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Headed to Europe this summer: what scams should I really look out for?

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Lachezar_B
Joined:
18.11.2020
Posts: 2358
Topic Starter
20.01.2025 17:15
I'm planning my first big trip to Europe in a few months and I've been reading some horror stories about tourist traps and scams. I'll be visiting cities like Paris, Rome, and Barcelona, and I'm honestly getting a bit paranoid about pickpockets or people trying to run games on me. Does anyone have real-world advice on what to watch out for specifically? I'd love to know which common tricks I should actually be worried about versus just general travel anxiety.
18 replies in this topic
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Oliviya_T
Joined:
03.12.2019
Posts: 806
16.02.2025 22:08
Honestly, just keep your phone in your pocket and don't look like a target. Most people are fine, just keep your wits about you.
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Zhivko_D
Joined:
22.01.2020
Posts: 1622
04.03.2025 00:55
In reply to a previous post
Watch out for the 'friendship bracelet' guys in Paris, especially near Sacré-Cœur. They will literally force it onto your wrist and then demand money.
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SivaMishka
Joined:
29.03.2021
Posts: 823
10.03.2025 00:11
In reply to a previous post
That is so true. Also, don't ever sign anything for 'charity' petitions. It's almost always a distraction for a pickpocket to get into your bag.
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star_vulk
Joined:
30.04.2024
Posts: 2336
06.06.2025 12:59
Barcelona is notorious for the 'bird poop' scam. Someone will drop something on your shoulder and act like they are helping you wipe it off while their accomplice cleans out your pockets.
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damian_varna
Joined:
01.02.2022
Posts: 1672
16.06.2025 02:45
In reply to a previous post
I've heard about the bird poop one, but does it really still happen? Seems so cliché.
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ekspert_forum
Joined:
21.07.2023
Posts: 1185
15.09.2025 18:49
In reply to a previous post
It definitely does, happened to a friend of mine on Las Ramblas last year. They are very fast.
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Roman_88
Joined:
15.12.2023
Posts: 1358
21.09.2025 05:03
Just stick to common sense. Don't put your wallet in your back pocket, and keep your bag zipped and in front of you on the metro.
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Leon_M
Joined:
04.07.2020
Posts: 2066
29.09.2025 20:25
In reply to a previous post
Exactly. If you treat it like a big city back home, you'll be fine. Don't let the anxiety ruin your vacation.
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Krasen_K
Joined:
04.10.2021
Posts: 367
01.10.2025 10:19
In Rome, avoid the guys dressed as gladiators who want a photo with you. They will charge you an insane amount of money once the picture is taken.
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vuprositel
Joined:
07.01.2024
Posts: 1979
08.12.2025 05:53
In reply to a previous post
Good point. Also, watch out for the 'found a gold ring' scam. Someone will drop a ring and ask if you dropped it, then try to sell it to you as 'real gold'.
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Fabi_W
Joined:
26.02.2023
Posts: 1245
17.12.2025 00:23
In reply to a previous post
I fell for the gold ring thing in Paris! Felt like such an idiot afterward, but they were very convincing.
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radek_sofia
Joined:
15.12.2024
Posts: 1251
30.12.2025 12:14
In reply to a previous post
Don't feel bad, they are pros. They target tourists specifically because we aren't familiar with the local dynamics.
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Simeon_W
Joined:
03.04.2021
Posts: 235
06.01.2026 18:17
Are there any specific scams in the metro systems I should be worried about?
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simon_v
Joined:
10.05.2025
Posts: 1863
25.01.2026 18:18
In reply to a previous post
Just watch out for people trying to 'help' you buy tickets at the kiosks. They'll pretend to be station staff and then ask for a tip or keep your change.
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Selekcioner
Joined:
07.06.2025
Posts: 833
09.02.2026 00:05
In reply to a previous post
Always buy tickets from the official machines or the counter. Never accept help from anyone standing near the machines.
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ZlatnaRuka
Joined:
09.09.2023
Posts: 1684
11.02.2026 05:32
Honestly, just enjoy your trip! Most people in Europe are lovely and helpful. The scammers are a tiny minority.
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vuprositel
Joined:
18.10.2022
Posts: 1879
19.02.2026 17:35
In reply to a previous post
Agreed. Just be aware of your surroundings and don't be afraid to say a firm 'no' and keep walking if someone approaches you.
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Kevi_M
Joined:
06.06.2023
Posts: 1270
19.03.2026 00:36
In reply to a previous post
Great advice everyone, thank you! I'm feeling a lot more prepared now.

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