Check this before traveling abroad！ Decode 10 common overseas scams

When traveling abroad and finding yourself in an unfamiliar place, it's easy to fall victim to scams. While losing money is one thing, the worst-case scenarios involve losing your passport or even endangering your personal safety. Based on information compiled by Traveller, here are 10 common scam tactics and the countries where they often occur, so you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind and return home safely.

1. Your clothes have been stained with pigeon droppings

Location: Spain

This seemingly kind warning can easily make you let your guard down. If the “helpful” person then offers you a tissue and water, you’ve really “fallen for it,” because while you’re cleaning up, your valuables will likely disappear without you noticing.

2. Sorry, I’m in a rush to catch my flight—can I cut in line?

Location: Thailand, USA

When going through airport security, if someone suddenly tries to cut in front of you and asks for your help, beware. If you let them go ahead, by the time you get through, you may find that your valuables—which you had placed earlier to go through the X-ray machine—have gone missing. To stay safe, put your valuables through the X-ray last.

3. Hey handsome, want to have a drink with me?

Location: Thailand

If you’re approached by an attractive woman who enthusiastically invites you for a drink at a bar, don’t assume you’ve just gotten lucky. The moment you step into that bar, you’ve fallen into her “romance scam.” After enjoying drinks and conversation, you’ll be shocked by an exorbitant bill—and they’ll only accept cash.

Be very cautious when traveling abroad. (Photo/PEXELS)

4. I’m a police officer, please show me your passport

Location: Eastern Europe

Scammers often claim they need to check whether you have a valid visa or say there’s a problem with your visa that requires an on-the-spot extension fee. These are all fake. Protect yourself by asking them to go to the local police station with you to verify the situation properly.

5. Sir, your car tire is flat

Location: Spain

If you’re traveling by car, stay alert. If someone approaches you on the road claiming to have noticed your flat tire and says they know a nearby repair shop, don’t believe them. You could end up being heavily overcharged—or even threatened and robbed. If this happens, the safest thing to do is stay inside your locked car, keep your documents and valuables secure, document the situation with your phone, and call the police if possible.

6. Did you drop this?

Location: Paris

If someone on the street shows you a gold ring and asks if it’s yours, beware of your greed. They’ll then ask for a reward—but the “gold ring” is actually just a brass ring painted to look like gold.

7. Thank you for visiting the temple—we need donations to renovate it

Location: Asia

When traveling abroad, you might want to visit a local temple to learn about the culture. But if a monk approaches you asking for a “kind and generous donation” to renovate the temple, and even shows you a list of donors from around the world to imply legitimacy, beware—the money will likely just go into their own pocket.

8. The hotel you’re going to has closed down

Location: India

When taking taxis abroad, be cautious if the driver tells you your hotel has closed and recommends another one. Often, they have a partnership with the hotel they suggest and earn a commission.

9. Buy XXX, you’ve come to the right place

Location: From the Istanbul Strait to countries bordering the South China Sea

If a local guide takes you to a place where the bills are in a language you can understand, don’t doubt it—you’re being forced to spend money. The shop owners and local guides usually have a partnership.

10. Ah！Help me catch the baby

Locations: France, Spain, Italy

If you hear something like this, few people would refuse to help. But while you're catching the baby, their accomplices will start rifling through your belongings.