Report Beware of Tourist Scams: Bangkok Named Top Hotspot for Fraud

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of TakeMe Tour’s Blog

 

If you're planning a holiday in Thailand, be vigilant with your spending. Bangkok has been identified as one of the world's leading hotspots for tourist scams, with a significant portion of fraud cases tied to questionable taxi and car rental dealings. This revelation comes from a recent report by the Mastercard Economics Institute, highlighted by CNBC, which outlines a concerning rise in travel-related scams globally.

 

The comprehensive report details that fraud incidents can surge by up to 28% during peak travel seasons. In Bangkok, nearly half (48%) of all reported fraud cases involve dubious taxi and car rental agreements, marking the city as particularly hazardous for tourist scams.

 

A common trick involves fake or misleading tour bookings where, after payment, the tour either fails to occur or vastly differs from what was originally advertised. David Mann, Chief Economist for Asia Pacific at the Mastercard Economics Institute, pointed out the geographic variability of fraud. He noted, "In some destinations, fraud is more common in tour bookings, while in others it may be food services."

 

Thailand's tourist-friendly destinations, such as Phuket, are also flagged for being prone to scams, notably in fraudulent hotel bookings. This mirrors issues faced by travellers in other popular spots like Antalya, Turkey.

 

Contrastively, cities like San Francisco, Dublin, Seoul, Budapest, and Edinburgh are reported to have the lowest levels of tourist fraud, offering travellers a relatively safer experience.

 

Elsewhere, high scam rates have been reported in cities including Cancun (Mexico), Hanoi (Vietnam), and Dhaka (Bangladesh). Scams vary widely: in Jakarta, taxi-related fraud represents 66% of cases, while it's only 2% in cities like Hong Kong and Barcelona.

 

The report also highlights a growing threat during the holiday booking phase, with travel-related fraud up 12% over the past year. Issues include doctored photos, counterfeit booking confirmations, and fraudulent payment links.

 

Mastercard advises tourists to take precautions such as booking through secure platforms, utilising digital wallets or credit cards with robust fraud protection, and steering clear of deals that appear too attractive. Always remember, better safe than scammed.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-21

 

 

[KireB]

Just got back from Bangkok and managed to avoid all the common scams! My top tips: tuk-tuk drivers offering super low prices ("20 baht to see all temples!") are a red flag – always hail a metered taxi or use a ride-hailing app. Be wary of anyone trying to guide you to a "special" shop or tailor; if you don't know much about what they're selling (like antiques or custom suits), just politely decline and keep walking. A firm "no, thank you" and continuing on your way works wonders; don't feel pressured to engage! Stay smart, and you'll have an amazing time!

[ikke1959]

Tourist destination number 1 is Thailand, but the tourists who are scammed, double priced and/or fined by the RTP will tell their family and friends and colleges at home and now Thailand is wondering why tourists don't come anymore... The result of....

[Harrisfan]

7 minutes ago, KireB said:

Just got back from Bangkok and managed to avoid all the common scams! My top tips: tuk-tuk drivers offering super low prices ("20 baht to see all temples!") are a red flag – always hail a metered taxi or use a ride-hailing app. Be wary of anyone trying to guide you to a "special" shop or tailor; if you don't know much about what they're selling (like antiques or custom suits), just politely decline and keep walking. A firm "no, thank you" and continuing on your way works wonders; don't feel pressured to engage! Stay smart, and you'll have an amazing time!

So first trip to Bangkok.

[Denim]

10 minutes ago, KireB said:

Just got back from Bangkok and managed to avoid all the common scams! My top tips: tuk-tuk drivers offering super low prices ("20 baht to see all temples!") are a red flag – always hail a metered taxi or use a ride-hailing app. Be wary of anyone trying to guide you to a "special" shop or tailor; if you don't know much about what they're selling (like antiques or custom suits), just politely decline and keep walking. A firm "no, thank you" and continuing on your way works wonders; don't feel pressured to engage! Stay smart, and you'll have an amazing time!

 

This is terrifying.  I've told the wife it's Ilfracombe for us this year. Not taking any chances. If I get a few chips less with my fish I won't  complain any more.