Most people you meet overseas will be honest and helpful. Unfortunately, travellers are also attractive targets because they may be unfamiliar with local prices, transport systems, language and payment methods.
The most effective travel scams create urgency, distraction, embarrassment or social pressure. Knowing the basic patterns makes it easier to pause, check what is happening and walk away before money, cards, passports or personal information are lost.
Common travel scams at a glance
| Scam | How it usually works | Best response |
|---|---|---|
| Fake booking website | A convincing website or advertisement sells flights, accommodation or tickets that do not exist | Open the provider’s official website independently and verify the booking directly |
| Taxi overcharging | The driver refuses the meter, takes a long route or changes the agreed price | Use an official taxi rank or reputable transport app and confirm the fare method first |
| Distraction theft | One person distracts you while another steals a wallet, phone or bag | Secure valuables before responding and move away from the group |
| Fake police officer | Someone demands to inspect cash, cards or a passport and claims to be an official | Do not hand over money; ask to verify their identity at a police station |
| ATM or card fraud | A tampered machine, hidden camera or dishonest operator captures card information | Use bank-owned ATMs, cover the keypad and keep the card in sight |
| Currency-exchange trick | The operator uses a poor rate, hidden fee, confusing notes or a counting trick | Confirm the final amount before handing over cash and count it carefully |
| Closed attraction | A stranger says the attraction is closed and redirects you to a shop, tour or expensive ride | Check with the official entrance or website yourself |
| Rental damage claim | Existing damage is blamed on you when a car, scooter or equipment is returned | Photograph and video the item before and after the rental |
| Fake emergency message | A criminal impersonates a traveller or relative and asks family to send money | Use a pre-arranged family security question and verify through another channel |
Fake flight and accommodation websites
Scammers create websites, social-media pages and advertisements that closely resemble airlines, travel agents, hotels or booking platforms. Some also compromise genuine email accounts and redirect a legitimate customer towards a fraudulent bank account.
Warning signs include:
- a price far below every other provider;
- pressure to pay immediately;
- payment requested by bank transfer, cryptocurrency or gift card;
- a website address with misspelled words or extra characters;
- communication moved away from the booking platform;
- bank details changing unexpectedly;
- no verifiable physical address or customer support; and
- a booking that the airline or hotel cannot locate.
Do not click an advertisement and assume the first result is genuine. Open the airline, hotel or booking service through its known application or type the official address yourself.
After booking, confirm directly that the reservation exists—particularly when dealing with a private holiday rental or unfamiliar agent.
Fake customer-service accounts
Travellers often post publicly when a flight is delayed or an airline is not responding. Scammers monitor these posts and reply from accounts that resemble official customer support.
The fake account may ask for:
- a booking reference;
- passport details;
- credit-card information;
- one-time security codes;
- payment for a replacement flight; or
- remote access to your phone or computer.
Do not trust an account because it uses the company logo. Contact the airline through the number or chat service in its official app or website.
Taxi and transport scams
Common taxi problems include:
- refusing to use the meter;
- claiming the meter is broken;
- taking an unnecessarily long route;
- changing the agreed fare at the destination;
- adding invented luggage, airport or road charges;
- giving incorrect change;
- switching your banknote for a lower-value note; and
- taking you to a hotel, shop or attraction that pays commission.
Reduce the risk by using an official airport taxi rank, licensed taxi or reputable transport application. Check the approximate route and fare beforehand. Screenshot the vehicle and driver details when using an app.
If negotiating is normal at the destination, agree on the total fare and currency before entering. Confirm whether tolls, luggage and airport charges are included.
The “your hotel is closed” scam
A driver or apparently helpful stranger may claim that your hotel, restaurant, attraction or temple is closed, fully booked, damaged or unsafe. They offer to take you somewhere else, often because they receive commission.
Do not accept the claim without checking. Call the hotel, open its official app or continue to the public entrance.
A genuine closure can happen, but the person redirecting you should not be your only source of information.
Fake police and officials
A person may claim to be a police officer, security official or plain-clothes investigator and accuse you of carrying counterfeit money, breaking a local law or being involved in an investigation.
They may demand to inspect your wallet, count your cash, take your passport or accompany you to an ATM.
If approached:
- Remain calm and do not run.
- Ask to see official identification.
- Do not hand over cash, cards or PINs.
- Ask to continue the conversation at a police station.
- Call the local emergency number or tourist police if safe.
- Contact your hotel or tour operator for help.
