Auntie, Don’t Play Yourself: Travel Scams to Watch Out For

Let’s be honest, Sis — international travel is a dream, but not everyone out there is rooting for your good time. Scammers love to target tourists, especially women they think are friendly, trusting, or a little too relaxed on vacation. But not you. Because when you roll with Auntie-Approved Adventures, you roll smart.

Here’s how to keep your peace and your pocketbook intact by staying woke to the most common travel scams — and what to do instead.

🚕 1. The “Broken Meter” or “No Meter” Taxi Scam

You land at the airport, exhausted from that long-haul flight, and a taxi driver approaches with a warm smile. You ask about the fare, and they say, “The meter’s broken, but I’ll give you a good price.” That "good price" turns out to be triple the standard fare — and you won’t know until it’s too late.

What’s really happening: In many countries, especially across parts of Asia, the Caribbean, and Latin America, unscrupulous taxi drivers will purposely disable their meter or claim it's broken. Then, once you’ve arrived at your destination, they'll demand an outrageous fare, and sometimes even become aggressive if you push back.

What to do instead:

Always ask to see the meter before getting in. If they refuse or say it’s broken, walk away.
Use trusted ride-share apps like Uber, Bolt, or Grab where prices are calculated upfront.
When in doubt, ask your hotel to call a licensed taxi. Most hotels only work with vetted drivers.

Auntie Rule: If it feels shady from jump, it is shady. Get your bags and keep it moving.

🌴 2. “Too Good to Be True” Excursion Deals

You’re strolling near your resort when someone approaches with a laminated flyer. They offer a private boat ride, VIP tickets to a cultural show, or an all-inclusive island tour — all for the low-low price of $30. They say it’s a “special deal just for you.”

What’s really happening: These pop-up “tour sellers” are often operating without licenses, and their tours may be low-quality, unsafe, or fake altogether. You might show up and find nothing’s been booked, or worse — the excursion ends in a sketchy situation that compromises your safety.

What to do instead:

Book in advance through a reputable agency, or directly through your hotel concierge.
Check reviews on TripAdvisor, Viator, or GetYourGuide before giving anyone money.
Don’t ever pay in full in cash on the street to a random person with no physical office or digital footprint.

Auntie Rule: If it sounds too good to be true, it definitely is. Experiences are worth paying a little extra for peace of mind.

🛄 3. Airport Baggage Helpers & Distraction Scams

You’re just getting off the plane and someone — not in uniform — rushes up to help with your bags. At first, it seems helpful… until they demand a tip. In worse cases, they walk off quickly with your luggage or distract you while an accomplice pickpockets you.

What’s really happening: In crowded airport areas or train stations, scammers pose as porters to create confusion. Their goal is to make you flustered — that’s when people stop paying attention and become vulnerable.

What to do instead:

Only accept help from official porters in uniform with ID badges.
In unfamiliar airports, keep your wallet, passport, and valuables close — ideally in a crossbody or money belt.
If someone grabs your bag without your permission, firmly say “No thank you,” and reclaim your items.

Auntie Rule: You don’t owe anyone a tip for help you didn’t ask for. Assert your boundaries with confidence.

📱 4. The Fake Wi-Fi Network Trap

You’re at a café or hotel lobby, and you see a network called “Free_Airport_WiFi” or “Cafe_Guest_123.” You log in without thinking twice… and just like that, someone may be watching every move you make online.

What’s really happening: Hackers set up rogue Wi-Fi networks with names that mimic the real ones. Once you’re connected, they can access your email logins, banking info, and even track your passwords.

What to do instead:

Always confirm the official Wi-Fi name with staff before connecting.
Avoid checking bank accounts or making purchases over public Wi-Fi.
Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) app when traveling — it encrypts your data and keeps it safe.
Better yet, turn your phone into a personal hotspot if your data plan allows.

Auntie Rule: “Free” Wi-Fi can come with a hidden cost. Stay secure, not sorry.

🛍️ 5. The “Special Price for You” Hustle

You’re browsing a local market when a vendor says, “Beautiful lady, come see — I give you good price!” You smile, you browse, and before you know it, you’ve paid $60 for a bracelet worth maybe $10.

What’s really happening: Vendors often inflate prices for tourists, especially when they sense unfamiliarity or a soft heart. While haggling is expected in many cultures, the goal is to negotiate with respect, not to get hustled.

What to do instead:

Before shopping, check the price of similar items at your hotel gift shop or online.
Be ready to walk away — this is your best bargaining tool.
Ask locals or guides what typical prices are before you head to a market.

Auntie Rule: Be friendly, but don’t be afraid to say no. Your money deserves respect, too.

You didn’t come all this way to get played. You came to explore, to grow, to connect — and to do it in style. Scammers may be bold, but knowledge is power. And now? You’ve got the power.

So keep that passport close, your intuition even closer, and know that wherever you go, we got you.

💬 Have you experienced any of these scams or have tips of your own? Share them with the other Aunties in the comments — we’re all in this together.

🔒 Secure. Smart. Auntie-Approved.

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