Most Scammed Countries In Europe: Tourist Scam Hotspots And How To Stay Safe

Europe is generally safe for tourists, but scams, pickpocketing, bag snatching, taxi overcharging, fake petitions, bracelet tricks, and distraction theft can happen in busy tourist areas.

A better way to think about this is not “which country is bad,” but which tourist situations create the highest risk. Scams usually happen where visitors are distracted, carrying passports, handling luggage, or unsure how local prices and transport work.

Official travel advice from several governments repeatedly warns about petty crime in major European tourist destinations such as Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Czechia, and Greece. Spain travel advice, for example, warns that thieves use distraction techniques and often work in teams, especially around airports, luggage areas, and car hire situations.

The biggest risk for most Europe travelers is not violent crime. It is losing your phone, wallet, passport, bag, or travel documents in a crowded place.

If you are still preparing your trip documents, Outbound’s visa document checklist can help you organize copies of your passport, visa, bookings, insurance, and other travel documents before departure.

Is There Really A “Most Scammed Country” In Europe?

There is no single official ranking of the “most scammed country in Europe” that applies to every traveler.

A country can be safe overall but still have heavy tourist scam activity in certain areas. For example, Spain, France, Italy, and the Netherlands are popular travel destinations with large crowds, major transport hubs, and famous landmarks. Those are exactly the places where pickpockets and scammers often target visitors.

So this article focuses on countries and cities where official travel advice commonly mentions tourist theft, pickpocketing, distraction tactics, or scams.

The risk is usually location based, not country wide. A quiet village and a crowded train station in the same country can feel completely different.

Quick Comparison: Europe Scam Hotspots To Watch

This table is not a crime ranking. It is a practical travel planning checklist.

Countries Where Tourists Should Be Extra Alert

Spain

Spain attracts huge numbers of visitors every year, and that volume creates more opportunities for pickpockets and distraction thieves in places where tourists are busy, tired, or carrying luggage.

UK travel advice says thieves in Spain use distraction techniques and often work in teams. Canada’s travel advice also notes that petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching is common, especially in larger cities like Madrid and Barcelona, and that tourists can be targeted during weekends, holidays, and festivals.

Be especially careful in Barcelona, Madrid, airports, train stations, metro systems, beaches, festivals, outdoor restaurants, and car hire areas.

The common pattern is distraction. Someone may ask for directions, point at a stain on your clothes, offer help with luggage, or create a small scene while another person reaches for your bag, phone, or wallet.

Keep your phone, wallet, and passport secure when arriving at airports, riding the metro, checking maps, or handling luggage in busy areas.

France

For many visitors, France feels easy to explore, but the moments around landmarks, metro stations, train hubs, outdoor cafés, and crowded shopping streets need more attention.

Canada’s guidance for France highlights frequent pickpocketing, bag snatching, and mobile-phone theft, with distraction tactics often used against visitors in busy areas.

In Paris especially, be careful around famous landmarks, metro lines, train stations, airports, and areas with large tourist crowds.

Scams may involve fake petitions, friendship bracelets, “free” gifts, sudden requests for help, or groups standing too close while you are taking photos.

A simple rule in France: if a stranger approaches you near a tourist site with a clipboard, bracelet, donation request, or free item, keep moving and keep your belongings close.

If your Europe trip includes France and other Schengen countries, Outbound’s Schengen visa itinerary sample can help you keep your route and documents clear before traveling.

Italy

In Italy, scam risks often appear during the most ordinary tourist moments: buying train tickets, walking near landmarks, sitting at a busy restaurant, or moving through crowded stations.

For Italy, Canada’s travel advice points to frequent pickpocketing and bag snatching, especially in places where tourists are moving through crowds, queues, stations, or landmark areas.

In cities like Rome, Milan, Florence, Venice, and Naples, stay alert when moving through stations, landmark queues, busy streets, and public transport.

Tourists should also be careful with unofficial taxis, fake help at ticket machines, pressure from street vendors, and restaurant bills that include unclear extra charges.

Around ticket machines, taxis, bags, directions, or payment, rely on official staff or clear posted prices instead of someone who suddenly offers help.

Netherlands

The Netherlands is usually straightforward for travelers, but Amsterdam and the main airport-to-city transport routes are places where visitors should pay closer attention.

UK travel advice says pickpocketing and bag snatching are common, particularly in central Amsterdam and around Amsterdam Central Station. It also says thieves may work in groups on trains and trams to and from Schiphol airport and Central Station, with one person distracting while another steals.

