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North America
297 scams
Top travel scams in North America
CD photo scam in Jamaica
6 0How it works: At tourist attractions or parks, photographers will snap photos of you and offer a CD of these photos at inflated prices. Some have reported receiving blank CDs…
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The three card monte scam in USA
6 1How it works: Situation: This is a variation of the ball and cup/shell game scam in Europe (e.g. France, Italy). To win, you bet which of three cards is the…
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Jet-ski scam in Bahamas
6 0How it works: Many watersports companies here are unlicensed and unregulated. There are jet-ski operators which overcharge and under-deliver (e.g. calling you back after 15 minutes when you have paid…
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Horse carriage ride scam in Cuba
6 0How it works: Similar to the classic American ride scam in Havana, you think the price quoted initially is the total for everyone on the ride, but will be told…
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Fundraising, donation scams in Canada
6 0How it works: Version 1: a group of Filipinos claims to represent the “Children Joy Foundation” – this is a legitimate charity, but the scammers are not. Happens in Japan…
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Music artist CD scam in USA
6 2How it works: Opening: at a crowded square, a local musician offers you a free CD of his music, claiming that you would be doing him a huge favour if…
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Price quote scams in Costa Rica
6 0How it works: It is common in Costa Rica for tourists to be expected to pay higher prices than locals. This is possible as goods at markets are not labeled…
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Fake tour operators in Panama
6 0How it works: Fraudulent operators will charge you a high price for these tours and then claim to give you a discount if you pay in full upfront. Once you…
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Name engraving souvenir scam in Cuba
6 0How it works: Opening: a stall owner claims to or gives you a “free gift” (e.g. a pouch) to get you to his stall, then he asks for your name…
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Unofficial guides in Puerto Rico
6 0How it works: Opening: a friendly local approaches and claims that he can bring you around places not found in guide books. Set-up: he then brings you to a restaurant…
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Bracelet, necklace donation scam in Bahamas
5 0How it works: Opening: touts engage you and before you know it, tie a bracelet (or necklace) around your wrist. Set-up: they say it’s free, but then share a sob…
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Flamenco Beach entry fee scam in Puerto Rico
5 0How it works: There is a guy at the gate who will charge you a fee to enter when the beach is free to access. Places to beware: Culebra: Flamenco…
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Hair braiding scam in Belize
5 0How it works: A low price is agreed on initially but halfway through, a much higher fee will be demanded. For instance, the low price is only for the first…
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Unlicensed taxis in Bahamas
5 0How it works: Opening: these tend to be touts who intercept you at the airport or at a port before you reach the official taxi line offering to help you…
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Negril Lighthouse entrance fee scam in Jamaica
5 0How it works: Version 1: there are scammers here posing as staff of the lighthouse asking for a donation for walking the grounds. Version 2: aloe vera scam. Places to…
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