Common Tourist Scams in Europe (and How to Avoid Them)

Don't let scammers ruin your travels. Help protect yourself from prevalent tourist scams in Europe. Learn to recognize and avoid common tricks for a safer trip.

ON THIS PAGE:
How common are tourist scams? / Most scammed countries in Europe / 13 common tourist scams / General safety tips / What to do if you’re a victim of a scam

Europe is one of the most popular destinations in the world, but where there are tourists, there are also tricksters. Knowing the most common scams (and how to avoid them) can keep your trip smooth and stress-free.

In Summary:

While tourist scams can be common in Europe, travelers who keep their wits about them can easily avoid falling into these traps.
Popular scams include the bracelet scam, fake petitions and overcharging taxis. Knowing which scams to expect can keep you one step ahead of the scammers.
Help ensure you’re protected with Travel Guard’s travel insurance plans for Europe.

How common are tourist scams in Europe?

Tourist scams can be widespread in major European cities, especially where visitor traffic is high. Think the types of locations where you’ll be distracted by jaw-dropping landmarks like the Colosseum, Sagrada Familia or the Eiffel Tower, or are busy navigating around bustling streets. The most common scams that target tourists are usually pickpocketing and petty crime. While these types of incidents can happen regularly, many can be avoided by simply being aware of the types of scams you might face and keeping your belongings secure.

What are the most scammed countries in Europe?

While there is no official “scam rankings” for European countries, reports and warnings from embassies and travel safety bodies do tend to highlight certain hotspots.

These include:

Italy (Naples, Rome and Venice)
France (Paris, especially near Sacré-Coeur and the Eiffel Tower)
Spain (Barcelona and Madrid)
Czech Republic (Prague)
Hungary (Budapest)

These locations often appear in reports, mainly due to the high number of tourists numbers in these locations. The sheer number of travelers exploring these popular destinations means they’re statistically more likely to attract more criminals.

The Numbeo crime index gives an idea of some of the European cities with the highest Crime Index, although bear in mind that this includes all reported crime, and not just tourist scams.

13 Common Tourist Scams (and how to avoid them)

While there are always new and interesting ways being invented to relieve unsuspecting tourists of their money, these are some of the most common tourists scams you could encounter:

The bracelet scam

You're strolling near a landmark when someone smilingly grabs your wrist and starts tying a “friendship bracelet.” Before you know it, they’re demanding payment for their unsolicited gift, and possibly blocking your way until you pay up.

How to avoid it: Keep your hands close and politely decline anyone approaching you with strings, threads or sudden cheer. A firm “no, thank you!” and walking away usually does the trick, or simply avoid eye contact and keep moving.

The book scam

This one comes courtesy of fake monks or fundraisers who press a religious booklet or trinket into your hands, bless you profusely… and then demand a “donation” with a guilt-inducing stare.

How to avoid it: Don’t accept unsolicited items, no matter how pious the pitch. If someone insists on giving you something for “free,” you can bet they expect a fee.

The petition scam

You’re asked to sign a petition — often about something noble, like helping the deaf community. But once you’ve signed, you’re asked for a “donation,” and may even be pickpocketed in the confusion.

How to avoid it: Be wary of clipboard-wielding charmers in tourist zones. If you want to support a cause, it’s best done through legitimate charities — not random sidewalk signatures.

Fake police officers

Someone claiming to be plainclothes police flashes a badge and asks to see your wallet to check for counterfeit currency or drugs. Sounds official — but it’s a scam to lift your cash or cards.

How to avoid it: Real police don’t ask to see your wallet on the street. Ask to go to the nearest station or call the local police yourself if unsure. Never hand over your wallet.

The ring scam

You “find” a gold ring on the ground — or rather, someone finds it in front of you and offers to sell it cheap. They might claim it's real gold, or that it belongs to them, and they’re in dire straits.

How to avoid it: Politely decline and keep walking. It’s a cheap trinket, and the only real thing you’ll lose is money and pride.

Overpriced taxis

The driver has “no meter” or takes the “scenic route” — aka the wallet-thinning route. This is particularly common at airports, train and bus stations or near tourist sites.

How to avoid it: Always agree the fare in advance or insist on the meter. Better yet, use a trusted app-based service or official taxi companies.

The “spilled something” scam

Someone accidentally spills coffee, ketchup or even bird poo (yes, really) on you. They helpfully offer to clean you up… while their accomplice rifles through your pockets or bag.

How to avoid it: Be alert to unexpected “accidents.” Politely decline help and move to a safer area to clean up — with your belongings firmly in hand.

Phone snatching

You're navigating with Google Maps, snapping a selfie or checking a café review and suddenly, your phone is gone. Phone snatchers are fast, often working in pairs on scooters or bikes, grabbing devices from hands or tables before vanishing into traffic.

How to avoid it: Keep your phone out of sight when not in use, and never leave it on café tables or held loosely near the street. If you're using it to navigate, step aside from busy roads and clutch it like it’s made of gold (because to a scammer, it basically is). It could be worth investing in a wrist strap as a deterrent.

The shoe brush hustle

Popular in cities like Istanbul and Bucharest, a stranger “accidentally” drops a brush or small item in front of you. When you helpfully pick it up, they thank you with a “free” shoeshine or souvenir… then demand payment, often getting aggressive if you refuse.

