Secret menu, fake tickets and street scam: how fraudsters fool tourists

Tourists often fall victim to deception and fraud while traveling. It turned out that the most common of these are the sale of fake tickets for attractions and double menus in restaurants.

The Sun writes about the popular schemes for fooling tourists in different countries with reference to the corresponding Reddit thread. Here are some of them:

Fake tickets

Many tourists may not realize that they are being sold fake tickets when they arrive at a tourist attraction. For example, one user said that while vacationing in Egypt, he was approached by a man who introduced himself as a guide and demanded to pay extra to see the sphinx in addition to the pyramids.

Official guides or museum staff will never approach you with a proposal to pay extra for something after you buy a ticket, he added.

One expert explained at the forum that not all tourists are aware of the weekly card, which is not only cheaper but also makes you "look less like a tourist and are less likely to be accosted by scammers."

Double menu

One user said that it often happens that establishments offer one menu with lower prices, which is intended for locals, and the second with prices in foreign currency and in English for tourists. He advised to always take the local menu and translate it into a language you understand.

"In some countries I’ve visited, restaurants in touristy areas will have two menus: one in English and one in the native language. Pick the native language menu because it will probably have cheaper prices. Then use Google Translate to help you order," he clarified.

Other users noted that it is better to avoid restaurants and bars near tourist attractions altogether, as they are open all day and thus increase the possibility of falling into the "tourist trap". At the same time, "authentic restaurants", especially in Spain and Italy, will not open for dinner until 19:00.

Street scam

One of the most common ways to get scammed is communication. One Internet user told how a man approached him in New Orleans with an offer to shine his shoes for free.

He fulfilled his promise and the shoes were polished perfectly, but he asked for money for small talk, the user said.

Other users warned against the so-called unofficial guides - they may even have a special badge and be dressed in official uniforms, but they are most likely scammers