One of the most empowering things you can ever do as a woman is to take occasional travels; it doesn’t matter if it’s a solo trip across Europe, a business meeting in some other city or town, or even a weekend escape with friends. That is because there’s always a new facet of the journey that is aimed at broadening your view of the world, especially since you get to meet new people who add to the good memories you make in the process.
But then, this adventure has its quirks, one being that not everyone you meet has good intentions. Some folks (scammers, to be precise) are inclined to target you and other tourists, and, as a woman, there’s that added layer of vulnerability due to safety concerns, which makes it important to be extra alert. No matter where you’re traveling, safety precautions are a must. If it’s New York, for example, you can check a full listing of the safest New York towns in New York State.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the common scams bad actors pull and how to avoid them so you can always travel with confidence.
Let’s start with the obvious question on everyone’s lips.
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Why Are Women Often Targeted?
In truth, travel scams are equal-opportunity crimes, some as small as paying too much for a cab ride and others as serious as putting you in harm’s way. While anyone can be targeted, women often get approached differently, sometimes because scammers assume they’ll be more trusting or easier to distract. Coupled with this is the issue of cultural differences, which, in certain countries, make women stand out even more.
Does this mean you should travel in fear? Absolutely not. However, the implication here is that you need to be amply prepared for each trip and situationally aware throughout.
10 Common Travel Scams to Watch Out For
Some of the scams women travelers report most often, whether abroad or in the U.S., are:
1. The Fake Taxi Driver
Airports are prime hunting grounds for scammers, and taxis are often the bait, in that when you step out of an airport, you’ll most likely find someone waving you over. There’s a likelihood of that person being an unlicensed cab driver. Sometimes, you’ll be able to tell that by the sharp contrast between their cab and other cabs nearby or missing stickers and plates indicating approval for them to operate in that area; other times, there’s no difference at all.
So you end up hopping into their cab in haste or out of exhaustion (or both), and a ride that should’ve cost you $40 ends up costing you $120 for the same distance. Or worse, you’re dropped somewhere unsafe. How can you avoid such outcomes? It’s simple. Skip the “helpful” driver waiting by the curb and stick to official taxi stands, trusted rideshare apps, or pre-book through your hotel.
2. The Overly Helpful Stranger
This is a classic playbook used against travelers in tight spots. In your case, and as a woman, it could be you fumbling with your luggage or you looking lost at a train station, not knowing where to process your boarding pass or which train to board. Out of nowhere, a stranger shows up to sort out the situation. They sound genuine and kind, so you accept their request only to find out it’s not free.
And now, you’re torn between parting with your hard-earned money (a sizeable amount, of course) and losing your belongings if you don’t comply. But here’s a solution. If you need help, ask someone clearly legitimate, ideally a uniformed employee. Don’t rely on random strangers.
3. The Street Distraction Trick
We all love a good show, and is there something better than a street performance with crowds cheering? Unfortunately, that’s also the perfect setup for pickpockets who rely on distraction to steal from unsuspecting victims. It might be through a child tugging your arm, a spilled drink, or a pushy vendor shoving trinkets in your face. While your attention is pulled one way, someone else is already unzipping your bag.
To avoid such, keep your things close when in crowded areas. Have a crossbody bag in front, zippers secured, and never, for any reason, flash a stack of cash.
4. The “Free” Bracelet or Flower
Many of us have encountered this scam, where someone slips a bracelet onto your wrist or presses a flower into your hand, smiling and insisting it’s free. It feels charming at first. However, seconds later, they’re demanding payment, which puts you in an awkward standoff. Here’s a tip: don’t stop walking, and don’t let anyone put something on you. If someone insists, maintain a firm “no, thank you” and move away.
5. The Accommodation Imposter
Hotels and rentals aren’t immune to scams either. A late-night phone call from the “front desk” asking for your credit card can seem believable, but it’s often a fraudster on the other end luring you into their trap. This is a trend with some vacation rentals, where you’re tricked by their fake listings into paying booking fees, only to find out that the property doesn’t even exist.