Canada adds that train routes are another place to stay alert, including international high-speed routes such as Paris–Brussels–Amsterdam and London–Brussels–Amsterdam.

Be careful when boarding trains, waiting at platforms, checking maps, placing bags near your feet, or leaving phones on tables in restaurants and cafés.

On Dutch trains and trams, keep valuables where you can feel them, not just where you can see them.

Portugal

Portugal’s relaxed atmosphere can make travelers drop their guard, especially in Lisbon, Porto, beach areas, viewpoints, trams, and busy restaurant streets.

For Portugal, Canada’s travel advice names Lisbon and Porto as places where petty theft is more likely to affect visitors.

UK travel advice says crime rates in Portugal are low, but pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from holiday properties are common in major tourist areas.

Theft can happen on crowded trams, at viewpoints, on beaches, near restaurants, from rental cars, or inside holiday apartments.

Keep bags off the back of chairs, avoid leaving phones on café tables, and do not leave passports, cameras, or electronics visible inside rental cars.

Czechia

Prague is easy to enjoy on foot, which is also why tourists often move slowly through the same bridges, squares, tram stops, and viewpoints where pickpockets can blend into the crowd.

UK travel advice says petty theft is a problem, especially in major tourist areas in Prague. It highlights risks on busy metro and bus routes from Prague airport to the city centre, trams to popular tourist sites such as Prague Castle, and crowded tourist areas.

Canada describes violent crime in Czechia as low, but notes that organized pickpocket groups may use distraction techniques in tourist areas.

In Prague, stay alert around Old Town, Charles Bridge, Prague Castle routes, metro stations, tram stops, the main railway station, hotel lobbies, and outdoor cafés.

In Prague, step aside before checking maps or taking long photos, and zip your bag before entering crowded bridges, squares, or tram stops.

Greece

Greece often feels relaxed once you reach the islands or coastal towns, but the more vulnerable moments usually happen while moving between airports, metro stations, ferry ports, hotels, and busy nightlife areas.

Ireland’s travel advice says crime is relatively low in Greece as a whole, but pickpocketing is common in central Athens, especially around tourist areas.

Take extra care when moving between airports, metro stations, ferry ports, hotels, and busy sightseeing areas, especially when you are carrying your passport, luggage, phone, wallet, tickets, and cash at the same time.

Possible issues include pickpocketing, taxi disputes, overcharging, bag theft in crowded areas, and drink-related safety risks in nightlife areas.

United Kingdom

London is often added to Europe itineraries, but it has its own visa rules and its own tourist safety issues, especially around phone snatching, pickpocketing, and distraction theft.

The Metropolitan Police warns people in London to beware of pickpockets and says pickpockets may distract or bump into people, especially in crowded places.

Be careful in Central London, Oxford Street, Leicester Square, Covent Garden, the London Underground, busy stations, bridges, and outdoor seating areas.

Phone theft can happen quickly, especially when a phone is held loosely near the street, placed on a café table, or used near busy roads.

One important travel planning note: a Schengen visa does not cover London or the rest of the UK.

Outbound’s Can I visit London with a Schengen visa? guide explains the visa difference.

Common Tourist Scams In Europe

Pickpocketing In Crowds

This is the most common issue in many tourist cities.

It often happens in:

• Metro stations

• Trains

• Buses

• Landmark queues

• Outdoor cafés

• Markets

• Busy bridges

• Airport arrival areas

Keep your phone, wallet, passport, and visa documents in separate secure places.

Fake Petition Or Charity Scam

Someone asks you to sign a petition or donate to a cause. While you are distracted, another person may try to steal from your bag.

This is common around major landmarks and crowded tourist streets.

Bracelet Or “Free Gift” Scam

A person places a bracelet, flower, or small item on you and then demands payment.

The safest response is to refuse clearly, avoid eye contact, and keep walking.

Taxi Or Transport Overcharging

This can happen when you use unofficial taxis, agree to a price without checking, or do not understand the normal fare.

Use official taxis, app-based transport where legal, or clearly posted fare systems.

Restaurant Bill Scam

Some tourist restaurants may add unexpected charges or pressure tourists into expensive specials.

Check menus, service charges, and prices before ordering.

Fake Help At Ticket Machines

Someone offers to help you buy a ticket, then asks for money, distracts you, or watches your PIN.

Use official staff or machines yourself.

Street Game Scam

Games like cups, balls, or card tricks are designed so tourists lose money. People around the game may be part of the setup.

Do not stop to watch street games if money is involved.

