This could happen anywhere, so beware. While you are traveling, somebody you met has a great recommendation for a hotel. “I just stayed there –it’s just great. Here, have this card, they told me I will have a discount when I go back there again, but unfortunately I won’t be able to, at least not soon”.

Happy to get a deal, the traveler takes the card and hits the hotel, which turns out to be low quality and have poor customer service.

Furthermore, the “discounted” price is actually more than the hotel is worth. By the time the tourist realizes the scam, the “discount” is already in the referrer’s pocket.

How to avoid: whenever traveling, book your hotels with the most reputable agencies. If you have to get one on-the-go, try to hit an Internet café to research the previous customers’ feedback.