Menu
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
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…
Read more…
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…
Read more…
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…
Read more…
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…
Read more…
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…
Read more…
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…
Read more…
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…
Read more…
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…
Read more…
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…
Read more…
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:…
Read more…
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…
Read more…