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Tag: St. Petersburg
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…
Would you like a drink bar scam in Russia
4 0How it works: Opening: a girl approaches, asks for directions then asks if you want to get drinks together at her favourite bars in the area. Set-up: at the bar,…
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…
Fake ticket officials/inspectors in Russia
2 0How it works: Fake officials: scammers in uniform offer to escort you to the right platform, then ask for a 1,000 RUB fee. Fake ticket inspectors:they find fault with your…
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:…
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…
Unofficial guides in Russia
3 0How it works: Opening: while queuing at tourist attractions, unofficial guides claiming to have a genuine tourist license will offer to bring you around or to help you skip the…