Picture yourself strolling down the picturesque streets of Europe; it’s a traveller’s dream, but a hidden threat lies amidst the beauty and charm: tourist scams.
Yes, even in the land of culture and romance, savvy scammers are waiting to turn your adventure into a cautionary tale. Enjoy your dream European holiday without falling prey to these common scam tactics.
1. The Pickpocket Distraction
Pickpocketing is prevalent in crowded tourist areas. A common tactic involves creating a diversion, such as bumping into you, spilling something on you or asking for directions while another person quickly and quietly picks your pockets.
These skilled thieves often work in teams and target crowded places such as public transportation, popular landmarks, and busy markets.
Stay alert and consider using anti-theft bags and keeping your valuables in hard-to-reach places to protect yourself.
2. The Bar Bill Scam
This is a very common scam in Budapest and has been widely reported by many male travellers. It usually begins with an attractive, flirty local initiating a conversation and inviting you to a bar.
Once you’re at the bar, they may disappear after a few rounds, leaving you with an exorbitant bill, often enforced by terrifying-looking bouncers.
To avoid this scam, it’s best to meet new people in public, well-known places and avoid dingy, underground bars and clubs that don’t clearly display drink prices.
3. The Fake Police Officer
In cities like Rome, Barcelona, and Paris, scammers dressed as police officers may approach you, claiming to check your documents or wallet for counterfeit money.
Real police will not ask to see your money on the street. If approached, insist on going to the nearest police station before showing any documents – and watch them squirm.
4. Bracelet Scam
This is a super common scam in popular European capitals like Rome, Budapest and Paris. It works when a stranger approaches you on the street and offers you a bracelet or, in some cases, a flower, a henna tattoo, or rosemary.
The scammer implies at first that this is a “free gift” to get you to accept it. Then, once you have the item, they will loudly start to demand money from you. A straightforward way to avoid this scam is not to accept items from strangers on the street.
5. The Gold Ring
In this scam, a stranger will “find” a ring on the ground and ask if it belongs to you, then point out how valuable the piece is and how they’re willing to offer it to you for a good price.
They might use elaborate stories or even show you fake hallmarks on the ring to make it seem genuine. Of course, the ring is worthless, and the scammer is just trying to make quick money off your naivety.
6. Fake Tickets
This is a common scam in many European destinations. It works when someone approaches you at a bus or train station and offers to sell you a ticket for a reduced price.
Buying these cheaper tickets can be tempting if there is a long line to get tickets. The problem is that the tickets will be fake, and you will lose your money and risk a fine if you board a bus or train with a counterfeit ticket.
To avoid this scam, only buy tickets from an official ticket counter or online from official ticket vendors.
7. The ATM Helper
Be wary of anyone who offers to help you at an ATM. They might be trying to see your PIN or retrieve your card if the machine “swallows” it, as they may have tampered with the machine to retrieve cards.
If your card does get stuck in the machine, contact your bank immediately to block the card.
8. The Taxi Overcharge
Unlicensed taxi drivers may overcharge tourists by taking longer routes, claiming the meter is broken in order to charge a higher rate and having “no change”.
In addition to these dirty tactics, some rogue taxi drivers might swap your larger bills with smaller ones and claim you didn’t pay enough. Always be clear about the amount you’re handing over, and insist on a receipt.
When travelling, try and use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps like Uber or Bolt, which provide fare estimates and track your route.
Before getting into a taxi, familiarise yourself with the typical fares and routes to your destination. If you feel uncomfortable or suspect a scam, end the ride early, pay for the journey up to that point and find an alternative mode of transportation.
9. The Closed Attraction
In this scam, a friendly local might tell you that a popular attraction is closed for lunch, a holiday, or a special event, and offer to guide you to another place, often a high-priced shop for which they get a tasty commission from the store owner.
If someone approaches you with this claim, thank them politely, but verify the information yourself. Most European attractions have clear signage and reliable online resources where you can check opening times and prices.
10. The Fake Petition
You’ll often encounter this scam near major tourist attractions and sites. A savvy con artist, frequently pretending to be deaf or a student, asks you to sign a petition.
Sometimes, these scammers may even use emotional appeals or show fake identification to appear legitimate. As you do, an accomplice might pickpocket you, or they’ll ask for a donation to their “cause”.
Avoid engaging with anyone holding a clipboard unless you know it’s a legitimate charity, especially when you don’t speak the language.
