This blog post was updated on March 21, 2024.
It’s a fact of life. Scams are everywhere. And travelers in particular are vulnerable to a wide array of scams, both old and new. These scams exist in cities around the world, including the grand old cities of Europe. So, it’s always advisable to keep your eyes peeled so no small-time operators can ruin your well-earned vacation.
If you’re new to European travel or aren’t yet savvy with travel scams, fear not. You can steer clear by knowing how to spot them when they come your way. Let’s dive into common travel scams to sidestep in Europe.
The Parking Space Scam
Here’s how it goes. A man flags you into an open parking space, usually in a free lot or a space where you pay a machine. If you pull into the space, your seemingly helpful friend might immediately demand money for helping you park or suggest you must pay them to park there. In some spots, this scam can go one step further. If you don’t pay, they could damage your car once you leave. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to avoid spots where someone is trying to get you to park.
The Train Ticket Scam
Thieves often loiter around ticket machines, looking for tourists who look a little clueless. They might tell you that your train is leaving soon and they can sell you the tickets faster than the machines, even showing you a badge like they work for the train company or the station. Once you pay the right price for tickets, they often hand over counterfeit or invalid tickets. When the conductor comes around, they tell the poor victims that their tickets are not valid and therefore they have to pay a fine.
Those preying on tourists at train stations have other ways to get your money as well. Some might offer to show you to your correct platform, help you validate your ticket or even assist with carrying your bags. Of course, they will then promptly demand some money for the help they’ve provided.
Fake Petitions
This scam is particularly widespread. A person tries to distract you by asking you to sign a fake petition. Meanwhile, one of their confederates tries to pick your pocket. The scammer might also insist that the petition you just signed was a donation pledge. Even if you refuse to pay, these people are known to follow you and keep insisting that you pay up. If ignoring the request to sign a petition does not work, firmly insist that you know that this is a scam.
Friendship Bracelets and Gold Ring Scams
Scammers are known to approach tourists under the guise of offering a gift such as a friendship bracelet or a gold ring. However once they put the ring or bracelet on your body, the scammers will begin to demand money. It is not unusual for groups of scammers to then begin to intimidate the tourist into paying an excessive amount. These scams are most common in the major European hot spots like Rome, Barcelona, Paris, and Athens, although you might have also seen it happening regularly in big U.S. cities too.
Fraudulent Street Games
This one is a classic. Don’t be fooled by what looks to be an innocent street game! What may look like a fun way to spend a few minutes can be a scam designed to fleece tourists. The classic cup-and-ball games, shell games, or Three Card Monte are always rigged to make the visitor lose money. The people you see winning are typically accomplices that are in on the act to make you think that you will also win money or the prize. Stay alert!
Fake Taxis
Unlicensed taxis are a growing issue in cities such as Istanbul, Marrakech, Quito, and Buenos Aires. So, it’s imperative to only use marked taxis. Better yet, ask your hotel to arrange transportation so that you know that it is trustworthy. It is also a good idea to arrange transportation prior to landing at the airport. It’s not especially hard to fall into a trap when you are first navigating a new city, especially if there is a language barrier and you are tired after a long flight.
Overcharging for rides in legit cabs is a common issue as well. For instance, the driver might insist at the end of the ride that the quoted fare was per person. This scam is particularly prevalent in cities where English is not as widely spoken, including Lisbon and Budapest. Using a rideshare app such as Uber — or local apps like Cabify or Bolt — is a safer strategy than hailing a random cab on the street.
You May Also Like: 7 European Cities That Are Super Easy to Navigate
Counterfeit Tickets
Savvy travelers heading to Europe also need to be aware of the issue of counterfeit tickets to popular attractions. This unsavory practice runs rampant in cities such as London, Rome, and Paris as tourists look to find “deals” on tickets to attractions and events. You can avoid this problem by intentionally purchasing your tickets from the official vendor. Because it doesn’t matter how cheap the tickets are if they turn out to be fake.
FAQs:
Q: How can I protect myself from falling victim to the train ticket scam?
A: Stay alert at train stations, avoid buying tickets from unofficial sellers, and use ticket machines or official ticket counters.
Q: What should I do if someone tries to help me park my car and then demands money?
A: Politely decline their assistance and find another parking spot if possible. Never pay for unauthorized help in parking.
Q: What should I do if approached by someone offering free items like friendship bracelets or gold rings?
A: Decline the offer and walk away immediately. Do not engage with the scammers, as they may become aggressive.
Q: How can I prevent being scammed by fake petitions?
A: Ignore requests to sign petitions from strangers on the street. Politely refuse and keep walking, avoiding any further interaction with the individual.
Q: What’s the best way to avoid overcharging from pedicabs and taxis?
A: Use reputable rideshare apps like Uber or local alternatives, or ensure that the fare is agreed upon before starting the ride in a licensed taxi.
Q: How can I avoid counterfeit tickets?
A: Purchase tickets only from official vendors or trusted resellers who guarantee the authenticity of their tickets. Avoid buying tickets from street vendors or unauthorized sellers.
Do you know of any other popular scam we should be aware of? Let us know in our comments section below!
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