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447 scams
Top travel scams in Europe
Would you like a drink bar scam in Turkey
10 10How it works: Situation: this is a common scam in Eastern Europe, where bar owners, bar girls, employees and sometimes even police officers are involved. Opening: a stranger asks if…
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String bracelet scam in France
9 6How it works: Version 1 (standard): tout asks if you want a “friendship bracelet” or “friendship ring”. If you say yes, a string/bracelet will be tied so tightly around your…
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Italian suit scam in Italy
8 6How it works: Opening: a well-dressed man who speaks English approaches you while in his car to ask for directions. He then asks where you from and claim to have…
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Street pickpockets in Italy
8 8How it works: Version 1: they work in a gang – one onlooker, one blocks, pushes, distracts, or engages you, one grabs and the final hides the loot under a…
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Taxi scams in Italy
8 11How it works: Tricks: charging a flat fare instead of using the meter (except when going to and from the airport); rigged meter; taking a longer route. Note: some charges…
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Street pickpockets in Spain
7 12How it works: Version 1: they work in a gang – one onlooker, one blocks, pushes, distracts, or engages you, one grabs and the final hides the loot under a…
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Pedicab/bicycle taxi scams in France
7 2How it works: Opening: a tout offers to bring you to a destination on a pedicab/bicycle taxi, claiming that the charge is whatever is reflected on the meter. Set-up: at…
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Petition charity scam in Portugal
7 0How it works: Opening: a scammer pretending to be deaf and mute asks you to sign a petition, filling in your name, email and a donation amount. Set-up: the form…
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Free rose scam in Greece
7 0How it works: An old gypsy woman or kid offers you a stalk of rose, seemingly for free, but should you take it, money will be demanded. Places to beware:…
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Street pickpockets in France
7 8How it works: Version 1: they work in a gang – one onlooker, one blocks, pushes, distracts, or engages you, one grabs and the final hides the loot under a…
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Flat tire scam in Italy
7 2How it works: Version 1: while driving, a motorist asks you to pull over, indicating a flat tire. Once you get out and are distracted, an accomplice enters your car…
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String bracelet scam in Greece
7 1How it works: Version 1: tout asks if if you want a “friendship bracelet”. If you say yes, a string/bracelet will be tied so tightly around your wrist/finger that makes…
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Fake car crash in Italy
7 4How it works: Drivers of old cars intentionally bang into your car so as to claim damages. Places to beware: Naples Pisa What to do: Stay alert and make sure…
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Gold ring scam in France
7 6How it works: Opening: A gypsy finds a gold ring on the floor, points at the “18k” hallmark on the ring and offers it to you (it is actually worthless…
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Shell game scam in Italy
6 0How it works: Opening: To win, you bet which one of three cups contain a ball (or three shells containing a pea; or three cards containing a queen), after they…
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