13 Travel Scams to Avoid and Stay Protected

5. Fake Police and Authority Impersonators

What it is: Scammers pretend to be police, immigration officers, or hotel officials to intimidate tourists into handing over cash, passports, or phones. They may claim you’ve committed a minor offense and must pay a fine immediately. This scam plays on fear and confusion in unfamiliar places. How they work: Someone in plain clothes or a convincing uniform stops you and says there’s a problem with your documents. They may demand cash to “resolve” the issue or pressure you to follow them to a nearby office. In some cases, the scammer uses forged ID or fake badges. Prevention steps: Always ask to see official ID and badge numbers. If you are in public, request to meet at a police station or call your embassy or consulate. Do not hand over passports unless you are at an official counter. Take photographs of any ID and note names or badge numbers. If you feel threatened, move to a crowded place and call local emergency services. Where to report: Report impersonation attempts to local police and, for U.S. citizens abroad, to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. File a report with the FTC if the scam originated online or involved identity theft.