Scams that affect travellers

Last Updated
Monday, 11/11/2024

 

On this page:

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) operates ScamWatch. It explains different types of scams and how to report a scam.

Know the risk before you go

Australian travellers of all ages and backgrounds have been victims of scams overseas. 

Before you travel, learn some of the common scams that can happen. Take steps to minimise your risk.

Jump to a section:

Taxi scams

Unlicensed taxi drivers who don't use meters often pick passengers up from airports and popular tourist attractions. These drivers typically offer flat-rate fees to tourists that are usually more expensive than the regular metered cost.

Be suspicious of seemingly friendly taxi drivers who offer you cheap tours. These drivers tend to bring tourists to shops where they will get a commission from the shop owner. As a result, you might find yourself overcharged or sold products of little value.

Some taxi drivers don't use their meter, especially in tourist spots or traffic jams. This is illegal in most countries.

To protect yourself from taxi scams:

  • only use licensed taxis
  • find out what transport services are available at the airport before you travel
  • follow signs or advice from authorities to official taxi services only
  • always ask if the driver will use the meter or agree on the fare before you get in a taxi
  • at the start of your trip, take note of the vehicle number, the taxi company name and the driver's name.

Unlicensed taxi drivers at airports can stop you in the terminal. They'll try and convince you to use their services. Most licensed taxi providers will be outside the terminal in their vehicle at the official taxi rank.

Vehicle hire scams

Jet ski, motorcycle and car hire scams can happen overseas. Australians have been harassed and threatened by transport operators who claimed they damaged the hire vehicle. Some operators have demanded thousands of dollars and taken passports as collateral. They will keep your passport until you pay for the damage.

Before you hire a vehicle:

  • read online reviews of local rental companies
  • check the vehicle and take photos of any previous damage
  • check if your insurance covers recreational vehicles, especially if you don't have an Australian license.

Never leave your passport as a security deposit or collateral.

Learn more about the 'lost deposit' scam in the CHOICE guide on travel scams and tourist traps.

Wrong charge or overcharging scams

A common scam is shop owners, taxi drivers or ticket agents overcharging. They may also try to give you the wrong change. For example, giving you change for $10 when you paid with a $100 note.

Bars and restaurants can also overcharge travellers. Staff may invite you to order without first seeing the prices. They may also bring food you didn't order and charge you for it when you try to leave.

Before you go:

  • Learn about the local currency. Find out what the conversion rate is to Australian dollars.
  • Get a sense of how much things cost. It may be significantly different to what they cost in Australia.
  • Avoid using large bills to pay for small items.
  • Read reviews of local bars and restaurants you want to visit.
  • Always ask to see a menu. Check the price of food and drinks before ordering.
  • Don't accept food you didn't order without confirming if you need to pay for it.
  • Pay attention and take the time to check that you were given the correct change.

Learn more about the 'inflated bill' scam in the CHOICE guide on travel scams and tourist traps.

Credit card skimming

Card skimming illegally copies information from a credit or ATM card's magnetic strip or RFID chip.

Skimming can happen:

  • when a shop assistant takes your card out of sight to swipe for payment
  • if you use an ATM that has been tampered with
  • when someone uses an RFID scanner on you as you pass by.

To reduce your risk of credit card skimming:

  • don't let a shop assistant take your card out of sight or swipe it in a second machine
  • pay with a cheque or cash
  • never share your PIN or keep a copy of it with your card
  • only use official ATMs in a bank
  • keep your cards in a sleeve or wallet that blocks RFID scanners.

Learn more about credit card scams in the CHOICE guide on travel scams and tourist traps.

Pickpocketing and theft scams

In crowded tourist areas, thieves may create a distraction to steal from you while you're focusing elsewhere. The thieves may pickpocket from you or your bag or take items you've put on a cafe table.

Ways to distract you can include:

  • a crowd of beggars or street merchants coming up to you
  • an offer of or request for help from someone you don't know
  • a friendly stranger coming to your table to chat at an outdoor cafe.

To reduce your risk of theft:

  • stay alert in areas where pickpocketing is common
  • treat any unusual event as a potential theft attempt
  • put valuables in pockets that are harder to reach
  • use a tamper-proof backpack or handbag
  • don't put your phone or wallet on the table or hang your bag on a chair while you eat outdoors.

Learn more about pickpockets and theft in the CHOICE guide on travel scams and tourist traps.

Visa scams

In visa scams, travellers are told to buy visas that are not needed, illegal or overpriced.

Some third-party websites charge a fee to submit a visa application for you. Some of these websites are scams.

To avoid visa scams:

  • apply for visas using links or organisations recommended by the embassy or consulate of the country you're visiting
  • read the travel advice for information on entry and exit requirements before you travel.

If you travel on a fake visa, you may be arrested, jailed or deported on arrival.

Learn more about visa scams in Australia from the Department of Home Affairs.

Fake ticket and accommodation scams

There is a high demand for tickets and accommodation for major events, concerts, shows and festivals. Scammers can take advantage of people trying to find a good deal.

Scammers can:

  • set up fake websites or profiles
  • use real websites to post fake ads for hotel rooms and holiday rentals
  • offer fake accommodation and ticket packages.

To avoid an accommodation or ticket scam:

  • choose carefully when you look at accommodation and ticket choices
  • use a trustworthy website.

There are legal ticket resellers. But if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.

It may be a crime to buy from unlicensed ticket sellers. You could be arrested overseas.

Read more about ticket and online sales scams from the ACCC.

