How 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…

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,…

Junkies in Netherlands

6 0

How it works: Junkies: touts who hang around red light districts selling drugs and stolen items (e.g. bikes). Legal problem: you can get caught in the fake police scam or…

String bracelet scam in Spain

6 1

How it works: Opening: a group of African women shakes your hand and begins tying a string around your wrist, seemingly for free and as a sign of friendship. Set-up:…

Timeshare scam in Portugal

6 0

How it works: Opening: someone approaches and gives you a free scratch card where you win a free resort stay! Set-up: to redeem it however, you have to attend a…

Rosemary gift scam in Spain

6 4

How it works: Opening: a gypsy woman offers you a small rosemary plant. If you take it, they will grab your palm and pretend to read it like a fortune…

Szechenyi Baths flip flop tout scam in Hungary

6 2

How it works: Opening: outside the Szechenyi Baths, you may encounter touts who lie to you that flip flops are compulsory inside and buying one inside is expensive. Both claims…

Street pickpockets in Netherlands

6 1

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…

Fayton (horse carriage) scam in Turkey

6 0

How it works: A horse carriage ride is firstly expensive, and secondly may skip past places of interest and send you to a tea place where they receive a commission….

Petition charity scam in Spain

6 0

How it works: Version 1: you are asked to sign a petition. On the form, you see several other entries (fake – there to make it seem credible). Signing basically…

Taxi scams in Russia

6 2

How it works: Taxis here do not use meters. If you do not speak Russian, you will probably be quoted an inflated flat fare. For instance, a Chilean journalist was…

Public transport pickpockets in Netherlands

6 0

How it works: Version 1: one blocks you at the door (ties shoelaces/drops something), another steals from behind and slips to a third who escapes, and one blocks others from…

Petition charity scam in Italy

6 3

How it works: Opening: you may be approached to sign a petition such as for the deaf and mute charity (sham organization) or a petition against drugs. Set-up: if you…

Europe

504 scams

Top travel scams in Europe

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