No matter where in the world you go, bustling tourist regions can often be home to scams which target unwitting visitors. However, some of Europe‘s most popular resorts and cities have been named among the worst for tourist scams and pickpocketing.
Last year, data compiled by Quotezone.co.uk found that Spain was one of the worst destinations for tourist scams, along with France.
The research found that these scams typically occur in areas of high tourist foot traffic – such as popular landmarks and attractions.
You can easily avoid scams by being aware of your surroundings and knowing the signs to look out for. According to one travel expert, there are some major “red flags that signal a potential tourist trap”.
Whether you’re walking along the promenade of a seaside resort or in a thriving city centre, Jason Higgs, the Senior Deals Strategist at Bountii, explained that these tourist scams can often happen in bars, restaurants, cafés and shops in busy areas.
One major sign is the way in which salespeople might approach you and deal with you when in their establishment. Jason explained: “One of the telltale signs of a tourist trap is encountering aggressive salespeople who employ high-pressure tactics to persuade travellers to make purchases.
“Whether it’s offering souvenirs, tours, or other services, these salespeople often target tourists in crowded areas and resorts.”
He warned that tourist traps frequently employ pushy tactics to coerce travellers into making purchases they didn’t intend to.
“From creating a sense of urgency to using manipulative sales techniques, these tactics aim to exploit visitors’ vulnerability and maximise profits for the vendors,” he said.
The expert also advised making sure there are marked prices on restaurant menus and in shops.
If any items do not have a price set out, then you could risk paying far more than the item is worth. “In tourist traps, vendors may not display prices prominently or may provide misleading information about the cost of goods or services,” he said.
“Without transparent pricing, travellers may end up paying more than they bargained for.”
Such was the case for Katie, an expat and travel influencer living in Spain, who warned that “restaurant scams” are quite common. She claimed that she has seen the scam occur in Madrid most commonly. She explained: “In Madrid, all restaurants are required to show all the menu prices on the menu but some restaurants will put the daily special on a blackboard and they won’t have the prices.
“Then you will order it and they will be outrageously more expensive than everything else.”
If you are uncertain of prices or something doesn’t feel right, you should trust your gut. “If something seems too good to be true or raises suspicions, trust your instincts and proceed with caution,” added Jason.
“Don’t be afraid to walk away from aggressive salespeople or establishments that lack price transparency, as it’s better to err on the side of caution than to regret an impulsive purchase later.”