How to avoid it: A polite decline and a quick exit go a long way. If someone drops something oddly convenient in front of you and instantly offers a service, it’s best to assume you’re the target, not the hero.

Street-art scam

You’re walking through a plaza when a person warns you not to step on their artwork, usually chalk drawings or small crafts placed on the pavement. Once you've "damaged" their work (real or imagined), they demand money for ruining it.

How to avoid it: Keep your eyes on the ground in crowded areas, and don’t feel pressured into paying for an accidental misstep. These setups are designed to trap tourists with guilt, not to protect precious masterpieces.

Currency switching

You hand over a €50, and the vendor swiftly swaps it for a €10 behind the counter, claiming you short-changed them. Or you receive outdated or low-value notes in return.

How to avoid it: Familiarize yourself with local currency and count change in front of the vendor. If you’re paying with a larger note, simply state aloud how much the note is as you hand it over. Use cards where possible and avoid street exchanges or sketchy ATMs.

Fake Airbnb or accommodation listings

That dreamy city-center apartment? It might not exist. Scammers set up fraudulent listings and demand deposits, which disappear into the digital abyss.

How to avoid it: Book through reputable platforms and avoid paying off-platform. Check reviews, host history and reverse-image search photos if something feels off.

Bar or restaurant scam

You're invited into a bar, order a couple of drinks, and suddenly the bill is astronomical. When you dispute it, security appears, and it’s pay up or face intimidation.

How to avoid it: Avoid overly eager promoters or suspiciously empty venues. Stick to places with visible menus and locals inside. When in doubt, choose the place you found on Google — not the one that found you.

General tips for staying safe from tourist scams and petty theft

A few smart habits can go a long way toward protecting you from scams and opportunistic thieves while you travel. Here’s how to keep your belongings (and your peace of mind) intact:

Trust your instincts: If something feels off (too pushy, too performative or too good to be true) it probably is. Politely but firmly walk away.
Carry only what you need: Leave most of your cash, cards and passport in a secure place, such as a hotel safe. When you're out for the day, bring just one payment method and a copy of your ID if possible.
Use anti-theft bags or keep bags close: Opt for crossbody bags that zip securely and wear them in front of you in crowded areas. Backpacks can be easy targets, especially on public transport or in busy queues.
Don’t flash your phone or valuables: Phone snatchers and pickpockets look for visible, accessible targets. Keep your phone tucked away when not in use and avoid using it near busy roads or while distracted.
Be aware in crowds and on transport: Scammers often operate in busy places. Keep your bag close and your attention sharp, especially if there's a sudden distraction or a stranger gets unusually close.
Learn a few local phrases: Even a simple “no, thank you” in the local language can be surprisingly effective in deterring scammers and overly persistent sellers.
Research common scams before you go: Awareness is one of the best forms of prevention. Knowing what to expect in specific cities or regions helps you spot scams before they happen.
Check official travel advice and safety updates: Before your trip, check your government’s travel advisory website for up-to-date safety information, scam warnings, and local emergency contacts. Enter your destination on the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory website, and it will inform you about any issues you may need to be aware of.

What to do if you're a victim of a scam in Europe

It can be upsetting to get scammed while on vacation, but you’re not powerless. Whether you’ve lost cash, have been overcharged, or have even handed your card details over to a fraudster, there are steps you can take:

Freeze or cancel your cards immediately if you suspect card fraud or if your wallet has been taken. Call your bank or use your banking app to block the card straight away – this can stop any fraudsters from spending on your card. Most major banks have 24/7 fraud hotlines – report is as soon as you can.
Report it to the local police quickly and file a crime report, especially if the scam involved theft, fraud or intimidation. Ask for a copy of the police report - this is usually required to be able to file a claim on travel insurance or to get assistance from your embassy. Police in most tourist areas are often familiar with English-speaking visitors, but translation apps can be helpful if not.
Contact your country’s embassy or consulate for advice. They can help with replacing your passport, arranging emergency funds via friends or family, and can even provide a list of local English-speaking lawyers or translators.
Keep any evidence you may have like receipts, photographs, email correspondence or screenshots. Note down the time, location and description of people involved and what was said or done. This is helpful for both the police and your travel insurance provider.
Make a claim through your travel insurance plan. If you’ve lost money, you may have coverage for both theft and fraud, particularly for accommodation scams or stolen valuables. Let your provider know about your circumstances as soon as possible – here at Travel Guard we offer 24/7 emergency assistance services to help you get back on track.
Report the scam online. This isn’t an essential step, but once you’re safe and secure, you can help others avoid the same fate through sites like embassy pages, or tourist forums.

Stay Scam-Savvy and Travel Confidently

Scams may be part of the travel landscape, but they don’t have to ruin your adventure. A bit of awareness, a dash of street smarts, and the ability to say “no thanks” with conviction will keep most con artists at bay.

But even the savviest travelers can get caught off guard. That’s why it’s smart to travel with backup - not just in your day bag, but in your plans.

Europe Travel insurance Plans from Travel Guard can help cover you if the unexpected happens.

So go ahead, eat the gelato, marvel at the architecture and sidestep that suspicious petition. With Travel Guard in your corner, you can explore Europe with greater peace of mind and a sense of humor.

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