realized it, it's already too late. We understand that when you're in a foreign and exotic country such as Thailand, you tend to let your guards down and all your common sense seemed to have taken a vacation as well. That's why we've compiled this list here to warn about some of the most common scam techniques and signs that a scam's about to happen.

Don't let anyone divert you from your intended destination
If there's only one thing you need to remember to avoid being scammed it's this, don't let anyone divert you from your intended destination, no matter what they tell you. Remember that the only way they can scam you is if you're in their lair, so don't go there! It can happen when you get on a taxi or tuk-tuk and the driver tells you a certain destination is closed for repairs, Buddhist holiday, earthquake, or whatever. If you hear this, immediately get off and flag down the next one. If someone tells you this on the streets, just keep on walking and don't even look back. Don't call them out on the lie or start anything with them, there's just no point and these shady people can be dangerous. It's just best to find out for yourself at the entrance if the place really is closed.

No such thing as "Government sponsored…."
There's no such thing as a "Government sponsored" anything. This is the most common lie that's told to tourists to get them to a scam shop. They use the word "Government" to make it sound trustworthy and when you arrive at the shop they may even have people in uniforms standing around to give an official feel to it. It's all one big setup to rip you off! The Thai government doesn't sponsor any gem shop, tailor shop, shoe shop, or whatever shop! The Tourism Authority of Thailand is basically the government's marketing department, their main job is to promote Thailand as a vacation destination, that's it. So don't let anyone fool you into going to a "Government "shop.

Scammers work as a team
Another method to get you to where they want is by cleverly planting in your mind about some special event that's going on, such as special discounts on gems that happens to end today. The way it works is they first pick you as the target and then follow you around. They then have different members of their team casually tell you the same thing over and over about this special event. For example, you can be standing in line at a posh department store and a well dressed person will start a casual conversation with you and then mention something about this special event (that's opened to tourist and ending today). If this first person thinks they have you all curious and think you can be easily had, the second person will make an appearance. You can be a Starbucks (yes, lots of Starbucks here), restaurant or massage parlor, this second accomplice again will casually start a conversation with you. He'll ask where you're from, tell you where the best dance clubs are and may even offer some advice in avoiding scams. He'll then insert the story about the special event that can't be missed and suggest you check it out as well. When you get back to your hotel, guess what?...yeap, another nice looking person at the lobby tells it to you again. You'll probably think that if all these people are saying it, it must be true. This person at the hotel will tell you how lucky you are to be in town at the perfect time, today happens to be the very last day, and the tuk-tuks outside are waiting solely to take people to this event for free! (or for only 10 Baht), because the Thai government is sponsoring it. If you run out the door and hop on one of these tuk-tuks, you are definitely in for a ride!....

The Lucky Buddha Temple doesn't exist
The "Lucky Buddha Temple", the most talked about temple that doesn't exist has been giving lucks to scammers for years. This is just a made-up name that scammers love to used, probably because the word "Lucky" is easier to pronounce than "Propitious" or "Prosperous", given their limited English language skills. It's also easier for them to remember and everyone loves the word "Lucky", has quite a nice ring to it. They might say something to you like "Madam Madam!...today your lucky day! Wat Pho closed. Today holiday, you can go "Lucky Buddha temple" If you hear this, the first thing to do is correct them that you are "Mister" and not "Madam", and then say you're meeting someone at Wat Pho's entrance and runnnnnnn!

Don't get into a car with any stranger
I'm not even sure why I have to warn anyone this, but people do it all the times here. So here goes, don't get into a car with any stranger! That's right! Just like what your mommy told you when you were a kid. It's foolish! You can end up being drugged, robbed or even worst. People vacationing here do the dumbest things that they wouldn't normally do in their home country. Perhaps they think Thailand is one huge amusement park like Disney Land, where entertainments are abounded and everyone's glad to show you around. Keep in mind that Thailand is a country, with people living and working here and just like any other countries, there are bad people out there! I know it can be hard to think of it that way because of the festive atmosphere at every corner, but please just use your common sense and if you don't have any, borrow it from the person next to you. Ask them "Should I get into a car with this complete stranger and go somewhere I don't even know?" I'm pretty sure you'll get the wise answer…if not from the person being asked then from some divine source….just by asking that out loud!

No such thing as "only for Thai or Buddhist"
In Thailand we don't discriminate here!...wellll…OK..we do! However, when it comes to admittance to temples or any establishments there's no such thing as being for Thai or Buddhist only. This is another deception used by scammers to divert you from your destination. The only thing I've heard of is only being exclusive to tourists at certain private clubs. One of these days I'm gonna dye my hair blond and go into one of these places! Anyhow, if someone tells you this, just pretend you don't understand and keep on going or tell them your name is "Thai" or "Buddhist" and thank them. They probably won't know how to handle you and sensed that you're on to them (and they'll leave you alone).

Cheap tuk-tuk fare
There's a price to everything and nothing is given away for free or cheap (except for a free hug from me). If a tuk-tuk driver offers you ride for cheap (10-20 Baht) to show you different places and take you to a gems shop or tailor shops, you better not waste your time with this. They might tell you that the reason they can charge you a low price is because the shops gives them gasoline coupons for bringing in tourists. This is bullsh*t because they get money from the shops for every person they bring in. This one is more of an annoyance and waste of time, plus it can be hard for you to get away from once you're on their tuk-tuk. Try it if you don't believe me!

Target: A person that looks like they have money. Usually well dressed, wearing an expensive watch, designer clothes, and seen throwing money around at the bars or tipping everyone from the concierge to the guy mopping the floor.

If you've had the unfortunate experience of being a victim, and would like to warn your fellow compatriots and visitors alike, please let us know and we'll post it for you.