fbpx
Have a story to share?
Tell us your story
Stephansplatz
"Stephansplatz" (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Vladislav Tep

Pickpockets in Austria

Last updated on 22 Nov 2019
, , ,

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 cover (e.g. jacket/newspaper) and escapes.
  • Version 2: petition charity scam.

Places to beware:

  • Graz: Hauptplatz
  • Innsbruck: The Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl)
  • Salzburg: Salzburg Fortress (Festung Hohensalzburg), Salzburger Altstadt, Salzburg Cathedral (Dom), Mozart’s Birthplace
  • Vienna: Schonbrunn Palace, Historic Center of Vienna, Imperial Palace (Hofburg), Tiergarten Schoenbrunn – Zoo Vienna, Belvedere Museum, State Opera House, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Rathaus, St. Peter’s Church, MuseumsQuartier Wien, Stephansplatz, Prater, Sisi Museum, Museum of Military History, Karlskirche, Stadtpark, Vienna U-Bahn, Vienna Naschmarkt, Christmas Market on Rathausplatz, Schoenbrunn Palace Christmas Market, Wien Hauptbahnhof Sud, Kaerntnerstrasse, Praterstern, Flohmarkt am Naschmarkt, Ring Tram, Westbahnhof, Hauptbahnhof, Meidling, Tram 13A

What to do:

Tell us your story




1 user story related to this scam

Start over

December 9, 2019, Pickpocket Victim

[email protected] 12 Dec 2019 2 0

We were headed to the main train station. Our hotel called us a cab and instructed the driver to take us to the main train station. Once we left the hotel, the driver pulled over and asked to see our train tickets. Not thinking anything of it, we showed him our tickets.

Once on the train, we were securing our luggage when a man wearing a winter cap reached into my purse, I had an additional small purse in the large one which contained our passports, money, credit cards and two blank checks. The thief stole the smaller purse, I yelled that the man stole my purse with our passports. Everyone just looked at me. My husband ran after him and yelled but our train began to leave so my husband jumped back on the train.

It is frustrating that there was no one who worked for the train that checked tickets before boarding, anyone can board the trains and steal while the passenger is trying to secure their luggage.

This ruined our trip, because this happened on a Saturday, we had to wait until Monday to obtain new temporary passports at the US Embassy. This was expensive and we were told that temporary passports are not accepted in France which was the remaining portion of our trip.

We lost 6 airfares and one hotel which were responsible to pay for.

At the very least, there should be security on the trains.

Comment

Ready for your next trip?

Travel insurance
Protect yourself with policies from the best providers as recommended by National Geographic and Lonely Planet as well as from the top rated comparison platforms.

Hotels
Too many hotels to choose from? Find the best hotels and resorts here and book from this platform which Frommers have found to provide the best selection and rates.

Tours
Always wondered where to get the best quality tours that do not break the bank? Check out these top rated tour platforms as well as the best tours to join in each country.

Travelscams.org is the largest community built database of tourist scams and key travel safety issues globally, with 1777 travel scams and 1699 user stories shared on 101 countries.

If you ever wondered how it feels like to glide along the Ganges in India’s holiest City or to trek along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, just go, as we have you covered on all pitfalls you may face. About us →

Facebook Instagram Twitter
© 2021 Travelscams.org | Website managed by WebSifu.
Scroll to Top