When traveling in Thailand you should be aware of various scams targeting unsuspecting tourists, often near busy attractions, exploiting their trust in friendly Thai culture. The consequences of these scams can range from minor inconveniences to significant financial losses.
Whether it’s through deceptive transportation offers, counterfeit goods, or staged incidents designed to elicit quick cash, these fraudulent schemes are pervasive throughout the country’s tourist regions. By understanding the tactics used by scammers and knowing how to avoid them, you’ll be well-prepared to have a safer and more enjoyable time in Thailand.
Tuk-Tuk Scams
While tuk-tuks are a convenient way to explore Thailand’s bustling streets, they are notorious for various scams. The drivers of these small, open-air 3-wheeled taxis often offer a low fare to popular attractions or shopping areas. However, they’ll take detours to commission-based shops such as “gem centers,” tailors, or other businesses that sell overpriced items using high-pressure tactics.
Alternatively, a tuk-tuk driver may charge exorbitant fees for a short ride or take a longer route to inflate the fare. In more extreme cases, drivers might take you to an isolated location. By the time you realize you’re lost, they’ll demand a much higher fare to return you to your destination.
How to Avoid: Insist on going directly to your destination without any stops, agree on the fare upfront, and avoid tuk-tuks parked near major tourist spots. Always be cautious if the fare seems unusually low or if the driver insists on taking you to certain destinations you didn’t agree upon beforehand.
Taxi Scams
Taxi scams in Thailand frequently involve drivers who refuse to turn on the meter, opting instead to negotiate a flat rate, which is typically much higher than the metered fare. Some drivers take unnecessarily long routes to deliberately hike up the fares. These tactics are especially common around airports, hotels, and tourist spots.
How to Avoid: Always insist that the driver uses the meter. If they refuse, find another taxi. It’s also a good idea to use reputable ride-hailing apps, which offer fare transparency and driver accountability, or take public transportation.
“Attraction Closed” Scam
One of Thailand’s most common scams involves individuals who falsely claim that a popular temple, museum, or tourist site is closed. These scammers, often posing as friendly locals or tuk-tuk drivers, will approach tourists on the street, striking up a conversation to learn about their plans. They will then inform the tourists that their intended destination is closed, due to reasons such as religious holidays, “monks are praying,” or closure for lunch. Doing so, they’ll now offer an alternative destination which is typically a store such as a gem shop or tailor, where tourists are pressured to purchase overpriced goods and the scammer receives a commission.
How to Avoid: Don’t trust unsolicited advice about closed attractions. Research opening hours beforehand.
Jet Ski and Scooter Scams
Jet ski and scooter scams are prevalent in popular Thai beach destinations such as Pattaya, Phuket, and Koh Samui. These scams typically involve rental operators who overcharge tourists for pre-existing or fabricated damages to the vehicles. When you return the rental, the scammer claims that the vehicle has been damaged and demands payment for repairs, often at a mark-up.
The scammers may also rent out faulty or damaged vehicles, leading to accidents or breakdowns, and then demand payment for repairs or replacements. Additionally, some operators force tourists to purchase unnecessary insurance or add-ons, such as fuel charges, significantly inflating the rental cost. Since these types of rentals typically require a deposit or passport as collateral, it can be difficult to negotiate a refund or come to a reasonable compromise with the scammer.
How to Avoid: Avoid renting from operators who pressure you into unnecessary insurance or add-ons. Use reputable rental services and ask your hotel’s concierge for guidance.
“Good Intentions” or Charity Scams
Travelers in Thailand should be wary of individuals or groups soliciting financial assistance. Scammers often manipulate tourists into wiring or donating large sums of money under various pretenses, usually bogus charities or urgent medical emergencies.
How to Avoid: Be cautious of individuals soliciting financial aid. Don’t send money based on emotional appeals.
Wrong Change Scam
It’s important to be aware of how much you are spending when paying in Thailand. You should familiarize yourself with Thai baht, so you know how much change to expect. Some convenience stores and restaurants might “accidentally” give back the wrong amount of change or act as if you paid with a smaller denomination bill. This scam can be especially confusing for tourists unfamiliar with the currency.
How to Avoid: Always count your change carefully before leaving the counter and be aware of the denominations you use for payment.
Money Exchange Scam
Money exchange scams are prevalent in tourist hotspots. Scammers at currency exchanges use the following tactics to make extra cash:
- False Exchange Rates: Displaying rates that are not in line with market rates to deceive tourists.
- Old or Torn Bills: Giving out currency that is not accepted by other money exchanges or banks.
- Distraction Techniques: Using calculators or other distraction methods to make you believe you’re getting more money than you are.
How to Avoid: Use reputable money exchange services, double-check exchange rates, and count your money carefully before leaving the shop.
Email Impersonation Scams
In this scam, you receive an email from a friend or family member, claiming they need financial assistance due to being a victim of a crime, such as a robbery, or being unjustly arrested and imprisoned. These emails are often generalized and might not address the recipient by name, even if they come from a close relative. The scammer requests funds to be wired through services like Western Union or MoneyGram.
How to Avoid: Don’t send money based on emails claiming emergencies. Verify their situation directly through a contact number or profile that you recognize.
What to Do if You’ve Been Scammed in Thailand
Unfortunately, even the most cautious travelers can fall victim to scams. If this happens to you, here are the steps you can take to report the incident, protect yourself, and potentially recover your losses:
- Report the Scam: File a report with Thai authorities as soon as possible. Contact the Tourist Police hotline at 1155. If you were scammed online, you can also contact the Anti-Online Scam Center at 1441. Reporting helps track scammers and potentially recover funds.
- Retain Evidence: Save messages, emails, receipts, or documents related to the scam, if possible. This is essential evidence for legal action.
- Protect Your Finances: If you have used your credit card to pay the scammer, contact your bank’s fraud department to block further transactions and explore options for recovering lost funds.
- Seek Legal Help: Consult with a lawyer specializing in fraud cases, especially if significant losses were incurred.
Siam Legal is a full-service law firm with over 20 years of experience in Thai law. Our expert fraud advisors offer personalized, compassionate support to help you recover from the financial and emotional impact of a scam. If you would like to learn more about your legal options, please reach out to Siam Legal today.
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