Don’t Fall Prey To These 10 Travel Scams This Summer

Travel season heats up in summer—and unfortunately, so does scam season. With airports packed, hotels booked, and tourists flocking to unfamiliar places, scammers are ready to take advantage. Whether you’re traveling abroad or road-tripping in your home state, knowing the red flags can keep your vacation from turning into a nightmare. Here’s what to watch out for—and how to protect yourself.

Fake Vacation Rental Listings

You spot the perfect beachfront rental at an unbelievable price. You message the host and they ask you to pay via bank transfer or cash app—then disappear after payment. It’s one of the most common summer scams. Fake listings appear on both shady websites and legitimate platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo. Always book and pay through the official platform. Avoid deals that push communication off-site or pressure you to act fast. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Taxi Overcharging and “Broken Meter” Tricks

In popular tourist cities around the world, some taxi drivers will claim their meter is broken or that there’s a special rate for tourists. Others may take an unnecessarily long route to run up the fare. To avoid this, use a reputable ride-share app where pricing is fixed or always ask for the meter to be turned on before you enter. In unfamiliar cities, research the average taxi fare beforehand and ask your hotel or host for trusted taxi numbers.

“Helpful” Locals Who Want Your Wallet

Sometimes it’s the person who seems the friendliest that ends up robbing you. In cities and transportation hubs, scammers may pose as helpful locals, offering unsolicited help with directions, ticket machines, or luggage. While some may just be hustling for a tip, others are distracting you so a partner can pick your pocket. Be polite but cautious. If you need help, ask uniformed staff or go directly to an official information desk.

Free Bracelets, Flowers, or Gifts—That Aren’t Free

In many tourist-heavy areas, someone might offer you a “free” bracelet, flower, or trinket—then demand money once it’s in your hand or around your wrist. They may guilt or pressure you into paying, and in some cases, accomplices may even try to pick your pocket while you’re distracted. Keep your hands to yourself and firmly decline unsolicited items, even if they’re offered with a smile.

The “Closed Hotel” or “Changed Reservation” Con

This one often starts with a driver or supposed hotel rep telling you your hotel is closed or overbooked. They conveniently have a “friend” who can offer you another place—usually more expensive or lower quality, with a kickback going to the scammer. Don’t take their word for it. Call your hotel directly and confirm. If something really has changed, speak to the hotel staff—not a stranger who benefits from rerouting you.

ATM Skimming and Card Swapping

ATMs near tourist sites are a magnet for scammers. Some use skimming devices to steal your card info; others may distract you at the machine and switch your card for a fake. Use ATMs inside banks or hotel lobbies, when possible, cover your PIN with your hand, and inspect the machine for unusual devices or loose parts. If someone stands too close or tries to “help,” walk away.

Fake Police Officers

This scam typically involves someone posing as a plainclothes police officer asking to see your passport or wallet as part of a fake investigation. Once you hand it over, you may be pressured into handing over cash—or the officer may disappear with your belongings altogether. Always ask for ID. If you’re unsure, suggest walking together to the nearest police station. Real officers won’t object.

Wi-Fi Traps and Data Theft

Free public Wi-Fi can be a hacker’s playground. Scammers may set up networks with names like “Free Airport WiFi” or “Hotel Guest WiFi” to lure unsuspecting users. Once connected, they can snoop on your data or plant malware. Avoid logging into bank accounts or entering sensitive information on public networks. Use a virtual private network (VPN), or stick to your phone’s hotspot if you can.

Tour Guides That Aren’t

In tourist areas, unofficial guides may offer their services at popular attractions—some genuinely trying to earn tips, but others aiming to overcharge or even lead you into high-pressure sales situations. Always book tours through trusted agencies, your hotel concierge, or reputable apps like GetYourGuide or Viator. If someone approaches you aggressively offering a “discount tour,” politely decline and keep walking.

Timeshare and “Free Prize” Scams

You’re approached on the beach, in a plaza, or even inside a mall and offered a free gift or prize, if you attend a short presentation. Hours later, you’re trapped in a hard-sell timeshare pitch and pressured to sign up for something you don’t understand. These offers are often bait-and-switch schemes. If you’re truly curious about a resort, research it independently. Never sign anything under pressure or without reviewing the fine print.

Stay One Step Ahead of Summer Scammers

Scammers count on confusion, urgency, and your vacation mindset to let your guard down. But you don’t have to let them win. Stay informed, trust your instincts, and verify everything. A little caution goes a long way in keeping your summer travels focused on fun—not fraud.

10 Smart Things You Should Always Do Before Boarding a Flight

There’s a certain kind of traveler who glides through the airport with an effortless calm, unbothered by delays, TSA lines, or gate changes. They know the drill. The rest of us? We’re sweating through our layers, digging for passports, and praying our phone battery holds out just a little longer. But here’s the thing: that Zen-like travel confidence isn’t magic—it’s the result of smart pre-boarding rituals that keep stress at bay and the journey smooth.

READ: 10 Smart Things You Should Always Do Before Boarding a Flight

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