Philippine Scams List And Best Places Visit Philippines

Philippines captivates with its beauty, yet it's crucial to remain alert to common travel scams. In this guide, we reveal the Philippine Scams List, showcase the Best Places Visit Philippines, and How To Travel In Philippines Safely

Tourist Philippine Scams List:

Here are the list of Tourist Philippine Scams List:

Too-Friendly Strangers Scam:

While many locals are friendly, warm and hospitable, be cautious of overly nice strangers.

Some people may act too friendly without you asking. Be careful, especially in crowded tourist spots. Use good navigation apps to stay safe.

Overbooked Or Closed Hotel Scam:

Some taxi drivers may try to trick you. They might say your hotel is closed or full and take you to a more expensive one where they get commission. Before you travel, call your hotel to check if it's open. Ask if they have a shuttle and arrange a pickup. If the taxi driver insists your hotel is closed, ask them to take you there anyway, saying you have a reservation.

Kalesa (Horse-Drawn Carriages) Scam:

Watch out for a scam involving horse-drawn carriages called Kalesa in Manila's popular tourist spots. Some drivers may trick you by either taking off without discussing the price and later demanding a high fare, or quoting a reasonable price at the start and then claiming it was just a starting fare, asking for much more at the end.

To avoid falling for this, negotiate the final price firmly before the ride and make it clear that it's the maximum you'll pay at the journey's end.

Budol-Budol Gang Scam:

This is a common scam in the Philippines that targets both locals and tourists. They may try to trick you into a fake get-rich-quick business. They'll convince you to take out money from the bank, and once you give it to them, they disappear, leaving you with only a bunch of worthless items in an envelope.

Don't talk to strangers who approach you with business ideas. Even if you show a little interest, they might try harder to convince you, maybe even using tricks like hypnosis. Be cautious and avoid any unexpected business offers to protect yourself from falling for this scam.

Pickpocketing and Bag Snatching:

In busy tourist places, watch out for pickpockets and bag snatchers. Sneaky people may try to take your wallet or valuables from your pockets or bags without you noticing. They might also try to distract you by dropping something or bumping into you.

To stay safe, be smart with how you secure your bags and stay alert in crowds. Also, avoid showing off expensive things and ignore distractions, as well as keep your valuables in different places. Travel with only what you need.

Planted Drugs Scams:

Be cautious of the Planted Drug Scam, especially in crowded places like airports, bus terminals, or popular tourist spots in the Philippines. Scammers might attempt to sneak drugs into your luggage or offer flower garlands laced with drugs, putting you at risk of legal trouble.

Stay vigilant, keep an eye on your bags, and politely decline any unexpected offerings, particularly in busy areas, to avoid falling prey to this dangerous scam.

Accommodation/Hotel Scams:

Be cautious of false advertising when booking accommodations/hotels. Some places may appear charming in ads but disappoint in reality. To prevent this, thoroughly research and read reviews. Also beware of fake listings or upfront payment requests for non-existent properties or accommodations. Work with reputable agents and verify ownership documents.

Some accommodation providers may falsely claim to be affiliated with reputable hotels or resorts, offering discounted rates. However, they may provide subpar accommodations or disappear after payment. Book accommodations through trusted websites or directly with established hotels. Verify the legitimacy of any accommodation provider before making payments.

Some accommodation providers may attempt to charge additional fees for your stay, particularly when traveling in a group. They charge hidden fees that are not clearly disclosed during booking, increasing the overall cost of a stay. Clarify the pricing structure before making any payment to avoid unwelcome surprises.

Currency Exchange Scam:

Be careful when changing money. Some places may cheat you by giving bad rates, fake money, or tricking you. Use trusted places like banks or official exchange offices to exchange money. They are safe and fair.

Street Money Changer Scam:

Be careful with street money changers. They might give fake money or cheat you with tricky math. It's better to exchange money at banks or official places. Always check rates and count your money to stay safe.

Food and Drinks with Added Substances Scam:

Sometimes, tourists have faced situations where their food or drinks were spiked due to which they have faced theft and other problems. So, to stay safe, always be careful about what you eat and drink. Moreover, it's best to avoid anything given by unknown people.