For safety purposes, never share your card details over the phone. If the call seems real, go down to the desk yourself. Stick to reputable hosting platforms and double-check reviews of listed properties before booking your choice.
6. Fake Wi-Fi
Internet access is a sore spot for many when they come to another country. You’ve probably dealt with it too. You need to urgently send an email but can’t do that without an internet connection. The easiest option for some people is to connect to public Wi-Fi. But it’s not always as innocent as it seems. According to Statista, almost 4 out of 10 surveyed U.S. adults reported having their personal data compromised using public Wi-Fi in cafés or restaurants.
“But what could possibly happen if I connect to a public network?” you may ask. Data theft, malware distribution, financial loss, and privacy invasion are just a few risks that should make you think twice before resorting to public Wi-Fi, especially in another country.
7. Fake Currency Scam
If you’ve exchanged money in your own country before going to another one, you did the right thing. The main reason is that you can get duped when doing it upon arrival. But you can only encounter a fake currency scam when exchanging money at street markets, bars, restaurants, or fake currency exchanges. That’s why it’s important to search in advance and only convert currency in official places, such as banks and licensed currency exchange offices.
8. Donation Scams
For many, in-person donations are a thing of the past, as now it’s possible to choose any charity you wish online and make a contribution. However, some charities still ask for donations in person, especially in public places. And that’s where scammers excel.
You may be approached at popular tourist spots or even in unknown destinations to donate to a “charity” or “local cause”. In most instances, it happens very quickly, as these scammers are usually too persistent. But it’s never a good idea to donate to a charity you’ve never even heard of. If you’re willing to give, take your time and ask questions or search online. If people aren’t willing to share or their answers are vague, rest assured, your donations won’t reach the needy.
9. Rental Scams
Public transportation isn’t for everyone, especially when you want to be in charge of your route by making stops whenever you want or making sure you’re not dealing with pickpockets when exploring the city from the bus window. So, in this case, it would be a smart decision to rent a vehicle. However, always pay attention to the condition of the car/bike/scooter or any other equipment you want to rent, as something may be damaged intentionally to charge you extra fees when you return the vehicle.
10. Fake Tour Guides
This unpleasant scam involves someone offering you a “private tour” with insider knowledge, but instead leads you to overpriced shops or claims the tickets you need are unavailable unless you pay extra. In some cases, you may buy their tours online only to find out upon arrival that the website was fake and such tours don’t exist.
That’s why it’s important to book tours through official channels only.
Extra Safety Tips
Here are a few additional strategies to help keep you safe:
- Research before you go. Look up not just common scams specific to your destinations, but also cities that are safer and less prone to these issues.
- Blend in when possible. No flashy jewelry, no high-end accessories, and definitely, no designer bags, especially in strange public places. Such items give the impression that you’re “loaded”, consequently making you a target.
- Trust your gut. If something feels off, it most certainly is. Don’t act on impulse, and remember again, a firm “No, thank you!” works well in such situations.
- Keep copies of documents and have a backup plan. Your ID, passport, and travel insurance should come in handy digitally so that you aren’t stranded if the physical copies get stolen along with your bag. Do well to save the addresses of your hotel and embassy, and carry a backup credit card separate from your main wallet.
- Use women-friendly apps and communities. Groups like Tourlina, Women Who Travel, and safety-focused apps help you connect with other women travelers for advice and companionship.
Let’s Wrap Up on Women Travel Scams
Travel-related scams are real and even more concerning for women (especially those who take solo trips). However, they’re preventable. As earlier stated, all it takes is preparation, awareness, and the right tools, which this guide has provided. So, why not put all you’ve learned into use? Do that, and you’re guaranteed to have a safer experience on your next trip.
*This article has been contributed to Owl Over The World.
