Travel scams 2021 are shimmering as travel to Africa for vacations and adventure peaks. These hoaxes differ from country to country. And before you forget, these shams advance with time as Africa’s tourism grows.
Below is a list of common frauds to avoid and keep you safe. Staying away from these made-up lies to extort you need a healthy dose of skepticism and a lot of common sense. If something appears too good to be true, it most likely is a scam.
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Taxi Overcharge
This is one of the most popular types of travel scams 2021 you are likely to encounter in Africa. The driver will claim that the meter is faulty and overcharge you. Or you may notice that the meter is running higher and faster than usual.
To avoid this con, you must first determine how much a ride costs. Always ask the hostel or hotel personnel what a ride should charge.
An online Taxi. Photo/Business Standard
Your Hotel is Closed
This is another cab-driver con that tops the travel scam 2021 list. In some instances, there are claims that your hotel or hostel is overbooked. It’s not the case.
Ignore them and insist on getting to the location. Even though this appears to be a fraud that no one could fall for, it is. Furthermore, ride-hailing services like Uber hold drivers accountable. This makes it less likely to fall into such situations.
The Shell Game
On the street, you’ll see individuals playing a card game (also known as three-card Monte). Or, hiding a ball in a cup and having someone guess where it is to win money. Then you decide to play — and you succeed! You are already in for the travel scam 2021.
You stake extra money because you think this is wonderful, then you lose countless times. Don’t be fooled into attending this convention. Always keep in mind that the house always wins!
Free Jewelry
A polite individual will approach you for a tet-a-tet. They will then slip a necklace around your wrist, a cap on your head, or offer you a small bunch of rosemary in this hoax. This is prevalent in markets.
They will then demand money once you have it on your body. If you decline, they make a scene hoping you give them money rather than be embarrassed. Letting anyone put anything on your body is not a good idea, and receiving anything for free is much worse. If they put something on you, remove it, return it to them, and be firm about it. Then walk away and go about your business. They will not pursue you.
The Stain on your Clothes
Someone pours stuff on you while you mind your business. Although it ruins your day, accidents do happen, right? But this one is a well-crafted travel scam 2021.
They apologise passionately and offer to wipe up the mess, dabbing the stain and apologising. Meanwhile, they are picking your pocket when you are all worked up. And they are long gone by the time you understand what just happened.
If the place isn’t already busy, be wary of people crowding around you. Push people away and clean up the mess yourself if this happens.
Scam alert in Africa. Photo/Momo Africa
Hiring Vehicles
You hire a car for the day. And when you return it, the owner expects an additional payment or costly repairs because you were unaware of some damage. This is another way to fleece you.
Take photos of any vehicle before you drive away. Make sure you document any previous damage to avoid this travel scam 2021. Go around it with the owner to let them know what you’re photographing.
The Seductive Local
You travel to a new country and go to a bar, where a lovely local approaches you for a conversation. You enjoy several beers and have a great time at the club.
However, after a crazy night and numerous drinks, the woman vanishes. You have to pay an exorbitant bill, with some huge men bearing down on you to ensure you do so. Alternatively, you could be drugged and wake up with nothing on you which is a major travel scam 2021 in major African cities.
The simple solution is to be careful all the time. Use your sixth sense to stay alert.
The Tourist Attraction is Closed
A pleasant local approaches you and advises you that the attraction you wish to see is closed due to various factors.
These can be a religious ceremony, holiday, etc. Then they’ll take you to another site or shop, where they encourage you to buy something or pay a high admission fee. Avoid this.
Also, remember that most attractions close for the day, not just for lunch. Look out for the open hours before you go, so you know what to anticipate. You can always find opening and closing hours information online.
Travel scams 2021 are so simple, but getting caught up in them is very easy. Have a general awareness of your surroundings and trust no one. Some of the most trustworthy-looking characters tend to be the best con artists.
