Traveling Abroad? Here are 7 Typical Scams That You Should Avoid

Traveeling abroad always seems like such an exhilarating experience as it allows you to explore new cultures, meet locals, and make unforgettable memories. However, things may not always be as genuine as they look like. Traveling has its own fair share of risks, as one of the most notable concerns while traveling is falling prey to scams.

Scams can take place anywhere and can happen to anyone regardless of how seasoned of a traveler you are. These scams can range from local pickpocketing to worldly fraud that has the ability to drain your savings accounts. One may get a text message, a call, or just a flyer in the mail. Or even worse they might see an online ad that promises free or low-cost trips. This might lead you to pay some hidden fees or even worse: you pay all of it and find out it’s all a fraud. To avoid such scams it’s important to book international flight tickets from USA to India from legitimate sites such as AirefareBooking.

Scammers might come across you in any form to leave you empty-handed and ruin your vaccination in the process. Thus, it is always better to stay extra alert especially if you are planning on traveling abroad such as buying international flights to India from USA. To ensure that you have safe travel, we have compiled a list of 7 typical scams that you should avoid while traveling. So, read on.

7 Common Travel Scams to Avoid

1. Free Vacation

You’ve probably seen online ads that advertise free vacations. Or you might have simply gotten a text or call saying that you’ve won a free vacation, even though you’ve never entered any contest in your life. If you further respond to these offers and you’ll learn that you have to pay certain fees and taxes first in order to get these offers. This means that the “free vacation” is not really that free. There are some dishonest companies and scammers that are behind these fraud offers. Because a legitimate company would never ask you to pay for a free prize that you’ve won in the first place.

2. Fake Taxis

Often while traveling, mobility is a major concern. Therefore, it makes logical sense that you could use taxis to go around, especially if your hotel is far from the locations you wish to see. When it comes time to order a cab, the issue surfaces. Tourists are frequently targeted by con artists, who afterward demand exorbitant amounts for poor service. If you are unfamiliar with the area, this could be much more perilous. Use reputable taxis or ride-sharing services if in doubt. To guarantee that the people driving you are legitimate, most airports and large transportation hubs have taxi stands.

3. International Travel Document Scams

You might have probably seen the websites that claim to be able to help travelers to get an international passport, travel visa, or other documents. There are many fake sites that are just a replica of the US Department of State website. However, these sites charge people high fees that include fees for services that are free on the website of the U.S. Department of State. Thus, beware of these fake websites. Additionally, you can visit AirfareBooking, if you are looking to buy US to India flight tickets online.

4. Fake Tour Guides

There is no denying on the part that travel is expensive and cutting corners to save some extra money is always tempting. Scammers unfortunately take advantage of that. Many foreign destinations, especially well-known tourist attractions, have so-called “tour guides” who will take you around for a steep price. The unlucky recipients of this tactic typically walk away empty-handed and with nothing to show for it. Use only authorized, official trips when exploring uncharted territory to be safe.

5. Beware of Pickpocketing Schemes

Pickpocketing is a serious issue in numerous big, touristy cities all around the world. Pickpockets have honed their methods to a high level of efficiency. One of their most frequent strategies is to create a diversion, which can take many forms, such as a faked automobile accident, or other type of public exhibition.

Another common pickpocketing ruse is the act of forcing physical contact with you. On a crowded train, they might jostle or bump into you. They might also pretend to need assistance loading items into their car or crossing the street. Anti-pickpocketing precautions like securing your belongings in zipped pockets or a travel belt can help you prevent these pickpocketers.

6. Flight Ticket Scams

When you arrive at the airport terminals, someone comes up to you and offers you tickets, saying they are discounted or that you can skip the queue. You buy a ticket, only to discover that it is fraudulent and invalid. Now, your money has vanished and so is your vendor.

Some of these vendors even go so far as to dress professionally. Thus, always purchase your international flight tickets from a legitimate website such as AirfareBooking.

7. Fake Timeshare

Scams involving timeshares can be simple or worldly. The simplest ones are outright fake. They grab your money and run since the properties don’t exist or the con artists aren’t the legitimate owners. The aim of more sophisticated timeshare scams is to defraud you of as much money as they can, usually by using actual businesses and real properties. They might entice you with deceptive advertising and entrap you with a non-refundable, non-transferable contract. Take a timeshare to a lawyer to confirm that it is authentic before you sign on the dotted line.

Thus, while traveling abroad can be thrilling, it’s always crucial to be aware of these risks and scams. In order to avoid these scams, make sure to keep an eye on your luggage and try to remain calm if something happens. Additionally, you can visit AirefareBooking, one of the safest travel sites to book cheap international flight tickets from USA to India.

Also Read: Discovering Delhi: Your Ultimate First-Time Guide to India’s Historic Capital