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Tag: Moscow
ATM skimming in Russia
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…
Pickpockets in Russia
3 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…
Unlicensed taxis in Russia
5 0How it works: Taking a ride from an unlicensed taxi puts you at risk of extortion, kidnapping and assault. Further, they probably would not have any insurance coverage. Places to…
Taxi scams in Russia
6 2How 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…
Money exchange scam in Russia
2 0How it works: Situation: there are reports of scams when dealing with money exchange street booths and individuals who ply the streets. Scam 1: using a rigged calculator. Scam 2:…
SIM card scam in Russia
2 0How it works: During the 2018 World Cup in Russia, there were individuals posing as staff of the telecoms company MTS selling used/lowest-tier SIM cards to visitors at premium prices….
Drink spiking in Russia
2 0How it works: There have been reports of tourists who find their drinks spiked with drugs (GHB in particular) causing them to pass out. They are then robbed or assaulted….
Restaurant scams in Russia
2 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: Version 1: charging a…
Fake alcoholic drinks in Russia
3 0How it works: Situation: this has been going on for years. 2006: police raided a warehouse in Voronezh: vodka was found to contain brake fluid, anti-corrosion solution and cologne! Then,…
Tour operator scams in Russia
2 1How it works: Version 1 (typical fraudulent operators): the standard practice include offering low price tours to tempt and getting you to then pay upfront. Once you do, the operator…
Photo taking scams in Russia
6 1How it works: Version 1: you may encounter people dressed in costumes (e.g. as Catherine and Peter at St. Isaac’s Cathedral) who pose with you seemingly for free or jump…
Fake/overpriced amber in Russia
6 0How it works: Situation: amber is a resin of tree sap that has been fossilized over 2.5-4 millions of years and amber memorabiliais popular as a souvenir. Set-up: however, most…