Have you ever been taken by a "Dudu car" to buy gems? Beware of these 10 common “travel scams”

By Rita

“Scams” are truly a global business for opportunists, especially when people are traveling abroad on vacation. Language barriers and a relaxed mindset often make travelers easy prey.According to the Daily Mail,*80 Travel Scams Around the World* is a highly practical travel book that compiles various scam scenarios travelers are likely to encounter. This article selects the 10 most frequently encountered ones—be sure to stay vigilant on your next trip and don’t fall for them again.

▲ Beware of these travel scam tactics!(Image/Dazi/ Illustration)

1. Fake Wake-Up Calls
This is a fairly common travel scam. The scammer, posing as a front desk staff member, calls late at night claiming that due to an internal hotel network issue, they need to re-confirm your credit card details. In reality, many of them are criminals using stolen phones to call hotel rooms. Their goal is to steal money from your account while you're half-asleep.
How to avoid: Refuse to give any information, hang up immediately, and contact hotel staff and the police right away.

2. Watch Out for Airline Tickets That Promise Refunds
Scammers sell “refundable airline tickets” online. After you pay in cash, you eventually find out you never received the tickets.
How to avoid: Buy tickets directly from airlines or trusted websites.

3. Fake Takeaway Menus
No matter how hungry you are, be cautious about ordering from fake takeaway menus. These menus often appear in corners of your room. When you place an order, the food obviously never arrives—and worse, they may have captured your credit card information and made large unauthorized withdrawals.
How to avoid: Eat at local restaurants or use room service.

4. Gem Scams
They always offer to sell you gems at low prices, promising you can resell them at high prices back home—but they usually turn out to be worthless junk. This is very common in Southeast Asia and India. One Malaysian man was taken to a jewelry store where the staff claimed it was the last day of a special sale. With an ISO 9001 sign outside, he had no reason to doubt them. He bought two pendants, a ring, and a pair of earrings for about 120,000 Taiwan dollars. But after returning to Malaysia, an appraisal revealed they were all fakes.
How to avoid: Do your homework before buying and never purchase unusual or suspicious gemstones.

5. Airport Security Scam
When you’re about to go through security, someone loiters nearby with keys in their pocket. They deliberately rush ahead of you to set off the alarm and then “pretend” they forgot to pick up their keys. While this little chaos unfolds, an accomplice on the other side quickly steals your laptop, phone, or wallet.
How to avoid: Keep your eyes on your belongings at all times during security checks.

6. Distraction Theft
The primary goal of this scam is to distract you. For example, a woman carrying what looks like a doll or a child approaches you for money and insists you hold the child for a moment—then takes the opportunity to steal your wallet amid the confusion.
How to avoid: Walk away quietly and avoid distractions.

7. Checkout That’s Unbearably Slow
This situation is very common in Europe. You buy a ticket, souvenir, or some food, but the cashier takes an “extremely long time” to process the payment. Losing patience, you quickly grab your change and leave—only to realize later that you’ve been shortchanged.
How to avoid: Wait for them to finish the transaction.

8. Injured Beggars
Commonly seen in India, South America, and Southeast Asia, some stories behind these beggars are truly heartbreaking. In 2008, Pakistani police busted a major begging ring. An 8-year-old boy told authorities that the gang leader had broken his arm to make him more pitiful for begging. He and others were placed in “begging hotspots,” and all earnings went to the gang leader to support their continued begging.
How to avoid: Give food, not money

9. Corrupt police
This can happen anywhere in the world—police may demand bribes from tourists by claiming they've broken the law.
How to avoid: Show willingness to take responsibility, stay calm, and talk your way out of the situation.

10. Rosemary sellers
Be especially cautious with attractive women who offer you rosemary for free. They often start conversations with “friendship,” then hold your hand and claim they want to read your future. This scenario is quite common in Madrid and New Delhi. Once you accept the rosemary, beware of what happens next—it could end up costing you a lot.
How to avoid: Quickly walk away in the opposite direction

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