The "closed today" attraction scam
A friendly stranger says the temple, museum, or palace is closed — and steers you to commission shops. Most-documented in Thailand, India, Vietnam, Cambodia. Field guide: how the scam works, how to spot it in five seconds, and what to do if you fall for it.
Also called: Holiday closure scam, Temple commission scam.
How the scam works
A well-dressed local outside the Grand Palace, Taj Mahal, Angkor Wat, or Borobudur informs you the site is closed today for a "Buddhist holiday," "Hindu festival," or "monk's ceremony." They suggest "another temple I can show you" — leading to gem shops, tailors, and tourist traps paying them commission. Sometimes they even produce a fake "official" sign.
How to spot it in 5 seconds
- A friendly stranger initiates the conversation about closure
- No official sign at the actual entrance about closure
- They offer to take you to "another temple" or tour
- Online ticket sites show the attraction is open today
- A tuk-tuk or auto-rickshaw is conveniently nearby
What to do if you fall for it
- Walk past the stranger and confirm at the official entrance — major sites are open 364 days a year
- Take the official transport: government taxis, metered tuk-tuks, BTS/MRT in Bangkok
- Report the scam to Tourist Police (Thailand 1155, India 1363, Vietnam 113)
- If you bought a "discount" gem or item, you almost certainly will not be able to refund after leaving the country
Frequently asked questions
Where is the The "closed today" attraction scam most common?
The The "closed today" attraction scam is most-documented in Thailand, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia. Reports come from FCDO and US State Department advisories, embassy briefings, and Warnely's editorial team. The scam can happen anywhere these patterns repeat — watch for the warning signs above regardless of country.
Is this scam dangerous or just annoying?
This scam is medium-risk: you might lose €20-200 or your phone, but it rarely escalates to physical harm. Block bank cards quickly and file a police report for insurance purposes.
What should I do if I am being scammed right now?
Step away from the situation if safe. Walk to a busier, public, well-lit area. If you have been robbed: block bank cards via your banking app within minutes. If you have been physically threatened: call the local emergency number (varies by country — see the country guide) and your embassy. Most embassies operate 24/7 emergency lines.
Will my travel insurance cover this?
Most travel insurance policies cover theft and fraud if you file a police report within 24 hours and provide the report number when claiming. Card fraud is usually reversed by your bank if reported promptly. Spiked-drink medical costs are typically covered as medical emergencies. Always check your specific policy before travel.