Dreaming of sipping sangria in Barcelona or catching a West End show in London? Before you pack your bags and dust off your passport, there’s one thing every savvy traveller should add to their holiday checklist: scam awareness.
As international travel bounces back and Australians flock to the world’s most iconic destinations, so do the scammers, ready to turn your dream trip into a costly nightmare.
According to a recent report from the Mastercard Economics Institute, the risk of being scammed at popular tourist hotspots jumps by a staggering 28 per cent during peak travel seasons.
The more crowded the destination, the more likely you will encounter a fraudster looking to exploit unsuspecting holidaymakers.
But what does a travel scam look like in 2024? The answer is: more sophisticated and varied than ever.
From fake travel agencies to dodgy car rentals and even phantom restaurant meals, scammers are getting creative—and unfortunately, more convincing.
If you’re booking through a travel agency, especially online, tread carefully. The Mastercard report found that travel agency-related scams are ‘four times higher than the global average’.
Fraudsters set up slick-looking websites or social media pages, offering irresistible deals on tours, excursions, or exclusive experiences—often at prices that seem too good to be true. And, as the old saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Once you’ve handed over your hard-earned cash, these tours never materialise or are far from what was promised.
The cities where you’re most likely to fall victim? Hong Kong (70 per cent of travel scams), Delhi (64 per cent), Barcelona (64 per cent), and Cancun (48 per cent) top the list.
Hidden fees and phantom rides
Do you think you’re being clever by booking your airport transfer or rental car in advance? Scammers are one step ahead.
In places like Jakarta (66 per cent taxi scam rate), Bangkok (48 per cent), Istanbul (39 per cent), and even London (34 per cent), tourists have reported paying for rides that never show up or being hit with hidden fees, inflated prices, or tampered-with taximeters.
Use reputable, well-reviewed services, and book directly through official apps or websites.
And remember: if a driver insists on cash only or refuses to use the meter, it’s a red flag.
A side of fraud with your meal
It’s not just tours and transport—your dinner could be a scam, too. Food-related scams in cities like Los Angeles and New York make up 75 per cent and 63 per cent of travel fraud cases, respectively.
Common tricks include meals that never arrive after you’ve paid online, or being slapped with outrageous service fees and hidden charges at the end of your meal.
To avoid this, stick to well-known restaurants, check reviews, and be wary of anyone pressuring you to pay upfront or in cash.
The fake listing trap
Holiday rental platforms and travel websites are breeding grounds for accommodation scams. Fraudsters create fake listings for properties that don’t exist or look nothing like the photos.
Phuket (39 per cent of scams) and Antalya (35 per cent) are particularly risky for accommodation fraud.
Always book through reputable platforms, double-check the property’s reviews, and never wire money directly to a ‘landlord’ or ‘agent’ outside the official booking system.
Flights and trains are (mostly) safe
If you’re worried about booking your flights or train tickets, breathe easy—these sectors remain relatively safe, with scam rates below 10 per cent in all surveyed cities.
Still, always book directly through the airline or a trusted travel agent, and be wary of third-party sites offering massive discounts.
Early bird gets the scam?
Interestingly, the risk of fraud starts well before you even leave home. Mastercard’s data shows that in 2024, scams linked to early trip planning rose by over 12 per cent compared to last year.
Fake travel agency websites and excursions that mimic legitimate services make it harder for even the most seasoned travellers to spot the warning signs.
Travelling can be an exciting adventure, but it’s crucial to stay vigilant to avoid falling victim to scams. Here are some top tips to help protect yourself and ensure your travels are enjoyable and scam-free.
- Do your homework: Research travel agencies, tour operators, and accommodation providers. Look for independent reviews and check for official accreditation.
- Be sceptical of deals that seem too good to be true: Deep discounts and exclusive offers are a common lure.
- Use secure payment methods: Credit cards and digital wallets offer more protection than direct bank transfers or cash.
- Double-check website URLs: Scammers often use addresses almost identical to legitimate sites.
- Trust your gut: If something feels off, walk away.
The good news is that technology is catching up. Mastercard’s Michele Centemero said the company aims to eliminate manual card entry by 2030 and boost security with digital wallets, tokenisation, and AI-driven fraud prevention tools.
But until then, a healthy dose of caution is your best travel companion.
We’d love to hear your stories—good, bad, or cautionary! Have you ever fallen victim to a travel scam, or do you have tips for staying safe? Share your experiences in the comments below.
Also read: The alarming reason you may never visit these iconic holiday islands again
