How 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…

String bracelet scam in France

10 6

How 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…

Street pickpockets in Italy

9 14

How 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…

Free rose scam in Greece

9 0

How 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:…

String bracelet scam in Italy

8 11

How it works: Version 1 (standard): tout asks if if you want a “friendship bracelet” or “friendship ring”. If you say yes, a string/bracelet will be tied so tightly around…

Italian suit scam in Italy

8 6

How 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…

Taxi scams in Italy

8 15

How 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…

Petition charity scam in Germany

8 2

How it works: Opening: gypsies carrying clipboards asks you to sign a petition. Set-up: it is pre-filled with signatures and donation amounts for a deaf and mute organization. If you…

Public transport pickpockets in France

7 9

How it works: Situation: It has been estimated that 75% of pickpockets on the Paris Metro belong to an organised gang which recruits girls from age 12-16. They each have…

Flat tire scam in Italy

7 2

How 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…

Bird poo scam in Spain

7 5

How it works: Opening: someone spills a white liquid resembling bird poo on your clothes or jacket. Next, strangers appear to help you clean it. Set-up: while you are distracted,…

Fake car crash in Italy

7 4

How 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…

Gold ring scam in France

7 7

How 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…

Street pickpockets in Spain

7 14

How 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…

Pedicab/bicycle taxi scams in France

7 2

How 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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Europe

504 scams

Top travel scams in Europe

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