TOURIST CONS YOU SHOULD WATCH OUT FOR

THE SHOE SHINER

A common scam all over the world, vendors will sometimes

offer to shine your shoes for free to demonstrate their

products. They will then proceed to shine only one of your

shoes. You have to buy their goods if you want to

shine the other one!

THE OLD WOMAN

Known to happen in India and southern Europe, an older lady

may try any number of things in order to grab your hand

(offering you something, straight out asking you, etc.).

She will then proceed to read you your fortune and demand

for payment. If you don’t, prepare to be cursed loudly.

THE STREET PERFORMER

Popular pretty much everywhere, street performers will call on

volunteers out of the audience to play a rigged game against

them. The volunteer will win because he/she is actually in

cohorts with the performer. You will eventually start to think you

can win too and a third person may actually suggest you try

playing. Just remember that no matter how many times

you play you will lose. It’s a scam.

THE POSTCARD

Another scam to look out for in Rome, a small child will walk up

to you and ask for help in writing a postcard home. They will then

proceed to tell you a long story about their poverty and guilt

you into giving them money.

NOT SO FREE MASSAGES

Common in the Caribbean, someone will come up and offer you a

massage. Even if you reject though, they may start giving you a

small sample. Afterwards, even if you say no again, t

hey may insist on payment.

THE EXPENSIVE TAXI

In almost every country you need to be wary of taxi drivers.

Sometimes they will take advantage of the fact that you do

not know your way around to take much longer and more

expensive routes. If possible try alternatives like Uber. This way

you know you’re not being ripped off because GPS can

track the best route.

THE MUSIC ARTIST

Common in New York City, someone will approach you with their

new music CD and tell you that you would be doing them a huge

favour if you took the CD back home and distributed it in your city.

As soon as you take the CD the “artist” will most likely

ask for payment.

THE CLEANER

A scam that is overwhelmingly popular in Latin America,

someone will subtly spill/stick something on your clothing

and then point it out to you. They will offer to clean it off and

then either pick pocket you or demand payment, or both.