Hanoi and Bangkok have been flagged as cities where tourists are most susceptible to scams, as indicated by a recent study from the Mastercard Economics Institute. The report highlighted that taxi and car rental services in Bangkok accounted for almost half of reported fraud cases, with food service providers also featuring prominently among reported scams targeting tourists.
The Mastercard study revealed that Cancun, Hanoi, Dhaka, and Bangkok were among the cities with higher levels of reported fraud, contrasting with lower rates in cities like San Francisco, Dublin, Seoul, Budapest, and Edinburgh. The nature of scams varied across cities, with taxi and car rental scams comprising a mere 2% of tourist fraud cases in places like Hong Kong and Barcelona, but constituting 66% of cases in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Incidents of fraud in the travel sector have been on the rise, with an 18% increase during the summer peak and a 28% surge in the winter season of 2024, according to Mastercard. Bangkok was ranked as the most visited city globally in 2024, welcoming a record 32.4 million visitors, while Hanoi saw a 34% year-on-year increase in foreign tourist arrivals, reaching 6.35 million visitors in the previous year. The Vietnamese capital aims to attract 30 million tourists this year, including seven million from overseas.
These findings underscore the importance of vigilance and awareness among travelers, especially in popular tourist destinations where scams are prevalent. The allure of these cities may make visitors more susceptible to fraudulent activities, making it crucial for tourists to exercise caution and be informed about common scams.
Euromonitor International’s ranking of Bangkok as the most visited city worldwide highlights the city’s appeal to travelers, but also underscores the challenges posed by high tourist volumes, which can create opportunities for scammers to exploit unsuspecting visitors. Likewise, Hanoi’s rapid growth in tourist arrivals signifies the city’s rising popularity as a travel destination, necessitating enhanced measures to safeguard tourists from potential scams.
As the travel industry continues to evolve and attract increasing numbers of visitors, addressing fraud risks becomes paramount to ensure a positive and secure travel experience for tourists worldwide. By staying informed, exercising caution, and being aware of common scams, travelers can better protect themselves and enjoy their journeys without falling victim to fraudulent activities.
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