Scam warning if you're going to Turkey, France or Spain (2024)

As summer 2024 is here, holidaymakers are facing the serious risk of being scammed. From fake tours to fake police, the team at Slingo has researched destinations where scams worry tourists, and offered tips to protect your holiday from fraudsters.

The number of TripAdvisor forum posts for each particular destination mentioning the word ‘scam’ has been collated, and the percentage compared to the overall number of posts was then calculated.

Istanbul takes the top spot as the city where tourists are most concerned about scams. Of a total of 49,030 posts relating to visiting the city, 1,090 of these were discussing the topic of scams. This makes for a 2.22% share of the total posts on the dedicated forum, the highest of any of the destinations investigated. Istanbul sees plenty of tourists visiting every year with highlights including the Hagia Sophia Mosque, the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar. Many forum posts speak of scams involving taxi customers who were told their notes were not acceptable, leading to them unknowingly paying extra for fares.

In second place is Budapest in Hungary. 1.82% of the capital city’s forum posts were discussing scams, equal to 450 out of a total of 24,639 posts. The city is home to iconic architecture like the Buda Castle and the Hungarian Parliament Buildings, both of which are big draws for tourists. Forum posts commonly refer to scams whereby two women approach intoxicated men encouraging them to follow, only to lead to money being taken from them.

Rounding out the top three is Goreme in Turkey with 1.58% of forum posts referring to scams. Goreme’s dedicated TripAdvisor forum has only 1,265 posts, but out of these, 20 discuss the topic of scams. Set in the Cappadocia region of Turkey, Goreme is renowned for its natural beauty but posters do often discuss scams linked to buses and tours in the region.

6 common tourist scams and how to avoid them:

1. Distraction scams

Scammers use distraction tactics to steal your valuables when you're not paying attention. They might ask for directions, spill something on you, or start a fake argument. To avoid falling victim, stay aware of your surroundings, politely decline unnecessary interactions, and keep a close eye on your belongings to ensure they're secure.

2. Taxi fares

Some taxi drivers may take advantage of tourists by taking longer routes or overcharging fares. They might also try money-swapping scams to confuse you and get more money. To avoid these scams, book taxis through trusted sources, use reputable companies, insist on using the metre, and research fares and companies in advance. Avoid looking like a tourist and never admit it's your first time visiting.

3. Fake tickets and tours

Scammers may sell fake or nonexistent tickets to attractions or events, tricking tourists into thinking they're genuine. To avoid this, always buy tickets from trusted sellers, such as well-known vendors recommended by your hotel or host. Research prices and sellers beforehand to ensure you're getting a good deal.

4. The ring scam

This scam involves someone claiming to find a gold ring and trying to sell it to you. They will often be very persistent, but the ring will be worthless. To avoid this, just walk away without engaging with the scammer. Ignoring them usually makes them leave quickly.

5. Fake police

The scam involves someone pretending to be a police officer accusing you of a fake offence and demanding money or valuables to avoid trouble. To avoid this, educate yourself on your rights and ask for verification. Stay calm and rational, and seek help from locals or nearby businesses if needed.

6. Free gifts

The scam involves someone offering you free items like flowers or bracelets, then demanding money after you accept. To avoid this, don't engage with them or accept the items. If they give you something, place it on the ground and walk away to reject it.

Dom Aldworth, Brand Marketing Coordinator at Slingo, said: “There are plenty of reasons that tourists make the ideal target for scammers. When heading away abroad we’re often relaxed and have our guard down, meaning we’re less likely to be suspicious of strangers. Alongside the language barriers and a lack of knowledge of local customs, prices and laws can make for the perfect ruse for scammers looking to exploit you.

“However, there is no reason to let this stop you from exploring foreign destinations. It’s vital that you make yourself aware of common scams for your destination, alongside laws and customs. Ensure you trust your gut, and always walk away from a situation if you don’t feel comfortable. Know how to ask for help if you need it and memorise emergency numbers. With some simple preparation and caution, you can prevent falling victim, and enjoy your travels hassle-free!”

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