What are the most common tourist scams in Europe?

Europe is home to some of the most visited countries in the world. Its rich cultural heritage, cuisine, and way of life make the old continent a true magnet for tourists from all corners of the planet. Over 700 million people visited the continent in 2024! A trip to Europe doesn’t have to pose any particular danger; however, these incredible tourist influxes also attract all kinds of thieves and scammers.

We must admit it: scams and tricks are older than walking. And especially touristy places are a true Eden for all kinds of criminals. Over time, the techniques for carrying out these scams evolve, becoming increasingly effective and adapting to the realities of each place. Therefore, to try to avoid falling into the trap of these scammers at all costs, it's important to know what the most common scams are when traveling in Europe. For this reason, AXA Schengen has prepared this article in which we have compiled detailed information about the most common scams during a trip to Europe.

• What are the places in Europe where the most scams against tourists occur?
• What are the most common scams when traveling in Europe?
• What can you do to avoid being a victim of a scam on your next trip to Europe?
• What can you do if you have been a victim of theft or scam in Europe?
• Travel insurance for the Schengen area

What are the places in Europe where the most scams against tourists occur?

It is obvious to say, but the places in Europe where the most scams against tourists occur are in the most touristy countries on the continent. That is to say: France (which surpassed the barrier of 100 million visits in 2024), Spain (with just over 90 million tourists in 2024), and Italy (with 65 million also in 2024). According to a study by a financial services comparison site cited by the online newspaper Infobae regarding British citizens who have been scammed during a trip to continental Europe, these are the most affected countries:

• Spain (1,054,729 tourists scammed in the last 5 years)
  → If Spain is your destination, don’t forget to purchase travel insurance for Spain.

• France (212,186 tourists scammed in the last 5 years)
  → The travel insurance for France will protect you on your next trip.

• Italy (102,384 tourists scammed in the last 5 years)
  → Don’t forget to purchase your travel insurance for Italy.

• Greece (81,918 tourists scammed in the last 5 years)
  → Check out the conditions of our travel insurance for Greece.

• Portugal (75,674 tourists scammed in the last 5 years)
  → If you are traveling to Portugal, purchasing travel insurance for Portugal will be very useful.

• Germany (56,940 tourists scammed in the last 5 years)
  → Are you traveling to Germany? Don’t forget your travel insurance for Germany!

• Netherlands (39,600 tourists scammed in the last 5 years)
  → Here you can see all the advantages of our travel insurance for the Netherlands.

What are the cities in Europe where the most scams occur?

This is not an exhaustive list of the countries where the most scams occur when traveling in Europe. However, we believe it is much more useful to know which cities are especially affected. Therefore, below we present a list of European cities that suffer the most from this scourge:

• Barcelona. Unfortunately, the vibrant city of Barcelona usually ranks very high in the list of cities where the most thefts and scams against tourists occur. Within the city, the areas with the most risks are: the surroundings of the Sagrada Familia, Las Ramblas, El Raval, and the Barceloneta beach.
  
  According to a 2022 Eurostat report, Barcelona recorded 398 thefts per 100,000 inhabitants, making it the second city with the most thefts in 2022.
   
• Paris. As one of the most visited cities in the world, Paris is also not exempt from the problem of thefts and scams against tourists. The areas to be especially cautious in are: the bridges over the Seine, such as the Pont Neuf or the Pont d’Iéna. Also, the surroundings of the Eiffel Tower and the esplanade in front of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on the hill of Montmartre.
  
  According to the same Eurostat report from 2022, Paris ranks first with 611 thefts per 100,000 inhabitants.
   
• Rome. The spectacular capital of Italy is also not free from the presence of scammers and thieves. Special care should be taken in areas such as: the Fontana di Trevi, the surroundings of the Colosseum, the steps of Plaza de España, or Termini station. And, like in all these cities, you will need to be especially careful on public transport because these are prime spots for pickpockets.
   
• Madrid. The Spanish capital is also a great destination for tourists, and unfortunately, scammers abound as well. The hot spots in the Spanish capital are: the Royal Palace, calle Arenal, Plaza Mayor, Retiro Park, and Atocha station.
   
• Brussels. The Belgian capital ranks third among European cities with the most reported thefts, 381 per 100,000 inhabitants, according to Eurostat data. It is advisable to be especially cautious in Gare du Midi (the station), Anneessens, and Molenbeek.

What are the most common scams when traveling in Europe?

The diversity and sophistication of scams and the ingenuity of scammers is quite surprising. However, at AXA Schengen, we will attempt to make as comprehensive a list as possible of the most common scams during a trip to Europe so that if you find yourself in one of these situations (hopefully not), you can recognize it and avoid it quickly.

