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North America
297 scams
Top travel scams in North America
Fraudulent tour agencies in Mexico
6 1How it works: Version 1: Fraudulent agencies which pass themselves off as being associated with established brands (e.g. Marriott, United Airlines etc). They target tourists with cold calls claiming that…
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Transport scams to Bocas del Toro in Panama
6 0How it works: Situation: You can get to Bocas del Toro from most towns in Panama by taking a bus to Almirante. Scam 1: However, the bus will drop you…
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Fake cigars, cigar festival scam in Cuba
6 0How it works: Opening: street touts claim that there is a cigar festival today where cigars are sold at a discounted price. Set-up: he either tries to sell some to…
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Unlicensed tour operators in Dominican Republic
6 0How it works: Version 1: you may see unlicensed tour operators offering cheap packages. Safety costs are likely to be skimped (e.g. using poorly maintained transport, not providing life jackets,…
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Playa Coceles surfboard damage in Costa Rica
6 0How it works: At Playa Coceles, there have been reports of operators renting out soft foam/badly fixed boards which break easily when you use it. An inflated fee is then…
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TV/movie characters photo scam in USA
6 1How it works: Set-up: at crowded squares, you may across people dressed as TV, movie or other kinds of characters such as spiderman, Elsa from Frozen, Ironman, etc. Version 1:…
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Unofficial guides in Jamaica
6 0How it works: Version 1: A local claims that the place you are going is closed and then offers to bring you to places which they claim you cannot find…
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Price quote scams in Puerto Rico
6 0How it works: As a foreigner, you are going to be quoted prices that are a few multiples of the fair price at shops which do not display prices. Places…
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Arenal Volcano interception scams in Costa Rica
6 1How it works: Scam 1: at the bus station to board the 8am bus to Tilarán, there’s a tout who will intercept you by shouting “Parque Ecológico”. This is not…
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Monte Alban ticket scams in Mexico
6 0How it works: Version 1: ticket seller only gives you a receipt, not the ticket. In that case, if you are “caught”, you have to buy another ticket. Version 2:…
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Salsa festival, national day scam in Cuba
6 0How it works: Opening: Version 1: a local tells you how lucky you are, as the annual salsa festival is happening today and he is happy to bring you there!…
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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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Fake event, attraction tickets in Cuba
5 0How it works: A tout offers a discounted ticket to an event or place of attraction but which is actually fake or invalid. Places to beware: Havana: Old Havana What…
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Watersports rental equipment scam in Mexico
5 0How it works: Rogue water sports operators will accuse you of damaging the equipment (e.g. minor scratches not caused by you) and then demand an inflated repair fee. Places to…
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Timeshare scam in Bahamas
5 0How it works: Opening: touts will offer you a free stay at a timeshare apartment or a free meal there if you were to attend a 90 minute timeshare presentation….
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