Scammers in South Africa may approach tourists in a friendly manner and try to engage them in conversation. They may claim to be helpful locals or offer to take you to a specific place or show you around the area. However, their ultimate goal is often to steal money or valuables from tourists.
One way to avoid this type of scam is to be aware of your surroundings and to trust your instincts. If someone approaches you in a friendly manner and offers to help you, it’s important to be cautious and to remember that they may have ulterior motives.
Another way is to be aware of your personal belongings and to keep them in a safe place. It’s also important to keep a photocopy of important documents such as your passport, and keep your passport in a secure and out of sight.
You can also be aware of the human trafficking, friendly people might try to scam you and try to abduct you, it’s important to take precautions for safety, for example, if you are traveling alone, it’s a good idea to let someone know your travel itinerary and check in with them regularly. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, you should remove yourself from the situation as quickly as possible.
Another tip is to be aware of the “fake tour guides”. Some scammers may offer to be your tour guide but they might not have a proper guide ID or license, and they may be involved in theft and mugging. It’s best to only use reputable tour guides and to do some research on the tour guide or company before booking a tour.
It’s also a good idea to inform yourself about common scams and how to avoid them before you go on your trip, so that you’re prepared for what to look out for. Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