QR code scams

This scam uses fake QR codes to collect personal or financial details. Scammers may:

  • put fake payment QR codes that look official in public places like car parks and train stations
  • put stickers over legitimate codes in cafes and other places.

To avoid a QR code scam:

  • check codes for stickers before you scan
  • always check the URL of the website a code takes you to, and make sure the website looks official. If in doubt, search for the business online.
  • don't trust sites that ask for personal or payment information before taking you further. For example, before showing you a food and drink menu.

Learn more about QR code scams from CHOICE.

Massage or tea ceremony scams

In a massage or tea ceremony scam, someone may come up to you in public. They may invite you for a massage, to a teahouse service, or to practise English at a nearby café or bar.

After they've given you the service, they will give you an expensive bill. You won't be allowed to leave until the bill is paid.

Some Australians have been violently assaulted if they refuse to pay.

To avoid being a victim of this type of scam:

  • don't accept invitations from people you don't know
  • be clear on how much services cost before you go ahead
  • organise massages and similar services through your hotel or a trustworthy provider.

Learn more about how to identify and protect yourself from scams on ScamWatch.

Carry-my-bag scams

This scam involves someone asking you to take a bag or package on an international flight or across a border.

They may offer to pay you, or they may trick you into thinking you're helping their family. The bag may contain illegal items, such as drugs.

Never carry a bag or package for anyone you've just met.

If you're carrying something for someone you know and trust, look inside it.

Even if it isn't drugs, it could be another type of item that is illegal where you're going. Check if you can bring it into Australia (Australian Border Force).

Learn more about other tourist traps and scams (CHOICE).

Internet scams

Internet scams often start while the victim is still in Australia. Some want to scam you while you're in Australia. Others try to trick you into going overseas with promises of romance, money or jobs.

Nigerian letter scam

The Nigerian letter scam usually starts with an email from someone you don't know. The scammer may say they need your help to transfer money internationally and offer to pay you if you help them.

The scammer may ask for your personal or bank details upfront. They may also ask you to put large sums of money in an overseas bank account first. They may invite you to go overseas to collect the payment they promised you.

Never respond or give your details to someone you don't know. Never go overseas to collect your payment or try to get your money back.

See more about the Nigerian letter scam on ScamWatch.

Business and employment scams

You may be promised large salaries and luxury overseas accommodation as part of a new job.

Scammers ask for up-front payment for work permits, visas, and immigration fees. Never give your personal details or money unless you're certain it is legitimate.

If someone offers you work overseas, do your research first. Make sure the person and their organisation are real. Make sure the job they're offering you is legal.

Learn more about business and employment scams on ScamWatch.

Dating and relationship scams

Scammers often target Australians with dating and relationship scams. They target people of all ages. Some romance scams specifically target mature Australians. They use fake profiles on Australian dating websites.

Take steps to be safe:

  • Be careful of anyone you meet online from overseas.
  • Learn the signs of a relationship scam. Know what to watch for.
  • Never send money.
  • If you've already given them money, don't go overseas to try to get it back.
  • Always confirm their identity and that they are who they say they are before going overseas to meet them.

Learn more about internet friendship, dating and marriage scams on ScamWatch.

Virtual kidnapping or family-in-need scams

Scammers may phone, email or message your friends and family while you're travelling. They often tell a believable story about you being kidnapped, injured or arrested. The story may include things you have posted on social media to make it sound genuine. They then ask for money.

If you have a lot of videos and photos of you online, the scammer may also use artificial intelligence (AI) to create "deepfakes." These could be altered photos, videos, or audio recordings of you. They're used to convince your family that the scam is real.

Some scammers are hackers. They get into one of your email or social media accounts, pretend to be you and contact people you know. They often ask for money to travel home or for a medical emergency.

Protect your passwords. Be careful overseas when logging in to public computers. Avoid public, unsecured Wi-Fi networks.

Stay in touch with your family and friends. Contact them regularly so they know you're safe.

Learn more about scams to help a family member on ScamWatch.

What to do if you're the victim of a scam

If you're overseas and have been the victim of a scam, ensure you're safe first. Get away from the person or venue that has scammed you, then:

  • report the crime to local police. Always ask for a police report
  • contact your bank or financial institution to block your credit cards and account
  • contact your travel insurance provider. Most have a 24-hour emergency number you can call from overseas.

In Australia

Some scammers begin their scam while the victim is still in Australia. They often trick their victims into travelling overseas by promising romance or money.

If you are a victim of a financial or internet scam:

  • contact your bank or financial institution
  • contact the ACCC
  • contact the police and get legal advice.

Do not travel overseas to try to get your money back.

Victims of scams who have travelled to the country where the scam started have had their lives threatened. Some have even been killed.

The Australian Federal Police recommend you report the scam to your state or territory police. Ask for the police report to be sent to INTERPOL.

DFAT doesn't investigate international financial or internet crimes. However, consular officers at Australian embassies and consulates can give consular help.

How the Australian Government can help

The Australian Government is limited in how and when it can help you overseas. It's important to understand our limits. Read the Consular Services Charter for what we can and can't do. If you've been scammed, contact local authorities and seek support from friends and family.

To contact the Australian Government in an emergency:

What we can do

  • We can give you general information about the local legal system.
  • We can give you a list of local English-speaking lawyers.
  • We can connect you to counselling services from overseas for emergency counselling and support.

What we can't do

  • We can't give legal advice.
  • We can't investigate the scam.
  • We can't report the crime or liaise with the local police for you.
  • We can't pay your bills if a scammer took all your money.
  • We can't loan you money.

See also

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