Menu
Top travel scams in Africa
Tannery “tour” scam in Morocco
6 1How it works: Opening: a scammer tells you that the place you are going is closed or that you are going the wrong way. Another accomplice acting as a passerby…
Read more…
Fake tour operators in Kenya
6 0How it works: There have been cases of fraudulent online tour companies or street touts offering safari tours in Kenya. After you pay, transport arrangements are made but on the…
Read more…
Snatch thefts in South Africa
6 2How it works: Two versions: strike and run; distract and grab. Possible scenarios: Street, mall, shop, park, transportation hub: distracting and snatching from you, then escaping via a getaway car or…
Read more…
Unofficial guides in Tanzania
6 0How it works: Opening: a friendly local offers to show you around or just starts to follow you and points out places of interest along the way. Set-up: even though…
Read more…
Students English practice scam in Morocco
6 0How it works: You may encounter students who approach you claiming to want to practice their English. Like the tea ceremony scam in China, if you agree, you will eventually…
Read more…
Invalid train ticket scam in Kenya
6 0How it works: Situation: there have been many cases of invalid train tickets sold, especially for connecting trains. Set-up: when tickets are handed to you, a valid ticket is usually…
Read more…
Cheap tours with hidden fees in Egypt
5 2How it works: Opening: advertising cheap tours with hidden fees is a common scam. Set-up: fees could include separate payment for food and drinks or transport at inflated prices. Places…
Read more…
Henna women scam in Morocco
5 2How it works: Version 1: henna women apply henna ink onto tourists sneakily. When you realize, they will apologize and offer to do a full henna tattoo. If you agree…
Read more…
Black henna tattoos in Tunisia
5 0How it works: Situation: like in Morocco, there is a black henna tattoo scam at beach areas. Black henna is not made from the henna plant like regular henna, but…
Read more…
Snatch thefts in Tanzania
5 3How it works: Two versions: strike and run; distract and grab. Possible scenarios: Bike/moped: riding past with a pillion rider doing the snatch. Beach: stealing unattended bags/valuables from tourists who…
Read more…