Rental Car Theft

Tourists with luggage in rental cars can be targeted, especially near airports, beaches, viewpoints, and roadside stops.

Do not leave passports, luggage, cameras, or electronics visible inside a car.

How To Protect Your Passport, Visa, And Travel Documents

Losing your passport or visa abroad can create bigger problems than losing cash.

Before you travel:

• Make a digital copy of your passport

• Make a digital copy of your visa

• Save your travel insurance

• Save hotel bookings offline

• Save emergency embassy contacts

• Keep one passport photo if useful

• Keep your passport separate from your wallet

• Do not carry every bank card in one place

• Leave non-essential documents in a safe place

Your passport is not just an ID. It is your way to continue the trip and return home.

If you are organizing documents before departure, Outbound’s free visa tools can help you prepare common travel documents more clearly.

What To Do If You Get Scammed Or Pickpocketed In Europe

If something happens, act quickly.

If Your Phone Is Stolen

• Lock the device remotely

• Change important passwords

• Contact your bank if payment apps are connected

• Report the theft to local police if needed

• Contact your travel insurance provider

• Use backup access to email and travel documents

If Your Passport Is Stolen

• File a police report

• Contact your embassy or consulate

• Prepare passport copy if available

• Contact airline or travel provider

• Check whether your visa or residence document is affected

• Keep copies of all reports

If Your Wallet Is Stolen

• Freeze your cards

• Contact your bank

• Keep a record of lost IDs

• Report theft if insurance requires it

• Use backup funds if available

Do not chase thieves or confront scammers aggressively. Prioritize personal safety and official reporting.

Visa And Entry Issues After Losing Documents

If you lose your passport, visa, residence permit, or entry stamp, your travel plan may change.

You may need to check:

• Whether you can continue the trip

• Whether you need an emergency passport

• Whether your visa is still usable

• Whether airline check in is possible

• Whether border officers need extra proof

• Whether you need to change flights

• Whether you need to contact the visa issuing country

If your travel plans change after your visa has already been approved, Outbound’s Schengen visa approved but travel plans changed guide can help you understand what to check before changing routes or dates.

Common Mistakes Tourists Make

Carrying The Passport Everywhere

Some travelers carry their passport all day even when it is not needed.

Carry a copy when appropriate and keep the original secure, unless local rules or your travel situation require the original.

Keeping Phone And Wallet In A Back Pocket

This makes theft easier in crowds, trains, and queues.

Leaving Bags On Restaurant Chairs

Thieves often take bags while tourists are eating, checking phones, or looking at menus.

Trusting “Helpful” Strangers Too Quickly

Be careful if someone suddenly offers help with tickets, bags, machines, directions, or stains on your clothes.

Putting All Cards And Cash In One Wallet

If the wallet is stolen, you lose everything.

Ignoring Travel Insurance

Insurance may help with theft, emergency documents, delays, and lost belongings, depending on your policy.

Forgetting That Scams Can Affect Visa Plans

If your passport or visa is stolen, your whole trip can change.

A scam is not only about money. It can affect your passport, visa record, flight, and next application.

Simple Safety Checklist For Europe

Before leaving your hotel:

• Keep passport and visa copy saved offline

• Carry only the cash you need for the day

• Use a secure crossbody bag

• Keep phone away from the street side

• Avoid back pockets

• Keep bags closed on public transport

• Check restaurant bills before paying

• Use official taxis or transport apps

• Avoid street games and “free gift” offers

• Keep luggage close at stations

• Do not leave bags visible in cars

The best protection is boring: stay aware, keep documents separate, and avoid anything that feels rushed or pressured.

Practical Example

Maya is traveling to Paris, Barcelona, and Rome.

Her biggest risks are not only the famous scam names. Her real risk moments are:

• Arriving tired at the airport

• Buying train tickets with luggage

• Taking photos near landmarks

• Eating outdoors with her phone on the table

• Riding crowded metro lines

• Carrying her passport and wallet in the same bag

A smarter plan is to keep her passport separate from her wallet, carry only a copy during the day when possible, split her cards, use a zipped crossbody bag, save digital copies of her visa and insurance, and avoid leaving her phone or bag loose in cafés, trains, or queues.

Where Outbound Can Help

If you are planning a Europe trip and want to avoid document problems while traveling, Outbound can help you review whether your passport, visa, insurance, itinerary, and bookings are organized before departure.

This can be useful if your trip includes several countries, your Schengen visa has specific entry limits, or you are worried about losing access to important travel documents while abroad.

