13 Ways Thieves Exploit Tourists in Famous Landmarks
Tourists flock to famous landmarks like magnets, and unfortunately, so do pickpockets and scammers. From the Eiffel Tower to Times Square to the Colosseum, these famous sites are sometimes the hunting grounds for those who want to profit quickly from unsuspecting visitors.
It’s only natural to want to take in everything you see and hear, but keeping your wits about you is equally important. We have compiled a list of some common schemes that thieves use at landmarks and how to outsmart them and help you avoid becoming a statistic.
Distracting Crowds
Creating a distraction is one of the oldest tricks in the book. An impressive act from a street performer will draw a crowd, but lurking nearby are accomplices scanning pockets and bags, or perhaps you’ll be distracted by a commotion—someone ‘dropping a bag of groceries’ by accident. Try to keep your belongings close and avoid overly packed areas, as it’s inevitable that you’ll bump into people.
Fake Surveys or Petitions
Someone comes up to you with an innocent smile and a clipboard. Nine times out of 10, they will ask you to sign a petition supporting a cause such as a child, animal, or environmental issue. As you’re signing, your partner could be lifting your wallet or phone from your pocketbook. If the person won’t engage, politely decline and then keep moving. They use your politeness to stall you. You didn’t fly across the globe to sign petitions.
The Friendship Bracelet Trick
This one is by the Sacré-Cœur in Paris. A benevolent vendor asks to tie a ‘free’ bracelet on your wrist. Suddenly, the bracelet is on your wrist, and they want their money—sometimes they want it badly. The best way to avoid this is to keep your hands in your pockets or refuse before they can tie the bracelet. You can say, “No, thanks.”
Fake Police Officers
Here’s where it gets scary: You’re approached by someone who pretends to be a police officer, says there’s counterfeit money on the loose, and asks to look at your cash to check if it’s fake. They’re gone after you hand it over — like a magician at a kid’s birthday party. Legitimate officers rarely ask to see your cash in the first place without very good reason. If someone does, ask to see proper identification or walk away and go to the nearest police station to check them out.
Suspicious ATM Helpers
There’s nothing more nerve-racking than using an ATM in a foreign country, especially if a stranger offers to ‘help you’ with it. Scammers may shoulder surf you for your PIN or even install skimmers to steal card details. Always use ATMs in well-lit and secure areas, preferably inside banks. Keep your PIN like a winning lottery ticket: shield it, and don’t let anyone hover near you while using the machine.
The “Found” Ring Scam
Someone else walks up and tells you they saw a gold ring lying on the ground. They offer it to you out of kindness or ask for a small ‘reward’ in exchange. It’s a worthless ring; you’re being duped. Politely decline and walk away. If you do want a souvenir, buy one from a legitimate vendor and not some random person you pass by.
Bag Slashers
Nimble fingers are not always necessary for pickpockets — sometimes, you need sharp tools. The bag slashers will slash your backpack or your purse where the material isn’t thick enough and grab your stuff without you ever knowing. This happens often in crowded areas where you are less likely to be aware of it. One way around this is to choose anti-theft bags made from slash-proof material or keep your bag in front of you in high-risk areas.
The Photo Op Con
Thieves know that tourists love photos. Sometimes, thieves will bolt after you give them your phone or camera to take a picture of you rather than handing it back, or they might ask for some outrageous ‘fee’ after snapping the shot. To avoid this scam, ask fellow tourists or use a tripod for photos. If it can’t be avoided and you have to ask a stranger, seek out families or other people who don’t seem like scammers.
Pickpocket Teams
It’s common for pickpockets to work in groups. One person will distract you while another takes your stuff. For example, someone might spill coffee on you by accident, apologize profusely, and then their partner swoops in and grabs your wallet. If you get bumped into or if someone invades your personal space, just stay cautious. Quick checks of your pockets or bag zippers can make all the difference.
Fake Tickets
You might find people selling “discounted” tickets outside the venue when visiting famous attractions. You will find that these tickets are often fake, and you will be embarrassed at the entrance gate and out of pocket. Purchase your tickets only from official sites or authorized vendors. Generally, when something seems too good to be true, it’s too good to be true.
Unlicensed Taxis
What about hailing a cab outside a landmark? Don’t take rides with unlicensed drivers. Exorbitant rates or detouring (unnecessarily) longer ways to hike up the fare is not uncommon among them. Ride-hailing apps and official taxi stands help you avoid being fleeced. With a bit of planning, it saves a lot of money and frustration.
The “Helpful” Stranger
This scam involves someone ready to help you with your luggage, get you to your destination, or translate for you. They might help you at a hefty fee or disappear with your belongings. If you are stuck, you may find an official guide, staff member, or local business nearby. Sometimes, depending on strangers in unknown places backfires.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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