Double-check your attraction ticket sources before booking: Spain leads the disreputable list of destinations where tourists have fallen victim to fraud. According to research by Go.compare, which analyzed data from multiple countries, Spain emerged as the primary destination among the top ten locations where travelers have been duped.
In Spain, 1,054,729 tourists fell victim to fraud over the past five years. In a country that welcomed 94 million visitors in 2024, one in every 61 tourists was caught in swindlers' traps. The research, which examined complaint findings about scams, revealed that following Spain are France, the US, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Germany, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Cyprus.
For example, one in ten visitors, or more specifically 212,000 travelers who visited France over the past five years reported being "ripped off," while 153,000 tourists fell victim to scams in the US during the same period.
Tourists in Paris are cautioned against websites selling fraudulent admission tickets to museums and popular attractions in the French capital. Among the tourist hotspots where scammers operate is Notre Dame Cathedral, which recently reopened. Tourists are falsely told they can pay up to 60 euros for "fast track" tickets allowing them to bypass long queues, when in fact admission is entirely free.
What protective measures can travelers take? When planning your visit, it's advisable to book flights and leisure activities exclusively through trustworthy websites. Those who suspect they've fallen for a scam should report the incident to local authorities and immediately notify their bank or credit card providers. Additionally, if necessary, embassies or consulates can assist with canceling or replacing lost documents. When needed, travelers should file claims through their travel insurance. Depending on the policy terms, travelers may be covered for financial losses or other problems resulting from fraud.
