A travel expert has issued a warning to British tourists as they’re urged to be extra vigilant when travelling in five particular European cities this year.
Tourist hotspots by definition attract a large number of holidaymakers and although this is great for the local economy, it provides scammers with a constant stream of targets.
Unfamiliarity with the local language, a lack of understanding of the value of certain currencies, and being in new surroundings can make tourists especially vulnerable to exploitation.
Travel Expert Magdalena Petrusic from Colosseum Tours & Tickets has shared the most common tourist scams and the busiest times of day and year for popular attractions, when tourists need to be extra vigilant.
She said: “European attractions experience peak tourist traffic during the summer months when families go on vacation, and the weather is generally favourable.
“Whilst there are common types of scams that will circulate throughout the year, there are also specific scams that will occur more frequently in certain tourist hotspots.
“Therefore, it is important to be aware of this if you are planning to visit one of the places rife with scams.”
Rome’s Polizia di Stato police force announced that during August and September 2023, they received a raft of complaints from foreign tourists who had had up to 500 euros (around £427) extorted from them.
The scam sees locals dressing up as Rome’s fake gladiators who would allegedly invite their tourist targets to take an “imperial selfie” with them outside the Colosseum. Once the picture is take, they then demand money.
Pickpocketing is a common scam that occurs in many tourist hotspots across Europe and beyond.
But, Las Ramblas in Barcelona is reportedly the worst for pickpocketing with thieves often operating in the area.
Research revealed the famous street had more than 3,270 reviews mentioning pickpockets – the highest across Europe.
If you are heading to the Catalonian capital, ensure that all of your valuables are tightly zipped away in a bag or purse when you’re in tourist areas. Zips on bags should also face inward where possible.
It has been reported that taxi drivers outside of the airport have been luring unsuspecting tourists from the official taxi line in their own cars, which don’t have visible taxi meters inside.
The driver is using a fake taxi meter app instead and charging an eye-watering price at the end of the journey.
To avoid being a victim of this scam, always ensure the taxi you take gives you a quoted price before agreeing on the ride, and also provide the car with a proper meter inside that can be visible to passengers.
Credit card scams have a history, particularly in Budapest, Hungary. Always ensure the other party is legitimate and trustworthy when buying or booking online.
If you are paying by credit card in an offline store, make sure that the amount the seller enters on the terminal is the same as the price of the product or souvenir you are buying and that the amount deducted is in the correct currency.
While sometimes tourists can be overcharged unintentionally, such as in a hotel, other instances are deliberate.
Always make sure when paying for anything the amount is correct on the reader, and never let someone take your credit card off you and out of sight, as this can also lead to the risk of credit card cloning or further unauthorised transactions.
Across German cities, particularly Berlin, you will often find multiple buskers and beggars asking for money or food.
While most of them are harmless and genuinely in need, a few of them can be violent and can do anything to snatch your belongings. Some may try to engage you in conversations while their companions steal your bag.
You will need to keep an eye out for Alexanderplatz in Berlin and parks in Kreuzberg. The Hasenbergal district around the main station in Munich is also a very busy area that can put you at risk.
Meanwhile, in Hamburg, be cautious around the Munckebergstrasse central station on the Reeperbahn.
Generally, in Germany and across Europe, when travelling, it is important never to leave your bag unattended hanging on the back of a chair or casually leave your wallet or purse on the table.
