Traveling through Europe can be an incredible experience, but tourists are often prime targets for scammers. Here are some of the most common scams to be aware of, so you can stay one step ahead.

The Friendship Bracelet Scam

This is a classic trick, especially near major landmarks in Paris, Rome, and Barcelona. Street vendors aggressively offer a “free” bracelet, sometimes tying it onto your wrist before demanding payment. While you’re distracted, an accomplice may pick your pocket.

The Helpful Local – Not So Helpful After All

Not every friendly stranger has good intentions. Some scammers pose as helpful locals, using clever tricks to pressure tourists into handing over money. Here are a few variations of this common scheme:

• The Ring Scam: A stranger “finds” a gold ring near you and insists it’s valuable, pressuring you to split the profit. In reality, it’s usually a cheap imitation with little to no value.
• The Rosemary Scam: An elderly woman, often in Spain or Italy, offers a tourist a sprig of rosemary for good luck, then grabs your hand to read your fortune – before demanding payment.
• Fake Ticket Agents: Found near train stations, these scammers pose as officials who “help” you buy tickets and then overcharge you or sell you fakes.

 

The Spilled Drink/Mustard Scam

This scam involves a stranger “accidentally” spilling something on you – coffee, mustard, or even fake bird droppings – then offering to help clean it up. While you’re distracted, their partner swoops in and swipes your wallet or phone.

The Three-Card Monte or Shell Game Scam

A classic street con often seen in cities like Prague and Budapest, this scam involves a scammer shuffling three cards or cups while pretending to let passersby guess the correct one. Accomplices act as winners to lure real tourists into betting, but the game is rigged, and the victim always loses. If you see a group gathered around a street game, it’s best to walk away.

The Fake Police Scam

A scammer posing as a police officer flashes a fake badge and demands to see your passport, wallet, or credit cards under the pretense of an identity check or counterfeit money investigation. They may attempt to intimidate you into handing over cash or use sleight of hand to steal from your wallet. Genuine police officers rarely conduct random searches without reason, so if you’re approached, ask to see proper identification and insist on handling the exchange at a police station.

The Overly Friendly Stranger

A seemingly friendly local strikes up a conversation and invites you to a bar or club, often in nightlife hotspots like Prague or Budapest. Once inside, you may be pressured to buy overpriced drinks, and in some cases, your credit card is charged exorbitant amounts without your consent. Worse, your drink may be spiked, putting you in a vulnerable situation. It’s a good idea to be cautious when saying yes to invitations from strangers and keep an eye on your drink just to be safe.

Tourist Trap Restaurants

In tourist-heavy areas, some restaurants overcharge, add hidden fees, or pressure you to order expensive dishes. You may be handed a menu without prices, or find unexpected charges on your bill. It’s wise to check prices before ordering, and it can help to look up reviews ahead of time when you can.

The Fake Taxi Scam

Beware of drivers of unlicensed taxis approaching you directly rather than picking up passengers from designated taxi stands. These fake taxis often charge outrageous fares, rig meters to run faster, or take unnecessarily long routes to inflate the fare. Stick to official taxi stands, use licensed taxi services, or opt for ride-share apps with transparent pricing.

Accommodation Scams

Fake rental listings are common, particularly in peak travel seasons. Travelers book what seems like a great deal, only to arrive and find that the property doesn’t exist, has been double-booked, or is vastly different from the advertised listing. To avoid this, book through reputable platforms with verified reviews and avoid deals that seem too good to be true.

Pickpocketing at Tourist Hotspots

From the Eiffel Tower to the Colosseum, crowded attractions are prime pickpocket zones. Scammers often work in teams, using distractions like sudden commotions or fake petitions to divert your attention while they steal your belongings. Keep your bags zipped and close to your body, use anti-theft accessories, and stay alert in crowded areas.

Scammers thrive on distraction and pressure tactics. If something feels off, trust your instincts, walk away, and remember to double-check before handing over money or personal information. Safe travels!

 

Traveling soon? We can help you set up travel protections, monitor your accounts, and guide you through what to do if you experience fraud while abroad. Contact us today.

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