Canada is one of the most popular countries to travel to thanks to its stunning nature, rich culture and friendly population. However, as with any other tourist country, travelers can encounter various types of scams. Knowing the main schemes of scammers and how to protect yourself will help you avoid unpleasant situations while traveling.
Travel tour scams
One of the most common types of scams in Canada is fake tours or excursions. Some companies may offer you attractive prices for city tours or natural attractions, but in reality it will turn out to be a scam. Fake companies may not only take your money, but also fail to provide any services.
How to avoid:
- Check reviews of tour operators and excursions online.
- Use only trusted travel agencies.
- Make sure the company has all the necessary licenses and insurance.
Car rental scams
Car rental in Canada is a convenient way to travel around the country, but be careful. Some scammers may hide extra charges or even hide damage on the cars to charge you for damages after you return the car. They may also offer you unnecessary insurance.
How to avoid:
- Read the terms and conditions of the rental carefully.
- Take photos of the car before and after the rental, documenting all damage.
- Do not agree to unreasonable additional insurances unless they are mandatory.
Currency exchange scams
In major tourist destinations in Canada, you may encounter exchange offices with low rates, hidden fees or other traps. This can result in you receiving less Canadian dollars than you expected.
How to avoid:
- Use reputable money exchangers or make exchanges through ATMs.
- Avoid exchanging currency in tourist areas where rates are often less favorable.
- Use credit or debit cards to avoid having to exchange money locally.
Accommodation Scams
Many tourists encounter problems when booking accommodation through online platforms. Some scammers post false ads for cheap rented apartments or houses and then ask for prepayment and disappear.
How to avoid:
- Book accommodation through trusted platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com, or directly through hotels.
- Never send money for a rental before confirming that the accommodation actually exists and matches the description.
- Read reviews of owners and accommodations.
Cab scams
In major cities like Toronto or Vancouver, you may encounter illegal cabs whose drivers try to inflate the cost of the trip or even trick tourists into taking long routes. They may take you to bus or train stations where the fare is much higher.
How to avoid:
- Use only licensed cabs.
- Check the price before traveling.
- Use cab hailing apps like Uber or Lyft where the prices are fixed.
Travel payment scams
Some scammers may trick travelers by offering services at low prices but then forcing them to pay two to three times more. Such scammers often demand upfront payment or overcharge for additional services.
How to avoid:
- Always check the final amount, including all taxes and additional fees, before paying.
- Do not pay in full right away – do so only after you are fully convinced that the service is as advertised.
How to protect yourself from scammers?
- Be careful. If something looks too good to be true, it’s probably a scam.
- Use secure payment methods. Paying via credit cards can give you fraud protection.
- Plan ahead. Learn about local scams and local laws so you can be prepared for possible risks.
- Contact the embassy. If you are a victim of fraud, report it immediately to your country’s consulate or embassy.
Conclusion
As attractive as Canada is to tourists, it is important to be aware of the possible risks. Knowing the most common fraud schemes and proper behavior will help you avoid unpleasant situations and make your trip safe and comfortable.
