Journalists are saying that the number of tourist scams worldwide has increased by 900% over the past year and a half. In 2026, experts are warning about the following top scams: aggressive demands for payment for “free” wristbands in Paris and Rome, people being forced to buy photos near the Pyramids of Giza, the “bird droppings” distraction trick in London, and “friendly” pickpockets in crowds. Also, common scams include taxi fraud, currency swapping, inflated charges on fake payment terminals, scams involving fake accommodation booking sites (using AI), services from fake guides, and the sale of fake tickets to landmarks. A good example of this is the arrest of a gang of scammers near the Louvre in February 2026.
Travel is an exciting adventure that opens the door to new countries and cultures, but there’s a downside too. If you don’t know the area or the country’s laws, you might be an easy target for scammers. The Daily Mail says the number of fraud cases involving tourists has hit a record high, with a 900% jump in the last year and a half. There are new scams popping up all the time. These criminals are getting more and more creative, and they’re finding new ways to take advantage of tourists. They’re doing everything they can to leave people with no cash, documents, or access to their own money while they’re traveling.
The publication gave the lowdown on the most common scams that could mess with tourists in 2026.
Friendly pickpockets
Pickpocketing is still one of the most common types of fraud when people travel around the world. The risks are especially high in popular tourist spots like Barcelona and Rome.
Criminals often work in groups. They distract people while another person steals wallets or phones. It’s not just about “reaching into a pocket” anymore. These days, criminals are using all kinds of distraction techniques. They might splash something on you, throw an object at you, and so on.
“Instead of outright theft, criminals may pose as friendly locals, unofficial guides, or people offering help, which allows them to gain your trust more quickly,” says Tom Vogan, a travel expert at Confused.com.
Experts recommend that tourists stay alert in crowds, always carry a shoulder bag in front, and be wary of any unexpected physical contact or sudden commotion.
Prices on Orders Are a Bit Over the Top
Around 70% of British travelers still use cash when they’re abroad, but a lot of tourists prefer to pay by card. This helps them keep track of their spending and sometimes saves them a little money thanks to a better exchange rate.
But there’s a catch: if customers are charged a lot more than the quoted price, there’s a higher chance of fraud.
Sometimes scammers mess with the payment terminals to make it look like everything’s normal. If you’re traveling, experts say to avoid using payment terminals on the street. Also, always check the amount on the terminal screen before entering your PIN.
The “Bird Droppings” Scam
The “Bird Droppings” scam is a classic distraction theft that’s making a comeback in cities like London. The scam involves throwing white, green, or black paint or food at a tourist to mimic bird droppings, after which a stranger appears who supposedly wants to help you clean the stain.
While the victims are busy cleaning up, their valuables are being stolen. There have been similar incidents reported across Europe.
Help with photos
Near major landmarks in countries like Egypt and Morocco—like near the pyramids at Giza or in the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa Square in Marrakesh—locals might offer to take photos of tourists or let them pose with animals.
But watch out—what starts as a friendly gesture can quickly turn into an aggressive demand for payment.
Taxi Scams
There are all kinds of taxi and Uber scams going around the world. Drivers might not turn on the meter, saying it’s broken, or they might take really long routes to up the fare.
In some cities, ride-sharing drivers even pretend to be real apps, picking up passengers and charging inflated prices. Meanwhile, real drivers are reportedly canceling rides at the last minute on purpose, forcing users to pay a penalty.
“Free” bracelets
In cities like Paris or Rome, a common scam starts with someone offering you a “free” bracelet. As soon as you tie it around your wrist, you’ll be asked to pay. Sometimes this can get a little heated. One tourist said that in Paris, he was surrounded by six or seven men demanding that he pay for the bracelet.
Accommodation
Advances in artificial intelligence have made it so that fake booking sites and reviews offering attractive deals are more convincing. This makes it tough to find real accommodations.
A lot of travelers end up paying a deposit for accommodations that aren’t even there, or they show up and find out their reservation is a no-go. Money lost can be substantial, and a frantic search for other accommodations at the last minute only adds to the unexpected costs.
Fake tour guides
At popular tourist spots, especially in countries like Egypt and Jordan, some people might try to act as official tour guides. They offer tours with interesting stories and a confident vibe, but they might give you the wrong info or send you to shops that are way overpriced, and then hit you with a hefty fee.
Counterfeit Tickets
Counterfeit tickets are another ongoing problem for tourists. In countries like Italy and France, where travelers usually pay to visit attractions like the Colosseum, the Eiffel Tower, and the Vatican, sellers of fake tickets are pretty common.
Often, people only realize they’ve been scammed when they can’t get into the site. For example, in February 2026, nine people were arrested in Paris for selling fake tickets at the Louvre. For over 10 years, the scammers swindled tourists out of millions of dollars.
Currency Swap
Currency swap scams usually happen during cash transactions. The scammer might swap banknotes or claim that the tourist handed over the wrong amount.
This tactic is common at markets or in taxis, especially when dealing with unfamiliar currencies.
“Confusion over exchange rates and foreign cash lets scammers easily manipulate the situation, leaving tourists without money and not realizing it right away,” the publication writes.