Avoid This Common Scam When Arriving At Airports In Europe

Fake phone calls and malicious websites aren't the only places where scams will pop up these days. Even airports that feel safe are no stranger to suspicious individuals lingering around baggage or arrival halls, preying on newly landed travelers trying to find their bearings in an unfamiliar place. While seasoned travelers may know that signing onto public airport WiFi can be risky, knowing how to plan ahead to avoid common airport scams when arriving at European airports will save you from becoming a victim. This one airport scam is cleverly disguised as someone lending a helping hand. Professional scammers are pretending to be airport staff there to "help" tourists book activities or exchange cash. 

We understand and can totally sympathize. You've landed in a brand new country, may not know the language, and to the money-hungry scammers, you're like an unsuspecting doe wandering among wolves. With travel scams on the rise, it's hard to know who you should trust while on the road. Everything from fake text messages to fake taxis and even fake accommodation bookings are rearing their ugly heads to take advantage of travelers. Prague YouTubers Janek and Honza, who run the popular channel Honest Guide, are known for exposing scams in and around Prague, all while filming it happening to them or someone else in real time. They have even filmed videos about cash exchange scams, which have made them a trusted duo among European travelers who want to ensure they don't fall victim to an expensive scam nightmare.

The art of professional scamming is often shrouded by kindness. Almost too much kindness. As you exit the airport, scammers swarm you before the ink in your freshly stamped passport has a chance to dry. These thieves thrive on the ignorance of freshly landed tourists. If you're being offered discounted rates for tickets to a popular event that people are in town for, such as the Olympics, scammers will make fake tickets and sell them for a price that seems like a steal. And it is ... to your hard-earned money.

If someone approaches you claiming that they work for the airport and can offer to help you purchase your transit tickets, the best thing to do is politely decline and use the automated machines. Better yet, purchase directly from the official transit ticket booth or from the bus driver themselves. In Honest Guide's YouTube video, the scammer is heard giving correct advice on which route to take. I have actually taken this exact route while visiting Prague. However, it's when the scammer gains your trust that things take a turn.

In the video, Janek explains to the camera that when the tourist gets asked by the scammer if she has cash, and she says no, the scammer presses her to go inside the terminal and take out cash so he can exchange the money for her. This is a common scam, Janek mentions, as the bills are typically fake, expired, or an entirely different currency altogether. Being a savvy traveler isn't only knowing how to get from point A to point B, but also being educated on airport scams so you can enjoy your vacation without getting tricked.