offline scams · 6 min read
Top 10 Scams in Pattaya and How to Avoid Them
Stay vigilant while visiting Pattaya! Here are the top 10 scams tourists should be aware of, and tips on how to spot, react, and avoid falling victim.
Pattaya, a popular beach resort city in Thailand, attracts millions of tourists each year with its vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and diverse entertainment options. However, amidst the fun and excitement, tourists should be cautious about the prevalent scams that target unsuspecting visitors. Here are the top 10 scams to watch out for and how to protect yourself:
1. Common Types of Scams in Pattaya
In this section, we’ll explore some of the most common scams tourists encounter in Pattaya. Each scam includes practical advice on how to recognize it and avoid falling victim.
a. Tuk-Tuk and Taxi Scams
One of the most frequent scams in Pattaya involves tuk-tuk drivers and taxi operators overcharging or refusing to use meters. Many drivers attempt to charge a flat rate, which is usually far higher than the metered fare. Some may claim the meter is broken or out of gas to avoid using it.
How to Avoid It: Insist on using the meter for your ride. If the driver refuses, consider finding another taxi or using ride-sharing apps like Grab, which provides fare estimates and offers safer transactions.
b. Jet Ski Rental Scams
Jet ski rental scams are notorious in Pattaya. In this scam, tourists are accused of damaging the jet ski after returning it. The scammers then demand exorbitant fees for “repairs,” sometimes involving local thugs to intimidate tourists into paying.
How to Avoid It: Always inspect the jet ski before renting and take photos of any existing damage. Choose a rental company recommended by your hotel, as they are more likely to be reputable. Ask locals or fellow travelers for recommendations.
c. “Closed” or “Under Renovation” Tourist Attraction Scam
A popular scam involves individuals approaching tourists and informing them that well-known attractions are “closed” or “under renovation.” They then suggest alternative, usually overpriced, destinations or offer guided tours to less desirable locations.
How to Avoid It: Confirm the status of attractions with your hotel or on official websites. Don’t take the word of strangers on the street and avoid “alternative tours” from unofficial guides.
d. Bar and Drink Scams
The nightlife scene in Pattaya is lively and draws many tourists, but bars and clubs are hotspots for scams. Common scams include receiving inflated bills for drinks, especially if someone else has been ordering on your tab. Additionally, “lady drinks” are common in some bars; tourists pay high prices for drinks ordered by women who join them.
How to Avoid It: Review drink prices carefully before ordering, pay for each drink as you go, and avoid letting others order for you. Stick to well-known bars and ask for a menu if prices aren’t listed clearly.
e. Fake Police Officers
Some scammers pose as police officers, stopping tourists under the guise of a minor infraction like littering or jaywalking. They threaten fines or other consequences but offer to “resolve” the issue on the spot with a cash payment.
How to Avoid It: Always ask to see official identification and remain calm. If you are asked to pay a fine on the spot, insist on paying at a police station or seek help from a local authority, such as your consulate or embassy, if the situation escalates.
f. Pickpocketing and Bag Snatching
In crowded areas, tourists are frequently targeted by pickpockets and bag snatchers, especially in nightlife areas and markets. Scammers often work in pairs or groups, using distractions to execute their thefts.
How to Avoid It: Carry only essential items, use anti-theft bags or cross-body bags, and avoid carrying your wallet in an accessible pocket. Stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas, and avoid showing valuable items openly.
g. Tour and Excursion Scams
Some unauthorized agents sell low-quality or fake tours, leaving tourists with disappointing experiences and out-of-pocket expenses. In some cases, tourists arrive at their destination only to be hit with unexpected fees or subpar services.
How to Avoid It: Book tours only through reputable providers, ideally those recommended by your hotel or trusted websites. Always read reviews and confirm the details before making a payment.
h. Accommodation Booking Scams
Another common scam is fraudulent accommodation bookings, where scammers create fake listings on popular booking platforms. Some tourists arrive to find that their “hotel” doesn’t exist or that their rooms are “double-booked,” forcing them to pay for alternate accommodations.
How to Avoid It: Use reputable booking platforms, read recent reviews, and confirm bookings directly with the accommodation before your trip. Avoid sharing sensitive payment information over insecure channels.
2. Online Scams Targeting Tourists and Expats in Pattaya
As Pattaya is also home to a large expatriate community, certain scams target both tourists and long-term foreign residents. These scams are often carried out online or through personal interactions, making them harder to detect.
a. Rental Scams
Many expats and long-stay tourists seek apartments or villas for extended stays, which has led to a rise in rental scams. Fake rental listings lure victims with attractive photos and low prices, requesting deposits in advance. Often, the property doesn’t exist, or the landlord vanishes after receiving payment.
How to Avoid It: Verify rental properties by checking reviews, visiting in person, or using reputable agencies. Avoid sending deposits before seeing the property in person, and be wary of anyone requesting payment through untraceable methods.
b. Dating Scams
Pattaya is well known for its lively dating and social scene, but some scammers exploit this by building romantic relationships online or in person with foreign visitors. They may ask for money for “emergencies,” family expenses, or investments, only to disappear after receiving funds.
How to Avoid It: Be cautious with any new relationships, especially if requests for money arise early on. Avoid transferring funds to people you haven’t met in person, and trust your instincts if something feels off.
c. Investment Scams
Fake investment opportunities, especially in high-return ventures like cryptocurrency, are common. Foreigners are often lured with promises of high returns, only to lose money after investing.
How to Avoid It: Be skeptical of high-return investment schemes and do your research. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Consult a financial advisor before investing in unfamiliar ventures.
3. Red Flags to Watch For
Recognizing the warning signs of a potential scam can help you stay safe. Here are some red flags to be aware of when navigating Pattaya’s busy tourist scene:
- Excessive Friendliness or Pressure to Buy: Scammers often act overly friendly to gain trust or pressure tourists to make purchases.
- Unusually High Prices: Be cautious if someone is charging more than what you expect, especially in casual settings or smaller shops.
- Upfront Payments Requested in Cash: Paying large amounts upfront, especially in cash, is a common tactic scammers use. Try to pay in stages or use credit cards where possible.
- High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Scammers may use urgency to rush you into a decision, often citing “limited-time offers” or claiming “you’re missing out.”
How to Get Help:
In case of scams or emergencies, contact the Tourist Police by dialing 1155 or visit the nearest police station. Inform your hotel staff or local authorities about any incident to seek assistance and report the scammers.
Make sure to check out our other scam guides.
Remember, staying informed and vigilant is the key to enjoying a safe and memorable trip to Pattaya. With these tips in mind, you can protect yourself from falling prey to common scams and fully enjoy the city’s wonders.