Travel scams are on the rise. While not all travel scams end in violence, most leave unsuspecting tourists helpless and vulnerable. 

You may think you're smart enough to spot a scam, but you never know. 

A Straits Times’ journalist thought so as well, but she fell prey. 

How did that happen? 

How can we be more aware? What are some things we need to note before travelling to protect ourselves from these kinds of scams? 

On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Clara Lock, Assistant Life Editor, and Sarah Stanley, Journalist, both from The Straits Times.

Check out their articles on The Straits Times: 

Travel Journal: I lost €200 in Paris and fought with scammers to claw some of it back
https://www.straitstimes.com/life/travel/travel-journal-i-lost-200-in-paris-and-fought-with-scammers-to-claw-some-of-it-back

5 ways to protect yourself from travel scams
https://www.straitstimes.com/life/5-ways-to-protect-yourself-from-travel-scams