What are the main scams related to accommodation?

Offers that are too cheap, cloned websites, suspicious emails, and the use of social media. This seems like it won't happen to you. However, a study conducted by the National Police in collaboration with Airbnb and the Confianza Online Association revealed that nearly half of the respondents are unable to distinguish a fake website from a legitimate one.

Do you know the shell game scam?

Shell game operators: This is an ancient trick that, unfortunately, continues to deceive people. It is especially common in central Paris but can also be seen in other European cities. The operator has 3 cups and a small ball. The “game” consists of guessing under which cup the ball is located after the person has moved them quickly. One might think that it is a matter of sharpness and visual speed; however, it is a rigged game where the participant always loses.

What scammers do to attract people is use “hooks”: that is, accomplices who appear to be simple independent players winning considerable sums. However, they are accomplices of the scammer. Our advice is to never participate in this scam: the “player” always loses.

What can you do if someone asks you for a signature on the street?

Be careful if, during your trip to Europe, you are approached near major monuments by people asking for signatures for a good cause (associations for the deaf, child protection, etc.). When you agree, at the moment you are signing, a second or third person may come and pickpocket your wallet or phone. They may also ask you to show them your ID to verify that everything is in order and take that moment to steal from you.

This doesn’t only happen while walking down the street. It can also occur when someone approaches a person sitting at a café with their phone or wallet on the table. What they will do is ask for the tourist's signature with their folder (which they use to block the view) and take their belongings without them realizing it. From AXA Schengen, we recommend that if you encounter this situation, do not stop. Say you are not interested and continue on your way. This scam is especially common in central Paris, Madrid, Rome, and Brussels.

How do pickpockets operate in Europe?

This list would not be complete without mentioning one of the classics: pickpockets. Unfortunately, it is a true “epidemic” in tourist cities across Europe. The favorite place for pickpockets to operate is public transport, but truly, any space with a large influx of people works for them: museums, shops, crowded squares… Pickpockets are especially common on the metro in Barcelona, Rome, and Paris.

What is the friendship bracelet scam?

This is one of the most common scams when traveling in Europe (especially in cities like Paris, Rome, or Milan… How does it work? The scammer approaches the person generally smiling and in a particularly friendly manner. It is quite common for them to ask where the tourist is from, whether they are enjoying their trip (or similar questions to “break the ice”).

Then, without asking for the tourist's permission, they quickly tie a bracelet (usually made of colorful thread) on them, telling them it is a tradition from their country, symbolizing friendship and hospitality. Once this is done, the scammer asks the victim for money, and it is usually not a small amount. If the tourist refuses, the scammer radically changes their attitude and becomes oppressive and insistent, even blocking the person's path.
Additionally, at that moment, other scammers may appear who “collaborate” with them to continue pressuring the person and eventually manage to get them to give some money.

From AXA Schengen, we recommend that you directly say no and not let them put the bracelet on you.

Have you heard of the flat tire scam?

This is a scam especially common in Barcelona and other Catalan towns (especially coastal ones). Two thieves on a motorcycle approach the window of a rental car and, using gestures, make the driver believe they have a flat tire. When they stop on the shoulder to check for “damage,” one of the two thieves takes the opportunity to open the car and steal the belongings.

How does the fake tickets and entry scam work?

You are waiting in line in front of a ticket machine to buy a metro ticket. Someone approaches who wants to “help” you with the purchase and offers you a cheaper ticket. They tell you that you will save money and avoid having to wait in line Bad idea! The ticket they are offering you is probably false.

In fact, this is not limited solely to transportation. It is also very common to sell fake tickets (or already used) for museums, concerts, or sporting events. Always make sure you are making the purchase on an official website or at ticket counters with authorized staff.

What is the “gold” ring scam?

A scam especially common in Paris. You are walking down the street when suddenly a person squats in front of you and picks up a ring. They examine it and tell you it has fallen from you, asking if it is yours. When you tell them no, they are surprised and say it is gold, very valuable, and that they don’t need it. They then suggest selling it to you for a small amount of money. But it’s all a scam: neither is the person a good Samaritan, nor is the ring made of gold, nor will you gain anything from this “transaction.” We recommend you ignore the person and keep walking.

Have you heard of the bird poop or stain scam?

