A recent study by Compare the Market has revealed the most common tourist scams worldwide – and how much money travellers typically lose.
According to the Daily Mail and the study, these scams range from dodgy taxis or fake booking sites.
Here’s what to look out for when travelling abroad this year…
1. Overpriced taxi rides – The #1 scam
Topping the list are overpriced taxi fares, with nearly a third (32%) of travellers reporting they’ve been overcharged. The average loss per trip is around £17 or R400. The best way to avoid this? Book your ride in advance, preferably through your hotel or a trusted ride-hailing app, and agree on the fare before setting off.
2. Street sellers with ‘free’ items
Coming in second place are street sellers who claim items are free, until they demand payment once you accept. Others sell counterfeit goods advertised as genuine leather, silk, or other luxury materials. Around 20% of travellers fall for this, the study found, losing an average of £17.39 or R410 each time. The rule of thumb? If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
3. Restaurants inflating bills
Restaurants abroad have been known to inflate final bills, adding hidden charges or outright overpricing items. Almost one in five (18%) travellers surveyed say they’ve been hit with an inflated bill. A quarter contested it and paid less, but over half paid in full, losing an average of £22.58 or R530 per incident. Always check the bill carefully and don’t hesitate to question suspicious charges.
4. Fake booking websites
Online booking fraud is a growing problem. Around 12% of holidaymakers admit to falling victim to fake accommodation or travel websites, losing an average of £113.30 or R2 700 each time. Always double-check the website URL, read reviews, and use secure payment methods.
5. Phishing emails pretending to be hotels
Phishing scams rank fifth, with 11% of travellers clicking on fake emails designed to steal money or personal information. Typically, scammers pose as hotels and request upfront payments. Victims lose an average of £75 or R1 800. When in doubt, contact the hotel directly via official channels before paying.
6. Dodgy money exchanges
Lastly, money exchange scams remain a risk. Tourists who use unofficial exchange services or unverified ATMs can be short-changed, offered terrible rates, or even have their cards skimmed. About 10% of travellers admitted falling victim, losing an average of £28 or R680.
What other scams have you found when travelling?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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