The most common travel scams in Europe — and how to avoid them

With summer festivities, big-ticket events like the Olympics and Euro 2024, and the Taylor Swift frenzy set to sweep the continent, Europe is buzzing with travelers. Unfortunately, where there are tourists, there are also scammers waiting to exploit them.

From the bustling streets of Paris to the scenic alleys of Istanbul, being informed can keep your travels joyous and scam-free. Here's a deeper dive into some well-known travel scams and tips to help you avoid them.

Research your destination

Scams in Europe vary significantly from country to country — what you might encounter in Prague could be entirely different from what happens in Mallorca.

However, some scams, such as pickpocketing, are widespread. To safeguard your trip, you must familiarize yourself with specific scams prevalent in the areas you plan to visit. A quick Google search can provide a wealth of information and help you recognize and avoid these local cons, ensuring your safety is in your hands.

Additionally, it's crucial to know the emergency numbers of your destination, including any special tourist police contacts. Conducting a brief search before your departure will arm you with all the necessary contact information to respond swiftly should any issues arise while you're traveling. This preparation ensures you're never caught off guard and can confidently handle any situation.

Know the most common European scams

While the carpet scam and the "Grand Palace is closed today" scam are unique to Africa and Asia, Europe has plenty of scams to be aware of. It's best to research your specific country before traveling, but below are some of the most common scams.

Friendship bracelet scam: This scam is common in cities like Paris and Milan. A scammer may approach you to tie a bracelet around your wrist and then demand payment for it. Alternatively, while you're distracted, an accomplice might pickpocket you.

Trileros: Watch out for street games like Trileros in Mallorca and other Spanish cities. Here, scammers coax you into guessing which cup hides an item. The game is fixed, ensuring you lose, and participants are generally coerced into paying.

Car rental scam: When driving in regions like the Costa Brava, be wary of anyone signaling you have a flat tire. Stopping can lead to a scenario where one scammer distracts you with the "flat" while another steals from your car.

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Herb/flower good luck scam: Be cautious of individuals offering herbs or flowers like lavender or rosemary, supposedly for good luck. Accepting these can lead to pickpocketing or being followed until you hand over money.

Spilling scam and photobombers: A common distraction technique involves a scammer accidentally spilling something on you — ranging from ketchup to water. While you're dealing with the mess, an accomplice might take the opportunity to rob you. The same is true with a stranger jumping into your photo. It's a way for scammers to distract you while another person might be going through your bags.

Taxi scams: These are prevalent and vary widely but commonly include drivers taking unnecessarily long routes, claiming the meter is broken, or giving incorrect change while insisting you provided a smaller bill than you did.

Baby doll/pickpocketing scam: In this scenario, someone might accidentally drop something in front of you. As you bend to help, pickpockets take the opportunity to empty your pockets. Always be aware of your surroundings, especially if someone is creating a distraction.

Turkey drop: Similar to the baby doll scam, a scammer drops something of value and asks for your help. While you are distracted, another accomplice might be going through your belongings.

Istanbul shoe shining brush: A shoeshiner "accidentally" drops his brush near you. When you pick it up and return it, he offers a shoeshine as a thank you but then demands payment. Often, he will guilt you into paying up by beginning the service before you agree to it.

Paris clipboard scam: I just returned from Paris, and this one's fresh in my memory. You might encounter someone with a clipboard asking you to sign a petition for a deaf/mute organization, often written in English to cater to tourists. The form includes fake signatures and a line for donations. As you sign, you're pressured into donating more than you intended — or your wallet is being targeted by an accomplice.

Unofficial tour guides, taxis and museum ticketing: Be wary of offers for tours, transportation or tickets that seem too good to be true. Unofficial services can charge exorbitant fees or sell you fake tickets.

Painting scam: This scam is common in Italy. Scammers place paintings for sale in busy areas. If you get close, they'll say you walked on them and demand payment.

Clear cup scam: Found typically in Paris, someone will place a clear cup with change in it on the sidewalk. If you knock it over, the scammer will make you feel bad and demand more money.

