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Sweden
11 scams
The largest country in the Nordics, Sweden has a wealth of attractions to offer and if you love nature, you have to be here.
Sweden is also a peaceful and safe country to visit, though there are some tourist targeted scams to watch out for.
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
- Emergency: 112
- Medical: 1177
- Non-emergency: 11414
Travel resources
Cup and ball scam in Sweden
2 0How it works: Opening: Also known as the pea game or trilero game. To win, you bet which one of three cups contain a ball (or three shells containing a…
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Vacation apartment scams in Sweden
2 0How it works: There have been both fake listings on legitimate sites as well as fake sites. Red flags: cheap prices, copy-pasted description, dodgy sounding reviews, difference in photos and…
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Taxi scams in Sweden
1 0How it works: Situation: the taxi market here is unregulated and taxis are legally allowed to set any price they want. As such, getting charged an exorbitant fare is technically…
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Fake beggars in Sweden
2 0How it works: Not all of course, but there are fake beggars belonging to syndicates who move around Europe to beg depending on the peak travel season of each place…
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Sob story scammers in Sweden
2 0How it works: On the trains in Stockholm, you may encounter strangers who pass you a card detailing their sob story (e.g. family members in hospital) and asking you for…
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Pickpockets in Sweden
1 0How 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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Snatch thefts in Sweden
1 0How it works: Two versions: Strike and run, distract and grab. Possible scenarios: Bar, restaurant: stealing unattended bags/valuables on the chair or table. Hotel, airport: where distracted/tired tourists carry all…
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ATM skimming in Sweden
1 0How it works: Version 1 (ATM): card skimmer installed to capture your card details, pinhole camera/keypad over installed to capture your PIN. Version 2 (ATM): card slot is rigged with…
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Unlicensed taxis in Sweden
1 0How it works: Situation: some may be fine and are even cheaper, but you have to accept the risks (overcharging, no insurance coverage, beaten down car, potentially being robbed). Opening:…
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Restaurant scams in Sweden
1 0How it works: Situation: most food places are fine, it’s generally just a few bad eggs around touristy areas that spoil it for the rest. Set-up: not listing prices in…
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Bird poo scam in Sweden
1 0How it works: Someone spills a white liquid resembling bird/pigeon poo on your clothes or jacket. Next, strangers appear to help you clean it. While you are distracted, they pick…
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