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Whether traveling for business, leisure or to a new home and
assignment, safety should be on top of your mind worldwide.
Along with safety, travelers need to be on alert to avoid scams.
Smart travelers are less likely to be victims. Help protect your wallet
and yourself by reviewing the top travel scams trending this year.1
FREE, FAKE WI-FI HUBS
Popular: Worldwide
The scam exploits our dependency on staying
connected. Sure, you find a free Internet
connection, but while you’re checking bank and
credit accounts or social media, hackers can
gain access to your information. Before selecting
a Wi-Fi network to access, verify the name of
the network and avoid any hotspots that do not
seem legitimate. See the previously published
ReloTRENDS : How Safe is Free Wi-Fi? – for tips
on securing your devices.
BUSY WORKER CREDIT CARD
INFORMATION THEFT
Popular: Barcelona
A cashier pretends to be busy on the phone
while assisting you. In reality, the cashier is
using a camera phone to capture your credit
card information to hijack later. Stay attentive
when using your credit card.
STAIN ON YOUR JACKET
Popular: Italy & parts of South America
While in a crowd, someone spills something
on you (from ketchup to fake bird poop). While
apologizing, they ‘help’ you clean the spot –
and pilfer your pockets. Sometimes there is
an accomplice and during the distraction the
partner will slip away with your belongings.
Treat any ruckus as a fake designed to distract
unknowing victims and secure your valuables
first before taking further action.2
FRIENDLY LOCAL
PHOTOGRAPHER
Popular: Europe
A friendly stranger offers to take a photograph
for you, then aggressively demands payment
afterwards. In some cases, they will run off
with your camera. Hurray for the ‘selfie’!
PICKPOCKETS
Popular: Worldwide
The long-standing and most rampant crime,
pickpocketing, is most prevalent in busy tourist
areas, including trains and buses. However, it
can happen anywhere so it is important to stay
constantly on guard and avoid distractions.
There are many elaborate schemes used –
approaching you with fake charity petitions,
beggars, “helpful” locals warning you of
pickpockets – all ruses to gain an opportunity to
know where you keep your valuables. A sly thief
may blend in as a well-dressed professional, so
don’t let looks fool you. Finally, don’t be duped
with a hard-luck story, another con used to
swipe things from your pockets.3
PRACTICE ENGLISH?
Popular: Shanghai, Beijing and Xian
There are those legitimately practicing their
English skills, but most people who will
approach you and ask if they could practice
theirs on you are looking to end up with your
money. Sometimes, in an attempt to extract
more money while embarrassing you, these con
artists will invite you to a local café and then
you are left with an incredibly overpriced bill
and the culprits are nowhere to be seen.4
1
Pettersen, L. “12 Travel Scams to Watch for in 2015 and How to
Avoid Them.“ Road Warrior Voices. USA Today Travel, March 17 2015
2
Steves, R. “Tourist Scams and Rip-Offs.” Rick Steves’ Europe.
Accessed April 10, 2015
3
Ibid.
4
Pettersen, L.
BEWARE: TRAVEL SCAMS EVERY
TRAVELER NEEDS TO KNOW

2. The information contained in this document represents the current research of Graebel Companies, Inc. on the issues discussed as of the date of publication. This document is for informational purposes only and does not serve
as an endorsement of products nor providers. Graebel cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information presented after the date of publication.
© 2015 Graebel Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. All trademarks are property of their respective owners.
www.GRAEBEL.com
Global Employee & Office Relocation, Move Management & Workplace Services
ReloTRENDS: Beware: 12 Travel Scams Every Traveler Needs to Know
5
Ibid.
6
“40 Tourists Scams to Avoid This Summer.” JustheFlight. July 18, 2014.
7
Yates, Autumn. “Popular Travel Scams in 2015 – Learn to Watch More Than Your Wallet.” Highya. February 3, 2015.
6
Ibid.
For more travel related apps and resources, visit Graebel.com
or download these ReloTRENDS:
• More Top Travel Apps
• Apps That Simplify Travel
• Stay Safe While Traveling
SHADY TAXI DRIVERS
Popular: Worldwide
Dishonest drivers take advantage of your lack of knowledge of the area
and take longer routes or intentionally head into grid locked traffic. Some
have altered meters that advance faster than normal or claim their meter
is broken. Become familiar with the look of the foreign currency, as some
drivers try to dupe travelers with the wrong change or exchange your real
notes with counterfeits. Finally, be wary of drivers who tell you your hotel
is closed or shoddy and insist that they take you to an alternative (where
they get kickbacks).5
FAKE POLICE
Popular: Mexico City, Bogotá, Bucharest, Bangkok
A person claiming to be a police officer approaches you. Under the
pretense of protecting you from fake currency, they ask to see your
wallet to check for counterfeit bills and either return it with money
missing or run away with your wallet. Variations on this scam include
asking to see your passport or visa and pretend there is a problem
and demand a fine to solve the issue.6
If you are ever caught in this
suspicious situation, tell ‘the officials’ you will show the necessary
documents only at a police station.
DROPPED WALLET AKA GREEDY TOURIST SCAM
Common: Italy and Ukraine
There are different variations of this ploy, so be cautious of anyone
wanting to be your instant friend. It usually starts with someone
approaching you (usually speaking English rather than the local language),
indicating they’ve found a wad of cash or a wallet and suggest you join
them to celebrate the windfall. Then a cop (often fake, but occasionally
a real, crooked cop) or accomplice will approach, retrieve the lost/
stolen item, count the money and claim some of it is missing and you’ll
be pressed to replace it.7
In these instances, insist on going to a police
station to deal with the matter and the perpetrators will often back down.
FRIENDSHIP BRACELET
Common: Large European Cities, Cairo
You are approached with an offer of a friendship bracelet. Regardless
of your response, someone will try to tie it onto your wrist, then insist
you pay. It also can be used as a maneuver to distract you while an
accomplice rifles through your pockets.8
THE FOUND RING
Common in: Europe, especially Paris
You are approached by someone who found a gold ring and tries to force
it on your finger, then demands money. There are other variations of this
scam involving roses and women selling rosemary for good luck.
YOUR PARTNER AROUND THE WORLD
Graebel Relocation client-dedicated teams stay in close contact
throughout an international assignment to answer questions, lend
assistance and to share helpful information with assignees to help them
settle-in and stay productive. Relocation is the third most stressful life
experience, and because travel plays an important role in business and
life today, Graebel shares helpful tips and global trends that can help
ensure a stress-free trip and a smoother relocation.
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