Think Before You Fly: Why 1 in 3 Aussie Travellers Are Still Getting Scammed Overseas

The Risk Few Talk About Until It’s Too Late

Overseas travel is often seen as the ultimate reward — new cultures, stunning sights, unforgettable cuisine. But for many Australians, an overseas adventure can also come with an unexpected sting: falling victim to travel scams. Despite widespread access to travel advice and official warnings, new research from TravelInsurance.com.au shows that more than one-third of Aussie travellers head overseas without taking basic precautions against scams.

According to the study, 35% of Australians do not proactively research local scams before flying out. Among these travellers, 23% say they simply trust their instincts, and 11% admit they didn’t even realise researching scams was something they should do. Alarmingly, 1% have already learned the hard way — by getting scammed themselves.

Trusting Instinct Isn’t Enough

While instinct can play a role in personal safety, relying on gut feelings alone is no substitute for real knowledge. TravelInsurance.com.au’s CEO, Shaun McGowan, warns that even travel insurance won’t always protect you from the consequences of poor judgment.

Some of the most common and damaging scams — like fake accommodation listings, prepaid tour providers who vanish after payment, or social media-based booking scams — are often not covered by insurance. Card fraud and stolen belongings might be reimbursed, but if you hand over money willingly to a scammer, you’re unlikely to be compensated.

The Research Gap Across Generations

Interestingly, younger travellers are leading the way in scam awareness. Gen Z (36%) and Millennials (35%) are the most proactive when it comes to researching local scams before departure. Thanks to their immersion in social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube, they often encounter travel advice and warnings before they even start planning.

In contrast, Gen X (38%) tend to only research if they’re heading somewhere known for scams, making them more selective in their approach. Baby Boomers, however, are the least prepared: 26% rely solely on instinct, and 18% admitted they didn’t realise research was necessary at all.

5 Simple Ways to Scam-Proof Your Travels

TravelInsurance.com.au offers these practical tips to help every traveller stay safe and informed:

1. Search your destination + “scams” online
   A quick internet search like “Rome scams” or “Bangkok tourist traps” can give you an overview of the most common schemes.

2. Use forums like Reddit or TripAdvisor
   Real-life travellers share their first-hand experiences and warnings, often with up-to-date advice about which areas or offers to avoid.

3. Visit Smartraveller before flying
   Australia’s official travel advice site includes information on local laws, health concerns, safety risks, and known scams for each country.

4. Watch YouTube and TikTok content
   Short videos often show how scams unfold in real time. Seeing them play out helps you recognise similar setups when you’re abroad.

5. Don’t ditch your instincts — but back them up with facts
   If something feels off, it probably is. But instinct should complement research, not replace it.

A Little Effort Can Save a Lot of Trouble

While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a trip, failing to do your homework could cost you more than a few dollars. Travel scams can leave emotional and financial scars, and they’re becoming more sophisticated every year. The good news? A small amount of preparation can go a long way toward protecting your peace of mind.

So, before you pack your passport and boarding pass, make time to research. Knowing what to expect is one of the smartest ways to ensure your travels are safe, stress-free, and exactly the kind of adventure you imagined.

Visit www.travelinsurance.com.au for more advice on staying safe overseas.

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