Stay Smart While You Travel: How to Spot (and Avoid) Travel Scams in 2025

Based on findings from the Mastercard Economic Institute, as reported by Jessica Puckett for Travel + Leisure

The world is full of breathtaking places to explore, but sadly, it also has its share of shady operators looking to take advantage of unsuspecting travellers. And according to recent data from Mastercard, the travel industry is one of the most targeted sectors for fraud. Yes, even seasoned globetrotters aren’t immune.

So, before you book your next escape, here’s what you need to know about the current state of travel scams and how to avoid becoming part of the statistics.

Why Travel Is a Target

It makes sense when you think about it: travellers tend to be relaxed, excited, unfamiliar with their surroundings, and spend more freely than usual. Add in peak seasons, crowded hotspots, and a rush to snap up the best experiences, and you’ve got a recipe ripe for fraudsters.

According to Mastercard’s latest report, fraud spikes by 18% during summer travel in popular destinations and a whopping 28% in colder destinations during the winter season.

Destinations to Watch

Some cities see more incidents than others. Among the higher-risk destinations flagged were:

  • Cancun, Mexico
  • Hanoi, Vietnam
  • Dhaka, Bangladesh
  • Bangkok, Thailand

Meanwhile, these destinations were noted as having relatively lower levels of travel fraud:

  • San Francisco
  • Dublin
  • Seoul
  • Budapest
  • Edinburgh

Note: These are comparative figures, not an official “safest” or “riskiest” list.

The Scam Starts at Home

Interestingly, the risk doesn’t begin at the airport; it starts at your laptop. Mastercard saw a 12% rise in early-stage trip planning fraud in 2024. Think: fake travel deals, dodgy booking websites, false confirmation emails, and social media ads for “exclusive” discounts that are anything but.

With the cost of travel rising, fraudsters know we’re all looking for a bargain, and they’re more than happy to exploit that desire.

The Most Common Travel Scams in 2025

Here’s what’s trending in the world of travel scams (for all the wrong reasons):

  • Fake Travel Agencies & Tours: These are still the most common scams and more than four times higher than the global fraud average. In places like Hong Kong, they account for 70% of travel scams, followed by Barcelona, Delhi, Singapore, and Cancun.
  • Suspiciously Cheap Tours: Too-good-to-be-true pricing is a major red flag. The tour may be drastically different from what was promised, or not exist at all.
  • Taxi & Car Rental Scams: Common in Jakarta (66%), Bangkok (48%), and London (34%). Think rigged meters, fake booking apps, or predatory pricing.
  • Accommodation Cons: In places like Phuket and Antalya, fake rental listings lead travellers to non-existent or misrepresented properties.

So… How Do You Stay Safe?

The key takeaway? A bit of scepticism goes a long way. Here are a few smart travel habits to keep in your carry-on:

  • Book only with reputable providers, especially for tours and accommodation.
  • Double-check websites, reviews, and contact information.
  • Be cautious of full prepayment requests with no refund terms.
  • Use reverse image search to check accommodation or tour photos.

Why Booking with a Trusted Travel Advisor Matters

At Points of Difference Travel & Events, your safety, security, and peace of mind come first. We’re proud affiliates of Savenio Travel (IATA 96610065), giving you the confidence that your bookings are protected by strong financial controls and professional oversight.

Through our relationship with Savenio, we’re connected to a powerful alliance of trusted, accredited travel organisations and networks, including:

  • Virtuoso: the global network of luxury travel specialists
  • Magellan Travel: member of the Helloworld Travel Group
  • Cruiseco: The Cruise Specialists
  • CLIA: Cruise Lines International Association Australasia
  • AFTA: Australian Federation of Travel Agents
  • ATIA: Australian Travel Industry Association
  • ATAS: Travel Accredited

These affiliations ensure we only work with experienced, vetted partners across accommodation, touring, cruises, and beyond, giving you exceptional value, service, and protection.

And as an LGBT+ travel advisor, we apply an additional lens of care to everything we do: your personal safety and sense of belonging. Whether you’re travelling solo, with a partner, or part of a group, we ensure our experiences are not just welcoming, but wonderfully affirming.

Let’s Take the Risk Out of Travel

Don’t trust your holiday to just anyone. Let us replace the uncertainty with confidence, style, and service you can count on.

Contact Points of Difference Travel & Events today and plan your next adventure with confidence, or simply call us on 1300 990 390 during office hours.

Header image generated using Adobe Firefly AI. Edited to align with Points of Difference Travel & Events’ brand style and message.