Local laws differ, and genuine officials may require identification. The objective is to verify the person safely without physically resisting or escalating the situation.
Distraction scams and pickpocketing
Distraction theft often involves more than one person. Common setups include:
- someone spilling food or liquid on your clothing;
- a stranger asking for directions;
- a staged argument or commotion;
- a person claiming you dropped an item;
- an unsolicited bracelet or flower placed on you;
- someone crowding you at a ticket machine; or
- a child or group surrounding you.
Secure your belongings before helping. Keep bags zipped and positioned in front of you in crowds. Do not place a phone or wallet on a café table near a footpath.
Be particularly alert at airports, stations, tourist attractions, markets and crowded public transport.
The bracelet, flower and “free gift” scam
Someone places a bracelet around your wrist, hands you a flower or offers a small souvenir while insisting it is free. Once you accept it, they demand payment or create a scene.
Do not allow the item to be attached to you. Keep walking and say no firmly. Avoid opening your wallet in the middle of a group.
Politeness does not require you to participate in an unwanted transaction.
ATM tampering and card skimming
Criminals may attach a skimming device to an ATM, place a false cover over the keypad or use a hidden camera to record your PIN. A helpful stranger may offer assistance while attempting to see the PIN or take the card.
Use an ATM attached to a bank branch where possible. Before inserting the card:
- look for loose or unusual parts around the card slot;
- check whether the keypad appears raised or covered;
- shield the keypad with your other hand;
- decline help from strangers;
- cancel the transaction if anything feels wrong; and
- check banking alerts and transactions regularly.
If the machine retains your card, contact the bank through an official number. Do not accept a nearby stranger’s phone number or advice.
Card-payment and currency-conversion tricks
A merchant or ATM may offer to charge you in Australian dollars rather than the local currency. This is commonly called dynamic currency conversion.
The displayed Australian-dollar amount may include an unfavourable exchange rate or additional margin. Choosing the local currency generally allows your own card provider to perform the conversion under its applicable rate and fees.
Before approving payment:
- check the amount and currency on the terminal;
- do not let the card disappear from view;
- cover your PIN;
- keep or photograph the receipt; and
- enable instant transaction notifications.
Do not sign a blank receipt or allow a merchant to process the transaction repeatedly without checking whether earlier attempts succeeded.
Currency-exchange scams
Street money changers may advertise an excellent rate and then use hidden commissions, sleight of hand, confusing note denominations or counting tricks.
Safer steps include:
- Use a reputable bank or established exchange office.
- Check the approximate market rate first.
- Ask exactly how much local currency you will receive after all fees.
- Count the money yourself before leaving the counter.
- Do not allow the operator to take it back for another count.
- Keep the transaction receipt.
A slightly less attractive rate from a reputable provider can be better value than losing money to a dishonest exchange.
Fake tours, tickets and attraction passes
Scammers sell counterfeit or invalid tickets for attractions, concerts, sporting events, transport and tours. Large events and sold-out dates create urgency that makes travellers more willing to take risks.
Buy through:
- the venue’s official website;
- an authorised ticket seller;
- a reputable tour operator;
- the official transport provider; or
- a seller whose authorisation can be independently confirmed.
A QR code can link to a fake payment site just as easily as a genuine one. Check the destination address before entering payment information.
Motorbike, scooter and vehicle-rental scams
A rental operator may blame you for existing scratches, charge for exaggerated damage, claim an item was stolen or refuse to return a passport held as security.
Before accepting a vehicle:
- Read the agreement and insurance terms.
- Photograph and video every side in good light.
- Record existing scratches, tyres, wheels, mirrors and fuel level.
- Make sure the damage is written on the agreement.
- Check helmets and safety equipment.
- Confirm whether your licence is valid for the vehicle and country.
- Avoid leaving your passport as security where another arrangement is available.
- Record the condition again when returning it.
- Obtain written confirmation that the vehicle was returned.
Gem, jewellery and investment scams
A friendly stranger, driver or guide may lead you to a jewellery, carpet, art or gem shop offering a “special government sale” or a guaranteed opportunity to resell the item in Australia for a profit.
The goods may be fake, heavily overpriced or impossible to export legally. The promised buyer in Australia will not exist.
Do not make investment decisions during a holiday based on advice from strangers who control the shop, transport and supposed valuation.
Bar, restaurant and nightclub scams
A friendly local invites you to a venue where drinks are ordered without clear prices. The final bill is enormous, and security staff may prevent you from leaving until payment is made.