According to the Mossos d’Esquadra (Catalan police), this robbery is very common in Barcelona. Especially among tourists who have just arrived in the city or are about to leave and are carrying luggage. The thieves spill a viscous liquid resembling bird droppings on the victim's clothing (without them noticing, of course). Then, they take out some tissues and offer to help clean. In that moment of confusion, they take the opportunity to steal valuable items or even take the whole suitcase.

How does the rosemary twig scam work?

In Madrid, generally near Puerta del Sol, there are groups of women who offer you rosemary twigs, wish you good luck, and propose to read your palm. When they finish, they ask for money and can get nervous if you tell them no or give them an amount they do not consider sufficient. From AXA Schengen, we recommend that you not stop when they insist.

Which restaurants should you avoid?

Always be wary of restaurants that do not display prices on their menus. There is no need to explain much about the consequences of this lack: when the bill arrives, you may be in for a very nasty surprise.

The mobile phone theft

Another common trick in several European cities is a person offering to take photos of tourists in front of a monument and then running away with the phone to everyone's surprise. This type of theft is quite common in Athens and several Belgian cities.

What can you do to avoid being a victim of a scam on your next trip to Europe?

Here are our recommendations:

• If you are having a drink or eating at a terrace (or inside a restaurant), never leave your phone on the table. Also, do not leave a backpack or handbag hanging from the back of the chair. It’s better to keep it on your lap or at your feet. Another trick we recommend is to put your foot inside the bag strap to secure it.

• Do not carry too much cash with you. Nowadays, you can pay with a card at almost all businesses.

• Leave the original documents in the hotel or wherever you are staying. Carry a photocopy of your documents with you.

• If you take a taxi, always make sure it has a taximeter and pay only the amount that appears on the taximeter at the end of the ride.

• Do not buy tickets for museums, monuments, sporting events, or transport tickets on the street or from unofficial websites.

• Withdraw money from ATMs of banks affiliated with yours to avoid excessive fees.

• Do not accept “gifts” from people who approach you suddenly on the street.

• Try to keep your belongings in zippered pockets. Do not use back pockets, and on public transport, carry your backpack or bag in front of you.

• Do not participate in street games or bets.

• To avoid worrying about anything and to do the most important thing: enjoy your trip, consider purchasing travel insurance for Europe.

What can you do if you have been a victim of theft or scam in Europe?

1. Stay calm

Staying calm is fundamental. Prioritize your safety and that of those accompanying you instead of succumbing to panic when you have just been robbed. Later, you will have time to cancel your cards and file a report, but do so with the peace of mind of not letting panic take over.

2. Notify your country's consulate or embassy

If you have had official documents stolen (which are necessary, for example, to catch a flight), you can request temporary ones at the consulate that will allow you to travel until you process the official ones in your country of residence. It is also good to know that if you are a citizen of the European Union, any consulate from a member country must assist you.

3. Cancel your credit/debit cards

To prevent the person who robbed you from using your funds, one of the first steps you should take is to cancel your credit/debit cards. This is done through your bank. Therefore, we recommend that you write down your bank's phone number before you travel.

4. File a report

An essential step to take if you are robbed abroad is to notify the local authorities. The document you receive after filing the report will be fundamental to show at the consulate so that they can provide you with temporary documents to catch your flight back. Additionally, if you have purchased travel insurance, the insurance company will also request the report to prove that you have been a victim of theft.

What are the advantages of our travel insurance for the Schengen area and for Europe?

At AXA, we remind you of the importance of having medical insurance for your next trip to Europe: it is mandatory for obtaining a Schengen visa and is necessary to travel through Europe with the peace of mind you deserve.

The good news is that AXA's Schengen visa insurance meets all requirements imposed by European authorities.

But that’s not all: we also offer various different types of travel insurance for Europe so you can choose the one that best fits your budget, the duration of your trip, or simply the way you like to travel.
You will be attended to by great experts, and you will have coverage in case of theft or loss of documents, in addition to many other coverages depending on the plan you choose.
Do not pay more for coverages you do not want or need!

Get your commitment-free, online quote now!

Other articles that may interest you

• Is it safe to travel to France?
• Dangers and risks of traveling in Spain
• The safest countries in Europe

FAQ

What number can I call if I have an emergency in Europe?

112 is the single emergency number in the European Union.

If you are scammed, will you get your money back?

It will depend on the circumstances and nature of the scam. What we can recommend from AXA Schengen is that, if you have been a victim of a scam, always report it. The report document can be very useful for future claims.

Could I have been scammed by a police officer?

There is evidence that in several cities in Europe, people have impersonated police officers. This is the “fake police” scam. They will claim to belong to the secret police (since they do not wear uniforms) and will show badges that can look very realistic.