How to Spot the Scratch Card Travel Scam

Scratch Card Travel Scams are scams that target tourists who seem to love their vacation time and the area in which they are staying. Scammers target foreigners who they think will want to stay as long as possible or find a way to afford visiting again soon.

Instructions

1. Be wary of people who approach you in places with high concentrations of tourists. Scratch Card scammers often stake out areas like beaches and other touristy areas because of the many tourists who will likely fall for the scam. If you look like you're having lots of fun, the scammer considers you a prime target.

2. Listen to how the scammer tries to lure you into participating in the scam. The scammer will likely reference a chance to win another free holiday in the same area or an opportunity to extend your stay somehow by scratching a card.

3. Inspect the scratch card. Scammers will give you a lottery ticket-looking scratch card so that you can see if you've won one of these prizes. These cards are fake and all are designed to be winners.

4. Know that you'll be asked to attend a conference or meeting of some sort before you can claim the prize you won. In some instances, surveys or presentations will be referenced. Scammers will likely tell you that they're not part of a timeshare organization to try to get you to go.

5. Understand you'll be asked for money at the gathering. Scammers will say that the money will go to further discounts, promotions or membership fees to an exclusive club. They may also say that your free holiday information is in the mail or an be retrieved from another location. Once the scammers have your money, you'll probably never see them again.

6. Ignore people who try to approach you in a foreign land with these claims and keep your valuables, including your wallet, close to you at all times. Solicit the help of local police if the scammers harass or assault you after you refuse their offer.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask to take any contracts they may offer you home and request to see their claims in writing. Scammers will usually not allow you to examine their contracts closely.

• Don't give any of your financial information to strangers.