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Africa
Top travel scams in Africa
Timeshare scam in South Africa
1 0How it works: An agent approaches and offers a free prize such as a resort stay. To redeem it however, you have to attend a 90 minutes timeshare presentation which…
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Airport taxi scams in Egypt
1 0How it works: Version 1: driver furnishes an “official” looking price list and asks where you are going. They then point to a more expensive route, hoping to exploit your unfamiliarity…
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Overcharging in Tanzania
1 2How it works: Version 1 (overcharging): this can happen in a number of ways and there is no one common scenario. Please refer to the user stories as shared below…
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Snatch thefts in Egypt
1 1How it works: Two versions: strike and run; distract and grab. Possible scenarios: Bike/moped: riding past with a pillion rider doing the snatch. Bar, restaurant: stealing unattended bags/valuables on the…
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Unofficial parking attendants in South Africa
1 0How it works: At tourist attractions and busy spots, you may encounter unofficial parking attendants. They will ask for a fee in exchange for looking after your car. They don’t…
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Pickpockets in Zimbabwe
1 0How it works: They work in a gang – one onlooker, one blocks, pushes, distracts, or engages you, one grabs and the final hides the loot under a cover (e.g….
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Public beach fee scam in Egypt
1 0How it works: Touts on public beaches tell unsuspecting tourists that they are on a private beach and have to pay a fee. This is similar to a scam in…
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Unofficial baggage porter in Tunisia
1 0How it works: While at the airport, an official looking porter grabs your bags and helps you carry it over a short distance. An inflated tip is then demanded. Places…
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Hotel thefts in South Africa
1 0How it works: Situation: Theft from hotel rooms, guesthouses cottages and safes is a concern here. Break into a hotel/resort room: Hacking (electronic locks can be hacked to create a…
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Drink spiking in Kenya
1 0How it works: There have been reports of drink spiking with GHB or Rohypnol (can be bought at pharmacies) at bars and nightclubs where the victim is then robbed or…
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