You can start with Outbound’s Free Visa Chance Checker to review your visa profile before applying. If you are preparing for departure, Outbound’s free visa tools can help you organize common travel documents before your trip.

FAQ

What Are The Most Scammed Countries In Europe?

There is no single official ranking, but tourists should be extra alert in popular destinations where official travel advice often warns about petty crime, such as Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Czechia, Greece, and the UK.

Is Europe Safe For Tourists?

Yes, most of Europe is safe for tourists, especially for normal sightseeing. The main issue is usually petty crime, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, phone theft, and tourist scams in crowded areas.

Which European City Has The Most Pickpockets?

Official sources do not publish one universal ranking, but cities like Barcelona, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, Lisbon, Prague, and Athens are commonly mentioned in travel advice for pickpocketing or petty theft risks.

What Is The Most Common Scam In Europe?

Pickpocketing and distraction theft are among the most common problems for tourists. Fake petitions, bracelet scams, taxi overcharging, fake help at ticket machines, and restaurant overcharging are also common in tourist areas.

How Do I Avoid Pickpockets In Europe?

Use a zipped crossbody bag, avoid back pockets, keep your phone away near roads, do not place bags on chairs, stay alert in crowds, and keep passport, wallet, cards, and phone in separate secure places.

Should I Carry My Passport Everywhere In Europe?

It depends on local rules and your situation. In many cases, travelers keep the original passport secure and carry a copy during sightseeing, but you should check local ID requirements. Always keep digital copies of your passport and visa.

What Should I Do If My Passport Is Stolen In Europe?

Report it to local police, contact your embassy or consulate, prepare a passport copy if you have one, contact your airline, and check whether your visa or onward travel is affected.

Can A Tourist Scam Affect My Visa?

Yes. If your passport, visa, or travel documents are stolen, your itinerary, border crossing, flight, or future application may be affected. Keep copies and report incidents properly.

Are Tourist Scams Worse In Schengen Countries?

Not necessarily. Scams happen in both Schengen and non Schengen countries. The risk is usually higher in crowded tourist areas, transport hubs, and places where travelers are distracted.

Before You Travel To Europe

Before your Europe trip, check more than visa rules. Check how you will protect your passport, visa, phone, wallet, cards, and travel documents while moving through airports, trains, hotels, restaurants, and tourist sites.

A good trip plan should include both entry documents and safety habits.

Europe is worth visiting, but crowded tourist areas need practical awareness. Keep your documents secure, avoid rushed street interactions, and do not let scams turn into passport or visa problems.

You can also use Outbound’s Free Visa Chance Checker to review your visa profile before applying.

Sources

• GOV.UK — Spain safety and security travel advice
  https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/safety-and-security

• Government of Canada — Spain travel advice and petty crime
  https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain

• Smartraveller Australia — Spain travel advice and petty crime
  https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/spain

• Government of Canada — France travel advice and petty crime
  https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/france

• Smartraveller Australia — France travel advice and tourist scams
  https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/france

• Government of Canada — Italy travel advice and petty crime
  https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy

• GOV.UK — Netherlands safety and security travel advice
  https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/netherlands/safety-and-security

• Government of Canada — Netherlands travel advice and train theft
  https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/netherlands

• Government of Canada — Portugal travel advice and petty crime
  https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/portugal

• GOV.UK — Portugal safety and security travel advice
  https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal/safety-and-security

• GOV.UK — Czechia safety and security travel advice
  https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/czechia/safety-and-security

• Government of Canada — Czechia travel advice and petty crime
  https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/czechia

• Ireland Department of Foreign Affairs — Greece travel advice
  https://www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/overseas-travel/advice/greece/

• Metropolitan Police — Staying safe in London
  https://www.met.police.uk/police-forces/metropolitan-police/areas/campaigns/2022/staying-safe-in-london/

• Outbound Visa — Free Visa Chance Checker
  https://www.outboundvisa.com/en/visa-chance-checker

• Outbound Visa — Free visa tools
  https://www.outboundvisa.com/en/free-tools

• Outbound Visa — Visa document checklist
  https://www.outboundvisa.com/en/blog/visa-document-checklist

• Outbound Visa — Schengen visa itinerary sample
  https://www.outboundvisa.com/en/blog/essential-visa-travel-itinerary-rules-2026

• Outbound Visa — Can I visit London with a Schengen visa?
  https://www.outboundvisa.com/en/blog/can-i-visit-london-with-schengen-visa

• Outbound Visa — Schengen visa approved but travel plans changed
  https://www.outboundvisa.com/en/blog/schengen-visa-approved-but-travel-plans-changed