Top 10 crafty scams that tourists often fall victim to

Always stay alert when using both public and private transportation. Drivers might give you back change in local currency, which could be worth far less than the dollars or euros you originally paid. Watch out for this scam.

These scammers can often be found in small shops or on the streets selling souvenirs. The seller juggles multiple tasks at once: talking on the phone, bargaining with three customers, taking money, and handing out change. During this process, he might secretly record your credit card information if you choose to pay by card. Alternatively, he may deliberately give you less change, hoping to distract you in the process.

When purchasing tickets for a theater, concert, museum, or any other event from street vendors, there's a high chance the tickets are fake. Even if the tickets are real, you may end up paying much more than the official price. It's always safer to buy tickets at authorized box offices or through the official website of the event or venue.

While staying at a hotel, someone may call your room and introduce themselves as a member of the guest services team, asking for your credit card details to charge for services. Never provide this information to anyone. If pressured, politely tell them you'd prefer to settle the payment directly at the front desk. Most likely, the scammer will back off. Also, remember that in reputable hotels, payments are typically made during checkout.

Sometimes, travelers prefer renting an apartment or even an entire house instead of staying in a hotel. In such cases, property owners may try to charge you a large fee for 'damaging the property.' To avoid this, make sure to sign an agreement with the property owner before moving in, outlining any damage and potential extra charges.

This scam is common in tropical countries, where tourists stay in Bungalows rather than the main hotel building. Scammers befriend you, and you spend a few enjoyable evenings together. Then, one day, they figure out the exact time you'll be out of your room and break in. As a result, you risk losing all your money and valuables. To avoid this, choose hotel rooms or cabins with safes, and try not to reveal too much about your vacation plans to strangers.

Another common scam involves a person who appears very distressed or confused and approaches you on the street. They may ask you to make a phone call for them because they've lost their phone, or claim they've been robbed. The result is that the call will cost you a fortune. The scammer will call a prearranged number, and you'll end up paying a large fee for the 'call.' Most likely, the money will end up in the scammer's pocket. To protect yourself, use mobile plans that don’t allow negative balances. If you lose or lend your phone, you’ll only lose the balance in your account, but you won’t end up with a hefty debt.

Imagine you're walking quietly through an unfamiliar city when you suddenly spot a ring, bracelet, or some other valuable item lying on the sidewalk. You pick it up, and just then, a stranger approaches you, encouraging you not to look for the item's owner (claiming it's impossible) and instead suggests you split the value of the item.

Since they don't have cash on hand, the stranger asks you for a sum of money, promising you can keep the found item. Later, you discover that the jewelry was fake and worthless, while you’ve already handed over a significant amount of cash to the scammer.

In many countries around the world, locals make a living by performing fake fortune telling using branches, personal items, or money.

Be cautious. Don't fall for cheap tricks, even when the so-called fortune tellers try to convince you that they can save you from financial ruin or something worse. Most likely, they will simply steal your money or valuables, skillfully swapping them with fakes. In more elaborate scams, they will just try to extract as much money as possible from you for their dubious services.

If you're visiting a foreign city or country, it's best to book services with a reputable company in advance. However, if this hasn't been arranged, use public transportation (subway, tram, bus) or book a taxi with a large company that offers a clear fare before the ride.

Avoid trusting private taxis as they may charge you excessively or deliberately take the longest route possible.