Beware of travel scams.

Taxi drivers who change your bill, new acquaintances who offer you inexpensive jewellery, the passenger who bypasses you at airport security and a few more scams and tourist traps you should beware of on your way on holiday.

A traveller can be seen as a victim of a scam. He doesn't know the area, is slightly agitated, doesn't know the language. But, most importantly, he carries with him a large sum of money, in cash. For con artists, thieves, pickpockets and other combinations there is nothing better than a travel scam.

7 scams every traveler should know about.

1. A nice salesman.

Place: Paris or Rome.

Method: You're walking around a historic square or picking out a museum. Suddenly a smiling man, pleasant, approaches you. He talks politely to you, shows you his jewellery or souvenirs - necklace, bracelet, coins, key chains - and discreetly hands them to you, and immediately demands payment. If you refuse, you start shouting and resenting him, saying that you are stealing his goods. The tourist ends up in an embarrassing situation in a central square in a foreign country. Many people succumb to the planned situation and simply pay up, so as not to make a big deal out of it.

Tip: Keep new acquaintances and just pleasant passers-by at a distance. If someone is too nice, that's cause for concern. Just walk away from the strange acquaintance.

2. Diversion.

Place: Airports, train stations, squares.

Method: Many different variations of this type of scam. One is the "hot dog method": when someone "accidentally" splashes mustard on you, "help" you clean up, while stealing your wallet and disappearing into the crowd. Another is with a "harmless old lady" who falls over unexpectedly, and when everyone helps her, her partner takes advantage of the situation to empty her pockets in the crowd.

Tip: keep an eye on where and how your bags, wallet, phone, credit cards are located.

3. Security check.

Place: Airports.

Method: What can happen where there are lots of cameras, security, people? That's right - a scam. While going through the security check, being in a queue with other passengers, a stranger can tell you that he was in front of you and quickly take a seat for the security check, but it will take him a long time to pass, because the "horseshoe" will ring, while the cheeky passenger's partner from the other side of the belt will take your bag and run to another terminal.

Tip: Be vigilant, and take any suspicious behaviour with increased vigilance, contact airport security and take your time.

4. Currency exchange rate.

Method: You have just landed at your destination, do not have time to get acquainted with the local exchange rate, exchange money and get into a taxi. Paying with the currency you brought with you can be very misleading. Scam drivers almost always take advantage of this situation.

It is advisable to check the currency, exchange rates and amounts of money in the country you are travelling to before you plan your trip. If you think you have fallen victim to a scammer, call the police immediately. They know the trick, and the driver will be left without a licence.

5. A hotel is not a hotel.

Method: You booked a hotel online, in the pictures it looks like heaven, you paid in advance for the perfect room, and when you arrived you realised - the picture and the real room are completely different and the hotel clerk does not want to return the advance. In some countries hoteliers intentionally embellish their hotels with pictures and good names.

Advice: Use a trusted platform for booking places to stay, read reviews. This will always guarantee a quality holiday and save your money and emotions. It is always better to book your hotel through a recognised and reliable platform that will guarantee you that you won't lose your money.

6. Free Wi-Fi

Location: Cafés, hotels, bars.

Method: Who can turn down free Wi-Fi? This is why many public places offer free connection. Once connected, your computer may be hacked and personal information may fall into the hands of fraudsters.

Tip: Make sure you are on a secure connection, airports have lists of hotspots, don't use your neighbour's internet connection in hotels - only connect to the hotel.

7. Exchange Rates

Location: Western Europe.

Method: you buy a nice souvenir, give your credit card, and the seller asks you whether you want to pay in the local currency or your own. You pay in your own currency because it is easier to calculate but the automatic exchange rate is not favourable and includes hidden fees and charges. The price of the souvenir can be very high.

Tip: Use local currency when paying, don't use credit cards.

When planning your holiday in any country study it. This will help you avoid unfortunate situations. Be aware of your surroundings. Boldly go to the law in any odd situation. This will help you enjoy your holiday, have an experience and remain unharmed.