Whether you're escaping the Canadian winter, exploring a new country or taking a weekend trip closer to home, travelling can be an exciting way to experience new places and cultures. Unfortunately, travellers can also be attractive targets for fraudsters and thieves. When you're unfamiliar with your surroundings, distracted by sightseeing or dealing with unfamiliar currencies and payment systems, it can be easier for someone to take advantage of you.
Travel scams can happen almost anywhere—from airports and hotels to tourist attractions, restaurants, taxis, ATMs and online booking websites. The good news is that a little preparation can go a long way. By learning about common travel scams, protecting your personal and financial information, and knowing how to respond when something doesn't feel right, you can reduce your risk and focus on enjoying your trip.
Scams vary from destination to destination, so research the area you're visiting before you leave. The Government of Canada recommends checking its destination-specific Travel Advice and Advisories for information about safety, security, local laws and common scams.
Here are some common scams and theft techniques travellers should know about.
Someone approaches you with discounted tickets, tours or attractions, or you find an unusually cheap offer online. The tickets may be counterfeit, invalid, already used or never delivered. Fraudsters may also create websites or social media accounts that look like legitimate travel companies.
If an offer seems too good to be true, take a step back and investigate before paying.
A driver may claim that the meter is broken, take an unnecessarily long route, charge an unexpected fee or insist on a price that is significantly higher than expected. In some locations, unofficial drivers may approach travellers at airports or tourist attractions and offer transportation.
The Government of Canada also recommends asking hotels for recommendations and recording taxi information as a precaution.
Thieves may target crowded tourist areas, public transportation, markets and attractions. One person may create a distraction while another steals a wallet, phone, passport or other valuables. Distractions can include spills, accidental bumps, questions, arguments or someone asking for help.
Travellers should also avoid keeping all their money, cards and identification in one place. The Government of Canada recommends carrying only what you need and storing other valuables securely.
Someone may claim to be a police officer or government official and tell you that you've broken a law or need to pay a fine immediately. They may demand cash, personal information or access to your documents.
Fraudsters may also impersonate Canadian government officials while Canadians are travelling abroad. The Government of Canada recommends independently verifying suspicious requests by contacting the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate.
Criminals can use compromised or fraudulent ATMs, card readers or other devices to steal payment information or capture a PIN. An ATM may also be located in an isolated area where you're more vulnerable to theft or someone observing your transaction.
The Government of Canada recommends using bank-affiliated ATMs and, where possible, ATMs inside banks or other secure locations.
Currency exchange can create opportunities for fraud or hidden costs. An exchange provider may advertise an attractive rate while charging significant fees or using a less favourable rate when the transaction is completed. Some merchants and ATMs may also offer to convert a purchase into Canadian dollars instead of charging you in the local currency.
The Government of Canada recommends using authorized agencies or banks for currency exchange and advises travellers to understand the costs associated with different payment methods.
Some vendors may charge tourists significantly more than local customers or add unexpected fees after a service has been provided. You may also encounter aggressive sales tactics designed to pressure you into making a purchase.
Learning a few basic phrases in the local language can also make it easier to ask about prices and understand what you're purchasing.
Public Wi-Fi networks can be targeted by criminals. A fraudulent network may use a name similar to a legitimate hotel, airport, restaurant or café network. Connecting to an unsecured or malicious network can expose you to privacy and security risks. The Government of Canada warns that attackers can create fake Wi-Fi networks with names similar to trusted networks and recommends avoiding sensitive activities such as online banking while using public Wi-Fi.
QR codes are common in restaurants, transportation, tourist attractions and hotels. However, criminals can replace legitimate QR codes or create malicious ones that lead to phishing websites or malware.
The Government of Canada specifically warns that malicious QR codes used for menus, check-ins or Wi-Fi access can lead to phishing sites or malware.
A scammer may claim that your hotel, rental or other accommodation is closed, overbooked or unavailable. They may then offer to take you somewhere else—often at a higher price. Fake accommodation listings can also appear online, where a property may not actually exist or may be listed without the owner's permission.
You may receive a message or call claiming that someone you know has been robbed, injured, arrested or stranded while travelling. The person contacting you may request money for a hotel, hospital, transportation, legal fees or other emergency expenses. Fraudsters may use information from social media to make the story appear convincing.
The Government of Canada warns that scammers may impersonate Canadian travellers who supposedly need money after being robbed, injured or otherwise stranded abroad.
Travel-related fraud isn't always about your hotel or taxi.
You may encounter unsolicited business opportunities, investment offers, employment opportunities or requests to send money while abroad. Fraudsters may use convincing websites, fake documents or the names and logos of legitimate organizations to make an opportunity appear genuine. The Government of Canada warns Canadians to carefully investigate unsolicited business proposals and requests for money received while abroad.
A few simple steps before you leave Canada can make a significant difference.
The Government of Canada recommends having a backup source of funds in case of an emergency or unexpected delay and checking with your financial institution before travelling.
If you think you've been the victim of a travel scam, act quickly.
Contact your financial institution as soon as possible. Explain what happened and follow its instructions for protecting your account and cards.
Contact the nearest Canadian government office abroad for assistance. The Government of Canada provides information about replacing lost or stolen documents and getting assistance while outside Canada.
Contact your financial institution immediately. Depending on the circumstances, the institution may be able to take steps to help protect your account or investigate the transaction.
You should also report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
The sooner suspected fraud is reported, the better positioned financial institutions and authorities may be to respond.
One of the best ways to avoid travel scams is to learn about your destination before leaving Canada. Check the Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories for your destination. These resources include information about safety and security, local laws, entry requirements and potential risks.
You can also register your trip with the Government of Canada's Registration of Canadians Abroad service. Registration is free and can help the Government of Canada contact you with important information during an emergency.
Travel scams can happen anywhere, but preparation and awareness can reduce your risk. Research your destination, protect your personal information, secure your money and payment cards, and be cautious when someone creates urgency or asks for money or sensitive information. Remember that scammers can use convincing websites, phone calls, messages and even technology to make fraudulent requests appear legitimate. If something doesn't feel right, stop and verify it independently. A few extra minutes of caution can save you from significant financial loss and help keep your trip on track.
YNCU members: If you believe your banking information has been compromised, you've encountered a scam, or you've been the victim of fraud, contact YNCU as soon as possible through its current official contact channels so your situation can be assessed and appropriate steps can be taken.
For additional fraud-prevention information and to report fraud, consult the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
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