Photo scam: Taking advantage of influencer culture, scammers now offer to take your photo on their phone and then ask you to pay for each image they send.

Here's how to avoid the above scams (and others):

• Be wary of anyone approaching you. If you need someone or something — like a taxi, guide or tour — or you want to buy a souvenir, plan to source it yourself. This way, you don't need to talk to or deal with anyone approaching you. Just walk away. If you see anyone coming toward you with a lavender or friendship bracelet sprig, immediately high-tail it the other way. Keep your hands at your sides, turn away firmly, shake your head and refuse to take hold of anything if you cannot exit the situation immediately.
• Don't let anyone touch you. While the concept of personal space in Europe can be quite different, stay aware of your personal space and who enters it. When in crowded places or on public transportation, instinctively hold your purse a little tighter or put your backpack/wallet in front. If anyone touches you, do a quick scan of all your items. While this may seem extreme, it's better to be safe than sorry.
• Check reviews: Always consult recent reviews for any services you plan to use. Platforms like TripAdvisor and Google Reviews can be invaluable for spotting potential scams.
• Stay informed through social media: Platforms like TikTok are treasure troves of real-time, user-generated content where many travelers share firsthand scam experiences. These quick videos can be incredibly helpful in showing you exactly what to watch out for.
• Book directly: Book directly through official websites or trusted providers when arranging travel accommodations or services. Direct booking eliminates the risk of intermediary scams and often provides better customer support and service guarantees. This method not only ensures authenticity but often provides the best rates and terms.
• Secure your belongings: Always keep your belongings within sight and reach. Avoid hanging your purse or bag on the back of a chair or placing it on the ground, especially in busy cities like Barcelona, where theft is common. Carry only essential items when out and about, and store important documents like your passport in the hotel safe.
• Prefer ride-hailing services: Opt for ride-hailing services in unfamiliar cities over traditional taxis. This allows you to use a linked credit card, ensuring transparent fare calculation and the ability to follow the quickest route on your phone's map. This setup minimizes language barriers and provides a record of your journey, which can be useful if you need to report an issue.
• Exercise caution when driving a rental car: Remain vigilant when driving a rental car. Do not stop for strangers, even if they indicate something like a flat tire. At rest stops, carry valuables with you, and consider entering in shifts while always keeping an eye on your vehicle.
• Verify home rentals thoroughly: Exercise caution when dealing with overly attractive rental offers. Choose accommodations with multiple positive reviews or those managed by verified "superhosts." If your rental is not as advertised or the host attempts to redirect you to another property, immediately contact the booking platform to report the issue and document the situation. Consider having travel insurance as a backup for these scenarios.
• Stay alert while socializing: Be particularly cautious when enjoying the nightlife; it's easier to become a target when you drink too much. Enjoy yourself, but remain aware of your surroundings and personal belongings.
• Use credit cards for payments: Pay with a credit card whenever possible. This method safeguards against receiving incorrect change or disputes over the denomination of cash you provided. Credit card transactions create a digital trail that can be easily verified.

By following these guidelines, you can enhance your safety and reduce the risk of falling prey to scams or theft during your travels across Europe.

Here's what to do if you've been scammed

• Don't panic.
• Contact the police as quickly as possible to report any scams. Always save a copy of the report.
• If you've been physically harmed in any way, get to the hospital immediately.
• Cancel any credit cards or contact the embassy if you need to get a new ID or passport before leaving.
• Contact your travel insurance provider if necessary.
• Don't be embarrassed. As I explained earlier, scams can happen to anyone, even expert travelers. The best thing you can do is share your experience to help others.

Bottom line

Travel is about creating memories, not regretting losses. This summer, arm yourself with knowledge and a healthy dose of skepticism. Whether it's ignoring a too-good-to-be-true tour offer or sidestepping a street scam in Paris, your best defense is staying informed and attentive. Remember these tips, and you'll enjoy a safer, more enjoyable European adventure.

Related reading:

• Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a beginner or expert traveler
• The best travel credit cards
• Where to go in 2024: The 16 best places to travel
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
• 13 must-have items the TPG team can't travel without