Sneaky Scam #1: The Broken Camera (common worldwide)
Someone asks you to take a photo of them and/or their group of friends, you kindly oblige but upon handing back the camera they move such that the camera falls and breaks. Now they're demanding money for repairs and/or pickpocketing you during the commotion.
How to Avoid: Either don't take photos of strangers or stand firm, shake your head and walk away if they try pulling this trick on you.
Sneaky Scam #2: Fake Front Desk Call (common worldwide)
An identity thief calls your hotel room pretending to be the front desk, asking you to confirm your credit card details. What's so sneaky? They call late at night when you're too tired to go downstairs and confirm in person.
How to Avoid: Ask for details ("what's the problem, why are you calling me now?"), get the caller's name and walk downstairs to sort it out in person.
Sneaky Scam #3: The Expensive Taxi Driver (common worldwide)
While I shared a personal taxi scamming experience in my last post, another way taxi drivers will scam you is by rigging the meter beforehand such that fare rises at a faster rate. Others will quote you one price at the beginning of a trip then quote a much higher price halfway through the drive (usually while you're on a highway, delaying an exit and raising costs).
How to Avoid: In Istanbul, use www.taksiyle.com/en to calculate the route and estimated cost of the trip. Otherwise you can print 2 copies of Google Maps directions, handing one copy to the driver and using the second copy to follow along with the actual route they take - protest if they veer off.
Sneaky Scam #4: Slow Counting & Drop n Swap (common in Europe & Asia, respectively)
Many scams work by creating social pressure. Cashiers might take their sweet time counting through your change in the hopes you'll get fed up and accept whatever they give you even if it's a smaller sum than you're owed. Others might "accidentally" drop your change, picking up similar looking but lesser valued coins and notes instead.
How to Avoid: You're on vacation, right? Take your sweet time confirming the change before leaving the counter.
Sneaky Scam #5: The Thrown Baby (common in Rome)
A woman walks towards you, suddenly throwing a bundled baby (a doll in reality) into your arms. Instinctively you reach out to catch the child, adrenaline pumping and hands now occupied while she and her accomplices raid your pockets or purse.
How to Avoid: Stay in larger groups if possible - it's easier for them to target singles or couples.
Sneaky Scam #6: The Friendship Bracelet, Music Artist & Free Peanuts (common in various tourist spots)
These 3 are bundled together since they all bank on social awkwardness to pressure you for money. You're offered something seemingly free-a bracelet, CD, food-then harassed for cash upon accepting.
How to Avoid: Don't accept anything without a clear price - return the item immediately into the scammer's hands. If they don't accept the returned item, place it on the floor next to them.
Sneaky Scam #7: Eager English Students (common in Shanghai, Beijing and Xian)
Young ladies overhear you speaking English and request to practice theirs on you. Either they start telling you a sob story to guilt you into offering money or offer to return the favor at a cafe, ordering drinks and leaving before the bill arrives.
How to Avoid: Ignore or say "Wish I could" and keep walking without engaging with them further.
The world is a big, beautiful place but you need to stay cautious of scammers. You can be scammed while walking on the street, by shopkeepers, or even at your own hotel! Remember, most scammers count on awkward situations to pressure you into parting with your valuables - combat that by standing your ground (which sometimes means walking away from a situation like #1 or #6).
All 40 scams: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/23/travel-scams_n_5605742.html
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