Common travel scams and how to avoid them

AI (artifical intelligence) has become so sophisticated that scammers are able to clone websites to look almost identical to existing booking platforms. When booking flights, activities and accommodation online, be very careful before you input personal details and credit card information. Check the URL to ensure that you are dealing with a reputable company. Spelling and grammar mistakes are usually a good sign that something is not right. Ditto, analyse the quality of the property reviews. A webpage designed to take payments should start with ‘https://’ rather than ‘http://.

Scammers use small hidden cameras, fake keypads or card skimmers to capture your card’s PIN. To protect yourself against ATM scanners, use an official bank’s ATM, preferably located inside a branch. If the ATM swallows your card, you’ll be able to retrieve it immediately. A wallet or dedicated sleeve that blocks RFID scanners is also a great idea, as is a backup card for when you’re on the road. Set up transaction alerts for your accounts so that you are aware of the charges as they are occurring.

Before you travel, do some research into the current pickpocketing techniques in your destination. If you have valuables, carry an anti-theft bag and ensure your passport, wallet and phone are hidden from view. Scammers use many techniques to distract their victims, especially around tourist attractions and high-traffic areas. If someone approaches you with a ‘free’ bracelet to tie on your wrist, be wary. An accomplice may very well be helping themselves to your belongings while you're distracted.

For as long as people have travelled, taxi drivers have been telling tourists that their meters are broken or taking the long way around to their destination. Follow your journey on the maps on rideshare apps or Google maps to ensure that drivers are being honest.

Equally, many a hapless traveller has been scammed when returning a jet ski or scooter that they’ve allegedly “damaged”. If you hire any sort of vehicle, make sure you take photos of it and note its condition before you leave the vendor.

If you’re approached on the street and invited to a tea ceremony in someone’s home, rug shop or massage parlour you may feel honoured to be offered such an authentic experience. But, after the tea service, there’s a chance you’ll be expected to buy something from their shop or you may receive an expensive bill. Things can escalate quickly if you refuse to pay. It’s best not to accept invitations from people you don't know. Book massages, tea ceremonies and personal shopping experiences through your hotel. If you do want to live in the moment, ensure that you discuss payment for services before you go ahead.

When ordering food in a restaurant, check QR codes carefully. Some scammers place their own QR code stickers over the top of existing codes. Check the URL that you are taken to. Trust your intuition and don’t give your credit card details if it doesn’t feel right.

It is surprisingly easy for scammers to set up ‘helpful’ free networks that look legitimate. But the last thing you want is for them to intercept your personal data, passwords, or financial information. Check the network names given to you by hotels and businesses and stay vigilant. Never, ever, do any online banking while on a public network.

Just like a magician’s card trick, your money can disappear in the blink of an eye while it’s being counted out by a moneychanger. To protect yourself, always take the time to count your money yourself before handing it over or accepting it back.

If you’re planning on driving while overseas, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

The AAA and its member clubs, including RACV, are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian driver licence holders. 

Beware of fraudulent competitors and third-party suppliers using fake websites or email addresses that don’t look official. An IDP costs $51 (plus postage if ordered online rather than instore). If you're asked to pay more than $51 for an IDP then the website is not legitimate.

Check if the destination you’re travelling to requires an International Driving Permit here, and then apply online via RACV, Victoria's only authorised seller

It can be scary when you’re stopped by police in a foreign country. Scammers will dress in official-looking uniforms to make you think they're in positions of authority and try and extort money from you. If this situation arises, ask to sort it out at the nearest police station. A real police officer shouldn’t hesitate to do this.