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Top travel scams in Oceania
Unlicensed tour operators in New Zealand
3 0How it works: Opening: there are unlicensed tour operators which target Chinese tourists with low priced tours on Chinese apps. Set-up: once hooked, they exploit these tourists’ lack of English…
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Darwin Mindil Beach Markets hair braiding scams in Australia
3 1How it works: The hair braider will not quote a price, claiming that the price can only be determined at the end of the service. Obviously, you will be quoted…
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Discounted ticket scam in Australia
3 0How it works: Opening: this was a scam originally perpetrated on WeChat, a Chinese social media app/portal, though it has now migrated to other online platforms as it is so…
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Fake manuka honey in New Zealand
3 0How it works: Situation: Made from the nectar of the manuka bush flower, manuka honey has anti-bacterial properties which is prized by many. Unfortunately, as manuka honey began to get…
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Taxi scam in New Zealand
2 0How it works: Situation: since the deregulation of the taxi industry in New Zealand in 2017, there are now drivers who operate as independents using old signs of a now…
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Online vehicle sales scam in Australia
2 0How it works: Backpackers/tourists who look to sell their vehicles (e.g. camper vans, trailers, motorbikes, etc) as their trip ends are likely to face this. Should you put up an…
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Vacation apartment scam in Australia
2 0How it works: Opening: the script is always the same. You come across an apartment an amazing price. That should be the first red flag – such apartments are almost…
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Sob story scammers in New Zealand
2 0How it works: You may encounter someone who claims to have been robbed or have a family member sent to hospital. He/she then asks if you can spare some money…
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Taxi scams in Australia
2 0How it works: Version 1: drivers claim that the meter is down, and charge you an inflated flat fare. In fact, in Jan 2019, two tourists were charged $887 for…
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Paddy’s Market Chinese massage scam in Australia
2 0How it works: Opening: here, pushy Chinese touts will tempt you with the offer of a free massage or a massage at just $10. Set-up: however, once you agree and…
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