Fake Tour Agencies:

Be careful of fake tourist agencies offering super cheap deals. They might promise great trips, but you could end up disappointed and spending more than you planned. Before booking, do some research to make sure the agency is real and trustworthy.

Unofficial Tourist Information:

Watch out for fake tourist info places. They might give wrong info to get you to pay too much or go to certain shops. Stick to real info centers or trusted websites instead.

Unofficial Tourist Police:

In this scam, someone pretends to be a tourist cop and offers to help you, but they might ask for money. Always ask for ID from anyone saying they're a tourist cop. If you're not sure, find and ask the real tourist cops or local police for help.

Fake Guides Scam:

When you visit historical places, be careful of guides who aren't official. They might take you to shops where they get paid if you buy something. They could trick you into buying things you don't want. Some might even offer tours without required permission. They could also ask for a lot of money, saying they can show you special places or that some spots are closed.

To stay safe, only go with guides from trusted places. If someone comes up to you on the street, just say no thanks and find a real guide.

Fake Police Officers:

Watch out for scammers in police dress who say your ID is fake and want money. They may also steal your stuff while checking your ID and stuffs. So, if they approach, ask to show their ID, tell them you want to go to a real police station, or call your embassy.

Gem and Jewelry Scam:

Be careful at jewelry stores that seem too good, they might sell fake gems at high prices. Some pretend to be dealers offering rare gems cheaply, but they're often fake. So, buy from trusted stores and research before buying.

Street Vendor Manipulation:

When shopping in markets, some vendors may use pushy or manipulative tactics to pressure you into buying or inflate prices. Stay polite but firm, and feel free to walk away if you're not comfortable with such offers.

Street Drug Dealers Scam:

Beware of street drug dealers offering cheap and exotic substances in tourist destinations. These dealers, found in popular areas, may sell low-quality or dangerous drugs, leading to health risks and legal issues. To stay safe, choose licensed establishments and know the regulations, Meanwhile, prioritize safety and avoid deals from street dealers.

Sim Card Scam:

Buying a local SIM card can be essential for staying connected, but some sellers may overcharge or provide SIM cards that don't work properly or have limited or no data. Thus, purchase your SIM card from official retail outlets or established mobile network shops.

ATM Scams:

Strangers may offer help at ATMs, intending to skim your card and steal your PIN. Be cautious while using ATMs. Scammers may place skimming devices to steal your card information. Decline assistance and use your hand to shield the number pad while entering your PIN. Also, opt for ATMs in well-lit, secure locations and avoid quiet area's ATMs.

Bar Friends Scam:

Enjoying the nightlife is great, but be cautious of scams at bars. Some people may invite you for a drink, then surprise you with a high bill. If you refuse to pay, you might find yourself escorted to an ATM by bar staff. So, pick a bar you know, check the prices, and avoid situations that seem too good to be true. Also, choose a bar you like or check the prices before ordering.

The "Closed" Scam

This scam involves a friendly local telling you that the attraction you want to visit is closed for various reasons like a religious ceremony or holiday or for a lunch. They then guide you to a different place, like a shop of a attraction, where they pressure you to buy something expensive or pay a lot for entry.

To avoid falling for this trick, go and check the main entrance or ticket counter yourself. It's even better to check the opening hours before you go online, so you know what to expect. This information is usually available online.

Bird Poop Scam:

Be wary of a scam where a scammer throws a white substance on your shoulder to distract you. While someone offers to help clean it off, they may pickpocket you. Politely decline assistance from strangers and keep your belongings secure.

Credit Card Swap Scam:

Protect yourself from credit card scams at restaurants by keeping your card within sight.  In restaurants or shops, dishonest employees may use portable card skimmers to clone your credit card information for fraudulent purposes. Thus, always check that the returned card is yours before leaving to ensure it hasn't been switched with an expired one.

Also be careful as the double charge card scam could occur. Some servers might charge your credit card twice for the same order. To protect yourself, consider paying in cash or, if using a card, accompany the server to the payment terminal to ensure a single and accurate transaction.

