

POSTED October 29th 2024 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...
› Read More

France: Found-Lost Gold Ring Scam in Paris – Videos

POSTED August 3rd 2024 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...
› Read More

Deaf Mute and Fake Petition Scams in Europe

POSTED June 28th 2024 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...
› Read More

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

POSTED June 23rd 2024 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...
› Read More

Travel Scams in Europe You Need to Know Now

POSTED January 15th 2024 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...
› Read More

Italy: Pickpocket Scams in Venice

POSTED January 4th 2024 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...
› Read More