Traveling to Europe for the first time is exciting, emotional, and – if I’m honest – slightly overwhelming. New cities, unfamiliar languages, crowded transport, and constant visual stimulation create the perfect conditions for mistakes. Most travel scams don’t rely on clever tricks. They rely on distraction, politeness, and inexperience.
This guide is written specifically for first-time visitors to Europe. Not to scare you – but to help you recognize common scams quickly and know exactly what to do in the moment. When you understand how these scams start and why they work, they become remarkably easy to avoid.
Importantly, scams in Europe are rarely violent. They are opportunistic and transactional. Once you stop engaging, they usually end.
Why First-Time Travelers Are Targeted
Scammers are not guessing. They look for people who:
- pause frequently to look around
- carry backpacks worn loosely
- stop suddenly in busy areas
- appear unsure about transport or directions
- are overly polite or hesitant to say “no”
These behaviors are normal for first-time visitors, and that’s why awareness matters more than fear.
1. Pickpocketing in Crowded Cities (The Most Common Issue)
Pickpocketing is not a myth, and it’s not limited to a few cities. It happens anywhere crowds, movement, and distraction intersect: metros, buses, escalators, stations, festivals, and popular landmarks. And it happens in big, famous cities, as well as in smaller ones. This does not mean to say that it happens everywhere, but rather that it is a common issue – thus the first on this list.
First-time travelers often imagine pickpocketing as a single person stealthily reaching into a pocket. In reality, it’s often team-based and distraction-driven:
- someone bumps into you
- someone blocks your movement
- someone asks a question
- someone distracts your hands or attention
How to recognize the risk early
- Dense crowds with slow movement
- Sudden physical closeness
- Someone engaging you while others are nearby
- Open bags, backpacks worn on the back, phones held loosely
What to do
- Keep bags zipped and worn in front in crowds
- Do not store valuables in outer pockets
- Minimize phone use in tight spaces
- Trust discomfort – move away immediately
Pickpocketing deserves its own deep dive, which is why I have a dedicated guide here.
2. Fake Charity Petition Scams
This scam often begins quietly and politely. Someone approaches you near a landmark holding a clipboard with an official-looking form. They may gesture instead of speaking or claim they cannot hear. The petition is often written in English – even when you’re in a non-English-speaking country.
You are encouraged to sign “in support of a cause.” Once you do, the interaction escalates into pressure for a cash donation. In some cases, the real goal is not the donation but the distraction, while someone else watches your belongings.
This scam has existed for years and appears across multiple countries.
And before going further: I fell for this in my own country, with a message in Romanian. That was before it went mainstream. And yes, they have fake badges showing that they are from an NGO.
How to recognize it
- Clipboards near tourist attractions (but it can happen in hypermarkets too)
- Petitions in English presented locally
- Immediate request for cash
- Insistence after refusal
What to do
- Do not sign
- Do not engage
- Keep walking
- Legitimate charities do not operate this way in tourist areas.
3. Flower (Rose) Scams
This is a classic scam that relies on social pressure. Someone – sometimes a child, sometimes an adult – tries to hand you a flower, presenting it as a gift. The moment you accept it, payment is demanded.
The scam works because many people hesitate to drop or reject something once it’s in their hands.
How to recognize it
- “Free” items offered without explanation
- Approaches in romantic or highly touristic locations
- Immediate demand once accepted
What to do
- Do not take the flower
- If it’s already in your hand, put it down and walk away
- Do not argue or explain
Another variation I saw: at the red light, someone was coming and offering something for free – a pen, a car refreshner. They go to a few cars in front of you and to a few more behind. Then, they get back and ask for money. They do not want the item back, but you can give it to them and close the window.
4. The Bracelet “Gift” Trick
This scam is fast and physical. Someone approaches you and begins tying a bracelet or string around your wrist—sometimes while talking, sometimes without asking. Once it’s on, they claim it’s a gift and then demand payment.
The key here is speed and surprise.
How to recognize it
- Someone is grabbing your wrist
- Forced physical proximity
- Claims of friendship, luck, or goodwill
What to do
- Pull your hand away immediately
- Be firm and keep moving
- If it’s already on, remove it and walk away
You are not being rude – you are setting boundaries.
