
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…
Read more…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…
Read more…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…
Read more…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…
Read more…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…
Read more…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…
Read more…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…
Read more…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…
Read more…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…
Read more…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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