Other versions involve:
- menus without prices;
- substituting premium products;
- adding invented service charges;
- charging for items you did not order;
- tampering with drinks; or
- taking your card away for payment.
Choose established venues, check prices before ordering and keep control of your drink and card. Leave early if the situation feels organised or coercive.
Public Wi-Fi and fake charging stations
Criminals can create Wi-Fi networks with names resembling a hotel, airport or café. Connecting may expose unencrypted information or direct you to a fake login page.
Smartraveller advises caution with public unsecured Wi-Fi and recommends protective steps such as disabling automatic Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections, updating devices and using multi-factor authentication.
Before connecting:
- ask staff for the exact network name;
- avoid banking or sensitive account changes on public Wi-Fi;
- use mobile data where practical;
- do not install unexpected software or certificates;
- keep device sharing disabled; and
- use your own charging cable and adaptor.
SIM card and phone-shop scams
An unofficial seller may overcharge, activate the wrong plan, photograph identity documents unnecessarily or register the service incorrectly.
Use an official carrier store or authorised outlet. Confirm:
- the total price;
- the included data and expiry;
- whether hotspot use is allowed;
- the activation process;
- which identity documents are legally required; and
- how to check the remaining balance.
Do not leave an unlocked phone or passport unattended with a seller.
Fake emergencies sent to your family
A scammer may impersonate you through a stolen phone, compromised social-media account or AI-generated voice. They tell your family that you have been arrested, robbed or hospitalised and urgently need money.
Before travelling, agree on a private family security question or phrase. It should not be discoverable from social media.
If family receives an emergency request, they should:
- Pause before sending money.
- Contact you through another known channel.
- Ask the agreed security question.
- Contact your travel companion or accommodation.
- Verify any claimed authority through an official number.
Romance and friendship scams
A new romantic interest or unusually attentive friend may gradually create trust before requesting money, gifts, travel sponsorship, investment funds or help transporting property.
Never carry a stranger’s bag, parcel or medicine across a border. You are responsible for what is in your luggage, and penalties for prohibited drugs or goods can be severe.
How to reduce the risk before leaving Australia
- Check the Smartraveller advice for every destination.
- Book through independently verified providers.
- Tell your bank where and when you are travelling if required.
- Enable transaction notifications.
- Take more than one payment method and store them separately.
- Set sensible card and transfer limits.
- Save official bank, insurer and consular contact numbers.
- Copy your passport, visa, insurance and booking documents.
- Leave copies with someone you trust.
- Agree on a family security question.
- Update devices and enable strong passcodes and multi-factor authentication.
- Purchase appropriate travel insurance and read the policy.
What to do if you are scammed overseas
- Get somewhere safe. Do not confront an organised group or pursue a thief.
- Contact your bank immediately. Block cards, secure accounts and report unauthorised transactions.
- Change compromised passwords. Start with email and banking accounts.
- Report the incident to local police. Ask for a written report or reference number.
- Contact your travel insurer. Follow its instructions and preserve receipts and evidence.
- Report a stolen passport. Contact the nearest Australian embassy, high commission or consulate.
- Preserve evidence. Keep messages, receipts, photographs, booking records and transaction details.
- Tell your family. Warn them if your phone, email or social-media accounts may be compromised.
- Report the scam to Scamwatch. This helps authorities understand current scam activity.
In a consular emergency, Australians overseas can contact the nearest Australian diplomatic mission or call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305.
What the Australian Government can and cannot do
Consular officers may provide information about local processes, give you details for local English-speaking lawyers and help connect you with appropriate support.
They generally cannot:
- investigate the scam;
- force local police to act;
- provide legal advice;
- recover stolen money;
- pay your bills; or
- replace travel insurance.
This is why prompt contact with your bank, insurer and local police is essential.
A simple rule for suspicious situations
Before paying, following someone or handing over a document, ask:
- Did I initiate this interaction?
- Can I verify the claim independently?
- Why am I being rushed?
- Why must I pay outside the official system?
- Why does this stranger need my passport, card or phone?
- Can I leave and check first?
If the person becomes angry because you want to verify the information, that is a strong reason to walk away.
Sources and further reading
- Smartraveller: Scams that affect travellers
- Smartraveller: Cyber security when travelling overseas
- Smartraveller: Preventing theft, muggings and robberies
- Smartraveller: Overseas travel essentials checklist
- Scamwatch: Unexpected money and travel-prize scams
- Scamwatch: Holiday accommodation and booking scams
- Smartraveller: Lost or damaged property overseas
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