You can become the victim of a scam at home in the U.S. or abroad. There are many different types of scams, but they all share a common goal: taking your money. 

Tips to Protect Yourself – and Your Money – from Scams 

Follow these best practices:  

• Never send money to someone abroad if you have not met them in person – especially if you met online. 
• Do not share personal details over the phone or online – even in your social media. 
• Be aware that something that seems too good to be true usually is. 
• Tell the person claiming to be a U.S. citizen in distress abroad to contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. 
• If someone says they are a U.S. citizen abroad and the embassy won't help, call the Department of State’s Overseas Citizens Services at 888-407-4747. We can help you verify if the situation is real or a scam. 
• If you send money to a U.S. citizen in an emergency through the Department of State's OCS Trust program, the person will need to show a photo ID to get the cash. To learn more, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate where they are located. 

If you have been the victim of a scam, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and the FBI at ic3.gov. 

Examples of common scams  

Romance scam 

• Someone you don't know well offers friendship, romance, or marriage right away.   
• They claim to have problems overseas and ask for money.  
• These scammers could ask for help with hospital bills, visa fees, or legal expenses, and more. 

Grandparent or relative scam 

• You receive a message from someone online, pretending to be your grandchild, niece, nephew, or another family member.  
• They claim to need money right away and usually ask you to keep it a secret.  
• If this happens to you, find another way to contact the family member directly to confirm the facts. 

Drug trafficking scam 

• Scams can start as fake romantic relationships. Sometimes, a scammer will call or email you asking for help to transport something. 
• They may offer a job abroad or the chance to do charity work.  
• They may offer to pay for your travel or give you free luggage.  
• They may also ask you to stop in another country to pick something up. They probably want you to carry something illegal, like drugs. They hope you won't get caught. If you do, they want you to take the blame, not them.  
• Be cautious if someone asks you to transport items to another country or back to the United States.  
• Report this scam to the airline and border authorities before you travel. 

Lottery scam 

• This scammer claims you have won a foreign lottery.   
• They promise you a lot of prize money.  
• They tell you that you must first pay taxes and other processing fees.  
• If you did not buy a lottery ticket in a foreign country, it is likely that you did not win a prize. 

Wallet and money drop scam 

• You see a wallet or cash on the ground. A scammer picks it up and shows you that it contains money.  
• The scammer asks if the wallet belongs to you and tries to get you to touch it. Another scammer comes up and says the wallet is theirs. They accuse you of trying to steal it.  
• The two scammers then threaten to call the police unless you pay them.  
• In another version, the scammers ask to see your money to prove they did not steal it. When you take out your money, the scammers grab it and run away. 

Teahouse, restaurant, or bar scam 

• An attractive young "English student" offers to show you around town. Then, they invite you to share a meal.  
• They may take you to a back room with dim lighting or give you with a menu that has small print.  
• Someone may spike your drinks with drugs to impair your vision and judgment.  
• When the bill comes, your host leaves you with a very expensive bill. The restaurant may threaten you if you do not pay. 

Arthouse or rug sale scam   

• Someone claiming to be an art student will approach visitors at tourist sites.  
• They will ask if you would like to see artwork created by local students and invite you to an art studio or gallery.  
• They will share food and drink while introducing their art. Then, they will pressure you to buy artwork as compensation for their hospitality.  
• Rug shops may use the same tactics.  

Airport or “bag watching” scam   

• A stranger asks you to watch their bag or purse. They leave and then return with someone posing as a police officer.  
• The bag they left you with may contain drugs or other illegal items.  
• The perpetrators then demand that you give them money to avoid arrest.  

Shell and card games   

• Scammers set up a game in popular tourist spots. They use three shells (or cups) with a small ball under one.  
• They move the shells and then ask the audience to bet on which one the ball is under.  
• People in the audience collaborating with the scammers make accurate guesses at first. Then they let tourists join in.  
• The scammers allow the tourists to win and bet more and more money. But then the scammer sneaks away with the ball. The tourists lose, often hundreds of dollars. 

Mustard or bird poop scam 

• Working in pairs, one scammer will approach to let you know there is something on you (whether there actually is or not), while the other scammer steals your bag or other items when you look away or are distracted.  

International Driving Permit scams 
Most countries accept an International Driving Permit (IDP). Not all countries accept a U.S. driver's license.  

• The U.S. Department of State authorized the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) to issue IDPs.  These are the only active organizations authorized by the U.S. Department of State that meet the standards under the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic (1949).  
• You can only apply for an IDP at an AAA Travel office, online, or by mail. You may also apply online with AATA.
• Do not believe a website that says you can apply online through a different company.  
• Scammers often create websites to sell fake IDPs. They try to sell them to you in person or online for an expensive fee.  
• If you buy a fake IDP, you’ll be paying for an invalid document. You could face legal charges or travel delays if you use it to drive abroad. 

It is illegal to drive without a valid license and insurance in some countries. For more information, check your destination information page.