Traveling solo as a woman? It’s one of the most empowering and exhilarating experiences, but let’s face it, it comes with its share of challenges. And, unfortunately, one of those challenges is navigating the scam traps that seem to magically appear the moment you look a little too touristy. Over my 15 years of solo globe-trotting, I’ve had my fair share of run-ins with scams—some laughable, some downright frustrating. But hey, every misstep makes for a good story, right? In this guide, I’m spilling the tea on 14 common scams aimed at solo female travelers (aka us!) and sharing exactly how to dodge them like a pro.
1. The “Friendly Local Guide” Scam
You’re wandering through a market, and suddenly a charming local offers to show you around—for free. Spoiler: it’s never free. By the end of the tour, they’ll either guilt-trip you into paying or lead you to overpriced shops where they get a commission.
2. The “Free Bracelet” Scheme
A seemingly sweet local insists on gifting you a bracelet or trinket, only to demand payment once it’s tied to your wrist.
3. The “Attraction Entry Fee” Scam
A “helpful” local offers to guide you to a tourist spot and then charges you an entry fee—usually for a place that’s free.
4. Overfriendly Vendors
Vendors who insist you try their product for free, only to hound you until you buy it.
5. The “Closed Hotel” Trick
This one’s a classic. A taxi driver tells you your hotel is “closed” or “fully booked” and whisks you off to another place where they earn a hefty commission.
6. Overpriced Taxi Rides
Meter mysteriously “broken”? Driver quoting you triple the price? Welcome to the overpriced taxi scam, which happens more often than I’d like to admit.
7. The Fake Police Officer
A “police officer” accuses you of breaking a rule and asks for your passport or fines you on the spot.
8. Overpriced Drinks at Bars
You meet some fun locals who take you to a bar. Suddenly, the bill arrives, and it’s outrageous. Worse, they might disappear, leaving you to foot the bill.
9. The “Spilled Drink” Diversion
Someone accidentally spills a drink or bumps into you, distracting you while their accomplice picks your pocket.
10. The Flirt-and-Switch Scam
A charming stranger flirts with you at a cafe or bar. The catch? They’re distracting you while their partner lifts your bag or wallet.
11. The ATM Helper
You’re at an ATM, and someone offers to help you with the “confusing” machine. They’ll either skim your card details or make off with your cash.
12. Fake Wi-Fi Networks
That “free Wi-Fi” at the cafe? It might be a fake network designed to steal your data.
13. The Broken Camera Plea
Someone asks you to take a picture of them, claiming their camera is broken, then accuses you of damaging it and demands compensation.
14. The “Lost Child” Drama
A child approaches you in distress, and while you’re distracted, someone else picks your pockets.
Traveling solo as a woman is empowering, thrilling, and a little scary at times, but being prepared makes all the difference. Scammers thrive on confusion and hesitation, so stay confident, trust your gut, and always do your research. Got a travel scam story of your own? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear how you tackled it!