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Germany
15 scams
As the largest country in central Europe, Germany has inspired Europe’s historical influences, cuisine and architecture. Further, it is also one of the most modern and safest countries in Europe.
That said, there are still some common European tourist targeted scams around to be wary of.
Note: vast majority of trips are trouble free and there is no need to be paranoid. That said, it always pays to be aware, careful, and prepared.
Emergency numbers
- Police: 110 or 112
- Fire, ambulance: 112
Travel resources
Petition charity scam in Germany
7 2How 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…
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Ball and cup scam in Germany
6 0How it works: Opening: a ball is hidden under 1 of 3 cups and shuffled around. Guess the cup with the ball to win. Set-up: the crowd here are from the…
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Fake train ticket inspectors in Germany
4 1How it works: Fake ticket inspectors with fake badges accuse you of having an invalid ticket and issue you a fine to be paid on the spot. Places to beware:…
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Checkpoint Charlie scams in Germany
5 0How it works: Scam 1: actors posing as soldiers will get you to take a photo with them, then charge you €3 per person for it. If you use any…
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Club, bar scams in Germany
4 1How it works: Bar: bar girls ordering expensive lady drinks (diluted drinks) on your tab. Club: a street tout tells you it is only €50 to see a girl dance…
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Fake train station attendants in Germany
4 1How it works: Situation: before boarding a train, you have to validate your ticket by stamping it in a machine on the platform. Version 1: scammers exploit tourists’ unfamiliarity with…
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Drink spiking in Germany
2 0How it works: Past cases have been reported at bars, festivals such as Oktoberfest as well as at Christmas markets. Places to beware: Berlin Cologne Hamburg Munich What to do:…
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Fake beggars in Germany
2 2How it works: Beggars here are professionals and belong to syndicates (from Eastern Europe generally). Don’t believe the “disabled” looking beggars as well as pitiful looking kids. Places to beware:…
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Pickpockets in Germany
2 3How 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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Gypsy coin exchange scam in Germany
2 0How it works: A gypsy approaches with a hand full of coins, asking if you have specific coins to change with. If you take your coins out, the gypsy will…
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Berlin Tegel Airport taxi scams in Germany
2 0How it works: Opening: there are drivers who break off from the regular queue to solicit customers (illegal). Version 1: quoting you an inflated fare or adding fees undisclosed at…
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Vacation apartment scams in Germany
1 1How it works: Situation: fake websites or fake listings on legitimate sites. Red flags: cheap prices, copy-pasted description, dodgy sounding reviews, difference in photos and Google Street View pictures, payment…
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ATM skimming in Germany
1 0How it works: Situation: the vast majority of tourists would probably not fall for this but on the off-chance that you do, you need to know how to spot the…
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Italian suit scam in Germany
1 0How it works: Opening: a well-dressed Italian introduces himself as an employee of Armani here for a trade show. Set-up: he asks for directions and to thank you, offers discounted leather…
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Fake police in Germany
2 0How it works: Opening: a scammer posing as a fellow tourist asks you for help in taking a photo. Set-up: fake officers appear and accuse you both of transacting drugs….
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