5. Street Performers in Costume (Photo-for-Payment Trap)
In major European cities, costumed characters and mascots are common near landmarks. They may approach children or families, initiate playful interactions, and offer photos. The expectation of payment comes after the photo.
First-time travelers often assume this is informal entertainment. It’s not.
How to recognize it
- Performers approaching you proactively
- No visible pricing
- Pressure after photos are taken
What to do
- Decline unless you clearly agree on pay
Shell Game
ment beforehand
- If you want photos, ask about the price first
6. Cups-and-Balls, Shell Game, or Three-Card Monte
ID 53358209 ©Fotosmile | Dreamstime.com
This is one of the oldest street scams in the world – and it still works. A small crowd gathers around a fast-moving game involving cups, shells, or cards. It looks like people are winning. They’re not.
Those apparent winners are usually part of the setup.
How to recognize it
- Rapid hand movements
- Encouraging bystanders
- Claims that “anyone can win”
What to do
- Do not stop to watch
- Do not engage
- Walk away early
Watching alone can mark you as a target.
7. Taxi Scams (Especially Cash-Only Rides)
Transportation is one of the most vulnerable moments for first-time travelers, particularly on arrival. Common issues include:
- refusal to use the meter
- claims that the meter is broken
- inflated flat fares
- requests for cash only
How to recognize it
- No meter usage
- Vague pricing explanations
- Pressure to pay cash
What to do instead
Use ride-hailing apps such as Bolt or similar local apps. These remove uncertainty by showing your exact pickup location, your destination, and the total price before confirming.
This is one of the simplest ways to avoid being overcharged.
8. Fake Police or “Document Check” Scams
Someone claims to be a police officer and asks to see your passport or wallet due to a “check” or “problem.” They may display something resembling a badge but avoid official procedures.
How to recognize it
- Requests to hand over your wallet
- Informal interactions in tourist areas
- Pressure or urgency
What to do
- Calmly refuse
- Suggest going to the nearest police station
- Do not hand over documents or money
Scammers disengage quickly when challenged this way.
9. Restaurant and Bar Overcharging
This is less dramatic but surprisingly common in high-tourism areas. It may include:
- items added to the bill
- incorrect change
- unclear service charges
- menus without prices
How to recognize it
- No visible prices
- Reluctance to provide a receipt
- “Special” items you didn’t order
What to do
- Ask for prices before ordering (you should always get a menu. Make sure it is bilingual – or ask to see it in the local language. In some places, they have menus in English with higher prices than for locals)
- Review the bill carefully
Question discrepancies calmly but firmly
10. ATM and Currency Exchange Traps
Some scams revolve around convenience and urgency. This includes:
- unofficial currency exchangers offering “great rates”
- ATMs in isolated areas
- machines that behave unusually during transactions
How to recognize it
- Exchanges not affiliated with banks
- People offering to exchange money on the street
- ATMs that don’t feel secure or normal
What to do
- Use bank ATMs during the day
- Avoid street currency exchanges
- Monitor your account after withdrawals
What to Do If You Realize Too Late
It happens. The most important thing is not to escalate.
- Walk away immediately
- Do not chase or argue
- Secure your belongings
- Cancel cards if necessary
- Learn from the experience and move on
Most scams rely on continued engagement. Ending it quickly limits damage.
The Mindset That Keeps You Safe (Without Ruining Your Trip)
The goal is not suspicion – it’s situational awareness.
You can still be friendly, enjoy conversations, and explore freely the cities you are visiting.
Just remember:
- you do not owe strangers your time
- you do not need to be polite when pressured
- “no” is a complete answer
Europe is not unsafe. It is simply busy, popular, and visited by millions of first-time travelers every year.
Be Safe From Scams
If this is your first trip to Europe, understanding common scams is part of becoming a confident traveler. Once you recognize the patterns, most scams become easy to spot – and even easier to avoid.
The vast majority of your experiences will be positive, memorable, and deeply rewarding. Preparation doesn’t take away from that. It enhances it.
Travel informed. Stay aware. And enjoy Europe for what it truly is – one of the most extraordinary travel experiences in the world.
Featured photo source: Pixabay
