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Unmasking European Travel Scams and Frauds
Europe is surprisingly creative when it comes to tourist scams. Many of the most successful tricks require a naive and trusting tourist.
But they can also affect more sophisticated travelers.
There are many subtle ways to get scammed: a taxi driver increases the fare, a waiter offers a special with a “special” increased price, or a public computer records your password.
Be smart: Make sure you know what you're paying for before handing over money, and always count your change.
Scammers come in all shapes and sizes.
But if you are cautious and don't trust them too much, you shouldn't have any problems. Here are some clever ways European criminals increase their income.
What a Great Deal!
If a deal seems too good to be true… that’s because it is.
The “Found Ring”: An innocent-looking person picks up a ring from the ground in front of you and asks if you dropped it.
When you say no, the person examines the ring more closely and then shows you a mark “proving” that it is pure gold.
See Also:
How to Travel on a Budget in Europe
Car or Train in Europe? A Crucial Decision
He offers to buy it back at a good price, which is several times more than what the scammer paid for it before dropping it on the sidewalk.
The “Friendship Bracelet”: A salesperson approaches you and aggressively asks you to help him with a “demo.”
The seller proceeds to make a friendship bracelet directly on your arm, then asks you to pay a premium price for it.
Since you can't easily take it off at that moment, you feel obligated to pay.
(These types of distractions can also act as a cover for theft: an accomplice is robbing you while you try to escape from the pushy salesman.)
The Salesman in Distress: A well-dressed, well-spoken person approaches you and claims to be a leather jacket salesman who needs directions.
After making small talk with you (“Oh, really? My cousin is from Chicago!”), the salesman pulls a “designer leather jacket” out of the car to give you as a thank you for your help.
The salesperson then claims that his credit card doesn't work and asks you for cash to pay for the gas.
Once you get in, the salesman walks away, leaving you with your brand new, overpriced vinyl jacket.
Money Matters
In restaurants, stores, ticket offices, everywhere, expect to be fooled if you're not paying attention.
Be alert anytime you exchange money, withdraw cash from an ATM (see my tips on how to keep your cards safe).
Or when you check your bank balance (not a good idea to do this over public Wi-Fi).
One of the best tips may be to use a mobile payment app on your phone to pay contactlessly instead of searching for cash or a credit card.
Otherwise, when paying for things, keep your cards in sight and always count your change. Be smart about the following scams.
Slow Counting: ATMs that deal with lots of tourists thrive on slow counting. They’ll count out your change with awkward pauses in the hopes that the hurried tourist will pick up the money first and say “Thank you.”
Changing Bills: Be careful when paying with a bill that is too large for a small payment. Clearly state the value of the bill when handing it over.
Some taxi drivers or waiters will pretend to drop a large bill and pick up a small one hidden away to give a tourist less change. Familiarize yourself with the currency and check the change they give you.
Beware of non-European coins that dishonest sellers try to pass off as €2 coins.
Talkative Cashiers: Beware of store cashiers who appear to be talking on the phone when you hand them your credit card – they may sneakily take a photo of your card.
Consider paying cash for small purchases.
Meeting the Locals
I want my readers to meet and interact with Europeans, but be careful with casual encounters on the street.
Beggars: You will meet many people with beautiful eyes, beautiful children and sad stories. They will come up to you and say: “Euro, please give me a euro.”
They don't want a euro; they want your wallet. Many beggars are pickpockets. Understand that.
Oops! You get jostled in a crowd when someone spills ketchup or fake pigeon droppings on your shirt.
The thief apologizes profusely as he wipes it off and pats your pockets. There are similar schemes: someone drops something, you politely pick it up, and you lose your wallet.
Or someone thrusts a baby into your arms while picking your pockets. Treat any commotion—a fight breaking out, a beggar in your face—as fake, designed to distract unsuspecting victims.
If an elderly person falls on an escalator, step back and protect your valuables, then… carefully… reach out to help.
The “Helpful” Local: Thieves posing as concerned locals will warn you to keep your wallet safe, then steal it after seeing where you hide it.
Or they can steal it first and then brazenly return it, saying they simply found it on the ground.
If someone wants to help you use an ATM, politely decline (they just want your PIN code).
