Tourist scams work because you're distracted, jet-lagged and don't know the local norms. Almost all of them are variations on a handful of setups.

The usual playbook

  • The broken taxi meter. Agree a price first, or use a ride app.
  • The friendship bracelet / free gift. The “gift” comes with an aggressive demand for money.
  • The distraction team. One person spills something or asks directions while another lifts your wallet.
  • The “your hotel is closed” driver who takes you to a place that pays him commission.
  • Fake police asking to “inspect” your wallet or passport.
💡

Two simple defenses

Keep your phone and wallet in front pockets or a zipped inner pocket, and split your cash and cards across two places. Never hand your passport to anyone on the street.

If something feels off

Trust the feeling and create distance. Walk into a shop, a hotel lobby, or toward a group of people. Scams rely on you being too polite to walk away — you're allowed to be rude to protect yourself.