Local Woman's Flirtatious Scam:

If pretty local women are giving you a lot of attention, be careful with them. If one invites you out and then disappears after a fun night, you might end up with a really expensive bill. In many situations, they might use drugs and take your stuff.

To avoid this scam, trust your feelings. If things seem okay, have fun and make friends! But if someone acting too friendly, then be careful. If you're unsure, suggest meeting at your familiar hotel or bar. And if they agree, that's good, if not, enjoy your drink and be glad you avoided a tricky situation.

Taxi Scam:

Be careful with some taxis. They might pretend to be luxury cars, mess with the meter to charge you extra, or they may say the meter is broken to make you pay more, even hundreds of dollars. They might take longer routes and say they're shortcuts. Also, watch out if they don't give you enough change, saying they don't have smaller bills.

So, ask the driver to turn on the meter and plan your route before getting in. Carry small bills and coins to avoid scams. Use licensed taxis or trusted ride-sharing apps, and always ask for a receipt.

Be careful of some taxis near airports or train stations. Stay away from unofficial taxi lines and only use the official ones. Make sure the meter is working to avoid paying too much.

A driver covering their mouth and nose with a towel might use this as a means to disorient passengers. They could spray a substance with a strong odor that, when inhaled, can lead to dizziness or loss of consciousness. In such a vulnerable state, passengers become easy targets for robbery, assault, or abandonment. So, opt for reputable transportation services or official taxis with identifiable markings. Also, if you notice any unusual smells or feelings, get out of that cab in busy area. Immediately address the driver or seek help if necessary.

Beach Theft Scams:

Scammers target tourists by stealing unattended valuables on the beach when they are enjoying. To stay safe, don't bring valuable items to the beach. If needed, use lockers or ask someone reliable to watch over your belongings. Always keep an eye on your things to prevent theft.

In popular beach destinations like Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu, tourists often rent motorbikes or engage in water sports. However, scams can occur, especially with hidden damages. Some vendors cover existing damage with tape and, upon return, blame tourists for the pre-existing issues, presenting a hefty repair bill. To avoid such scams, consider organizing water activities through your hotel for direct complaint options. When renting a motorbike, carefully inspect it for hidden damages as well as take extensive photos.

Check this video for more Info on Tourist Philippine Scams List:

You can find more details on previous mentioned tourist scams on this video.

If you prefer not to watch the video, you can read the article instead: de-reviews.com/common-travel-scams-avoid-tips-and-guidance/

It provides detailed explanations of previously mentioned tourism scams, including information on common travel scams in many countries.

Best Places Visit Philippines

Now you know about the Tourist Philippine Scams List. But, that doesn’t mean you should avoid to visit Philippines. Keeping in mind about the possible tourism scams as mentioned earlier, you can enjoy your travel exploring these Best Places Visit Philippines:

1. Puerto Princesa Underground River.
2. White Beach.
3. Chocolate Hills Natural Monument.
4. Intramuros.
5. Kayangan Lake.
6. Yapak Beach (Puka Shell Beach).
7. Nacpan Beach.
8. Big Lagoon.
9. Banaue Rice Terraces.
10. Greenbelt Mall.
11. Casa Gorordo Museum.
12. Fort Santiago.
13. Ayala Center Cebu.
14. Kawasan Falls.
15. Basilica del Santo Niño.
16. San Agustin Church.
17. Small Lagoon.
18. Rizal Park.
19. Mayon Volcano.
20. Batad Rice Terraces.
21. Robinsons Place Mall.
22. Barracuda Lake.
23. Twin Lagoon.
24. Tumalog Falls.
25. Ariel's Point.
26. Calle Crisologo.
27. Honda Bay.
28. Fort San Pedro.
29. Cambugahay Falls.
30. Bonifacio Global City, and many more.

How To Travel In Philippines Safely:

Here are few more How To Travel In Philippines Safely to avoid possible travel scams in Philippines.

1. Get a Local SIM Card:

Start your trip by getting a local SIM card. It'll help you use your phone for maps, checking info, and calling for help if you need it. Make sure to download useful apps like maps, ride-sharing, and translation tools before you go.

2. Plan Ahead:

Before you go on your trip, find out about places to visit, how to get around, local rules, and things to watch out for. Make a plan with maps, directions, and contacts for where you're staying and who to call if you need help. Having a good plan helps you avoid scams.

