Common scams

There are common scams that occur in many places that the traveller should be aware of. These are designed to get your money or business from you under false pretenses. They fall into three categories: overcharging you, deceiving you or coercing you into paying for a service you don't want, and outright theft.
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Common scams
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Introduction
Avoiding Scams
Street Brawl
Helpful LocalsAccommodation recommendationsAttraction closedArt schoolInsistent helpJust been robbedBorder crossingsGifts from beggarsDirty shoes scamBegging for medicine to sick family members
OverchargingNo-change trickCoin collectorCommission shopsCurrency swapCalculated priceScenic taxi ridesTaxis not using the meterGem and other resale scamsCruise ship art auctionsNon-exportable antiques
CoercionFree toursClip jointUnlisted cover chargesDual menusPassport as security for debt or rentalOverpriced street vendorsRigged gambling gamesFree hair salon treatment
 TheftATM scamsCredit card skimmingMaradonaCar troubleFlat tireDistractionProstitutes
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Common scams is based on Common scams by Simon Hughes, Christopher, Inas, anonymous, iGuide and others. Common scams is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0. See background image credits.