How to Avoid Common Airport Scams

Because travelers are vulnerable to begin with, airport scams are quite common, and if you don't know what you're looking for, it's easy to fall prey to these scam artists. Following are some of the most common airport scams and how to avoid them.

1- Service Discounts

This type of airport scam is most common near the baggage-claim area, and involves solicitation for various service discounts. Someone might approach you and offer you a discounted hotel stay or discounted rental service if you pay them up front. They might even have brochures or official-looking documents that you have to sign. As a general rule, avoid any type of solicitation at airports, and don't sign up for anything unless you can positively identify him or her.

2- Bogus Taxi

You've probably seen the long line of taxis waiting outside most airports, but you have to be careful about flagging down a ride. Unmarked cars that aren't equipped with meters are always to be avoided, because many airport scam artists will claim to be licensed cab drivers, but actually have no certification. When you reach your destination, your fare will be far more expensive than it should, or you'll be asked to pay up front. Even worse, the driver could be a violent predator. To avoid this scam, only take rides when you've verified a metered and licensed cab.

3- Old Friend

Scam artists know that travelers are often haggard, exhausted and disoriented when they disembark from a plane, which creates a prime atmosphere for a con. Someone will come up to you, pretending to be an old friend from out of town, then will ask to borrow a couple of bucks to buy a slice or make a phone call. Never hand over money to someone you don't recognize in an airport, even if you don't think the other individual is a scam artist.

4- Security Pickpockets

Pickpockets run an airport scam that has worked for decades, yet most of us are oblivious to their talents until it is too late. Someone behind you pushes past to get to the front of the line, and when he brushes up against you, he relieves you of your wallet or other valuables. You don't notice until he's already through and making his way to his gate, while you're left without the cash you brought on vacation. If someone gets too close, put your hand on your pocket.

5- Marketing Ploys

This isn't really an airport scam, but it's certainly misleading. You'll pass booths from which marketing representatives will try to get you to apply for a loan or a credit card, usually with the promise of a free gift upon completion of the application. Not only will your credit history take a hit when you apply for the card, but you'll also have to write down your social security number, which won't necessarily be kept safe behind the booth.

Hotel Scams

This airport scam is similar to Number One above, but takes a different turn. Rather than offering you a discounted hotel room that doesn't actually exist, a representative from a less-than-reputable establishment will offer you a room with countless amenities and at a too-good-to-be-true price. After you've taken advantage of the mini bar and the in-room Jacuzzi, your bill will charge you for those items you were told were complementary.