Know before you go with these tips to avoid common scams in Albania.

Most Albanians are friendly and hospitable people towards tourists, but there are always the few that aren't. Know before you go with these tips to avoid common scams in Albania.

Dating Scams

Online dating agencies are very popular and Albania isn't the only country with this issue. However if you're looking for love, don't be lured into giving money for airline tickets, sick relatives and other plausible, but fake, reasons.

Some of these love scammers will build up the online relationship for months before asking for money. You should always be wary of people being especially keen to come and visit you, and requests for money, usually cash, as these are typical moves by these heart and money thieves.

Work Experience Scam

Many students and gap year travellers like to earn money while making their way around the world and find jobs in interesting places.

Unfortunately there have been reports of some Albanian agencies not being quite what they seem and potential employees have found themselves without a placement despite parting with a hefty agency fee.

Check the bona fides of any agency as best you can. Ask them for details of past employees and contact them yourself. Legitimate agencies will be happy to hand over details.

Credit Card Fraud

Credit card fraud is common in Albania and visitors should exercise caution by not letting the card out of their sight when making a transaction.

Visitors need to be very careful at ATM machines. Be alert for strangers looking over their shoulders at the PIN number and also for any interference with the machine itself that could indicate a camera or scamming machine inside the ATM.

The upshot is that these scams are unlikely to happen to you, but it pays to be prepared. Albania has its petty crime but no more than a big city would elsewhere. You're more likely to need to watch your step with the unkept footpaths than to end up being scammed.