How To Avoid Common Travel Scams Targeting Seniors

You’re still travelling solo after 50! That’s awesome! Travelling solo as a senior comes with some unique challenges. One of the biggest concerns for many older travellers is falling victim to common travel scams. It’s true that scams can, and do, happen to anyone, seniors are more often targeted because it’s assume that the older generation is more polite, trusting, and unfamiliar with technology. In this post, I’m going to tell you how you can avoid common travel scams targeting seniors so that you don’t fall prey to a scammers tricks.

While all of this might be true, it doesn’t mean that seniors are a pushover. Yes – we are polite, but don’t push us. Yes – we do tend to be more trusting, but don’t push your luck. And yes – we might be a bit more technically challenged that the younger generation, but that doesn’t mean that we have no knowledge at all.

Common Travel Scams Targeting Seniors

Even if you aren’t up on the most up-to-date technology, if you’re a senior travelling alone, there are ways that you can ward off those pesky scammers. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can stay one step ahead of scammers and enjoy your trip with confidence. This guide covers the most common travel scams targeting seniors and what you can do to avoid them.

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The “Helpful Stranger” Scam

The helpful stranger scam is one of the oldest and most common travel scam which targets seniors, especially in busy tourist areas. The scammers love to take advantage of our kindness and vulnerability.

A stranger may perceive that you are struggling, either with your bags, or where to go. He will kindly offer to help with your luggage or providing directions. He will then demand money, or may even grab your bag and disappear. This is why it’s important to learn to pack light when you’re travelling in your senior years so that you are more free to move around.

How To Avoid The “Helpful Stranger” Scam

.Fake Taxi Drivers or Overpriced Rides

Scammers posing as taxi drivers may approach seniors outside airports or train stations offering rides at “discounted” prices. If you fall for this and accept the ride, the fare ends up being three times the normal rate.

How To Avoid It

“Free” Gifts Or Bracelets

This is the scam that I find most annoying, as I have a difficult time saying no. Street vendors often try to put a bracelet or necklace on your wrist “as a gift”, and then will demand money once it’s on you. Seniors are often targeted, because they are less likely to argue and say no.

How To Avoid It

Fake Travel Agents Or Booking Websites

This is a really popular travel scam that target seniors. Both my mom and dad got caught in this scam. They were offered free trips, but had to hand over money – which they did 🙁 .

Scammers will create legitimate looking websites which offer incredible deals on hotels, tours, or cruises. Seniors who book last minute, or are trying to save money to travel on a budget, are frequent targets.

How To Avoid It:

Pickpocket Distractions: A Common Travel Scams Targeting Seniors

Distractions scams are popular in crowded places, such as tourist attractions, busy shopping malls, and crowded buses. The scammer may bump into you, or ask for help. They may even pretend to drop something. While they have you distracted, they may grab your purse or wallet without you even knowing. Scammers tend to target seniors, as they assume they move slower than the younger ones (they aren’t wrong 🙂 ).

How To Avoid It:

ATM Helpers Or Card Skimmers

If a stranger offers to help you while you’re at an ATM, decline. Chances are they are a scammer. In other cases, the scammer may attach a card skimming device that’s capable of stealing your banking information.

How To Avoid It:

Fake Police Officers

Yes – this happens much more than you might think. Scammers may dress as a police officer and ask to “inspect” your passport or wallet. Once you hand it over, they may demand payment or quietly steal cash

How To Avoid It:

Overly Friendly New Friends

One of the beauties of travelling solo is the friends we make along the way. But not all have the right agenda. Be wary of the person who wants to take you for drinks, show you around, or introduce you to someone. Most people are genuine, but some are scammers targeting seniors.

How To Avoid It:

How To Avoid Being Scammed As A Senior Solo Traveller

Avoiding travel scams targeting seniors doesn’t need to make you fearful. It just requires a little more awareness as wen enter our golden years. Scammers rely on surprise, confusion, or distraction. Once you recognize the signs, you become a hard target.

What scammers don’t know about us seniors, is that we’re a heck of a lot tougher and smarter than they thing, so good luch to them.

PIN COMMON SCAMS TARGETING SENIORS