3. Verify Info:

Don't trust info from people you don't know, especially if they approach you first. Instead, use guides, official sources, or ask your embassy for accurate details about places, events, and local stuff.

4. Learn the Local Rules:

Know the rules of the place you're visiting so you understand what you can and can't do. This helps you avoid getting tricked by scammers who might try to use your lack of knowledge against you.

5. Learn Basic Local Language:

Knowing a few easy local words can keep you safe from common travel scams. For example: Saying "hello" and "thank you" in local language can help you connect with locals and signal that you're not an easy target for scams.

6. Stay Confident:

Scammers look for tourists who seem unsure. Act confident, even if you're not sure where you are. Also, say "no thanks" firmly to offers or invitations from strangers you don't trust.

7. Use Trusted Transportation Apps:

When you need a ride, go for popular ride-sharing apps. Because, they show you how much your trip will cost and tell you about your driver.

8. Keep Valuables Secure:

Get a special bag or pouch that's hard for thieves to steal from. Also, keep important things like your passport and travel insurance in a safe place.

9. Blend In with the Locals:

Wear simple clothes, following the local customs and avoid showing off valuables. This helps you blend in with locals and not attract unwanted attention. But still, be careful who you trust, as not everyone is friendly.

10. Be Sure Before Drinking or Smoking:

Before drinking or smoking in public places, make sure it's allowed. Because, some places may have strict rules, and breaking them could get you in trouble. Also, avoid buying from street sellers, as their products might be low quality and cause problems. If unsure, ask locals or other travelers for advice.

11. Secure Your Place to Stay:

When booking a hotel, use trusted websites or the hotel's official site. Check your booking info carefully and keep a copy of your reservation. This helps avoid any issues when you get there.

12. Avoid Promotional Illusions:

Be careful on social media. Some offers for free stuff might ask you to share or comment to enter. But watch out! Some of these are tricks to get more likes and followers. Always double-check these offers and make sure they're genuine before you join in.

13. Maintain a Low Profile:

While traveling, avoid drawing attention to yourself. Use simple bags and only carry what you really need. Keeping a low profile can help you avoid getting noticed by scammers.

14. Use Trusted Services:

When booking tours, transportation, or services, opt for well-established and reviewed providers. Read online reviews, consult guidebooks, and ask fellow travelers for recommendations.

15. Use Trusted Currency Exchange:

Only exchange your money at banks or official currency exchange places. Avoid using ATMs that aren't from major banks. Because, they might charge you high fees, or they be the fake or skimming ones.

16. Be Wary of Tempting Offers:

Don't easily trust things like super cheap prices, attractive women, friendly strangers, or too-good-to-be-true deals. Take a moment to think before saying yes, as these could be scams to trick you. Always double-check if something seems fishy before agreeing to it.

17. Check the Source:

When you see a cool deal online, make sure it's from a genuine place. So, look for contact info and see if they seem real. Genuine places give clear details. If it seems too amazing, then search for more info to make sure it's not a trick.

18. Share Your Itinerary:

Make sure a close friend or family member knows your travel plans. That way, someone knows where you are in case you need help.

19. Negotiate Wisely:

Negotiate prices respectfully while shopping at local markets and shops. If you feel pressured, don't hesitate to walk away.

20. Stay Updated:

To avoid troubles, it's good to learn about local scams and hear from other travelers. Ask for tips and suggestions from people who have been there before.

21. Trust Your Instincts:

If something feels suspicious, then trust your instincts and consider other options.

22. Report Suspected Scams:

If you think something fishy is going on or you're not sure, then tell the local police or your embassy. This helps keep others safe and stops the scammers.

FAQs On Tourist Philippine Scams List And Best Places Visit Philippines as well as How To Travel In Philippines Safely

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Additional Info On Philippine Scams List And Best Places Visit Philippines and How To Travel In Philippines Safely:

Below you can find additional info such as references and other related articles:

References

• tripadvisor.com
• travel-philippines.com
• discoverthephilippines.com

Travel wisely and savor all the delights that the Philippines has in store for you!