Every city in the world will have some form of street scammers and these scams in this blog are not exclusive to any one area. They can be employed anywhere in the world. We have chosen these examples as they are often well-known to these cities or regions.
It's important to remember, these street scams should not deter you from enjoying some of these magnificent cities in Europe, and if you take a commonsense approach and have a good awareness of your surroundings, then these type of scams won't ruin your holiday.
There is nothing worse than creating a conflict with street scammers, it's not worth the time or stress. It's always best to politely decline any interaction in the first place, don't be rude and keep walking. Let me assure you, you are not hurting their feelings to keep walking by. Here are a few good examples.
Bracelet Scam (Paris, France)
In the Monmarte district of Paris at the base of the stairs to Square Louise-Michel, you'll find men offering free bracelets platted from coloured string. Despite them telling you they are free, they will eventually ask you for money. Usually between €5-€10 each. At times they can be very persistent and intimating. Unlike most scams where you can normally just keep walking, what's particularly difficult with this scam, is it's hard to walk away once they have attached the string to your finger to begin platting. This method captures you for a brief discussion and interaction while they complete the bracelet and then tie it to your wrist. They'll then ask for money.
HOW TO AVOID: Do not allow these guys to put the string on your finger. Keep your hands at your side and politely say no thank you and keep walking. Do not extend your hand for a hand-shake and ensure they do not grab the hand of your children. At all times you can always refuse to pay, but they can be sometimes intimidating. Here's a great video of the scam and how he refused to pay.
Painting Scam (Florence, Italy)
This scam is simple. You are made to feel that you have damaged somebody else's artwork or property and need to pay for it. Fact is, in most cases, while you are visiting the beautiful sites of Florence, scammers will put these artworks in a position that you unwittingly step on them by accident. You'll then be intimidated to pay for them.
HOW TO AVOID: Always be aware of your surrounds, you should be doing this anyway. If you do step on these artworks, politely walk away and refuse to pay. Let them know you'll call the police is needed. Here's a great video of the scam.
Photos with Gladiators and Street Tours (Rome, Italy)
If a photo of you and a mighty gladiator with the Colosseum in the background sounds good, think again. This may cost you €20 per gladiator and you'll need to supply your own camera. This is a common scam across Europe where people will dress up in traditional costumes close to major attractions and demand outrageous prices, usually after you have taken the photo.
Hovering around the same major attractions you'll normally be approached for great deals on skip-the-line tours to avoid long waiting times. These street scam tours are not worth the money and usually lead to nothing more than normal entry, or even worse, a fake entry ticket.
HOW TO AVOID: As cheap as they sound, never accept offers when approached on the street. Aways book your tickets and tours via an authorised provider. If you are approached to take a photo with someone, politely refuse or ask in advance how much it will cost. You'll see good examples of both these scams in the video below.
Pickpocketing and street scams are everywhere, but that should not let this deter you from visiting some of the worlds greatest cities. Knowing they are around, having a good awareness of your surroundings and understanding how to avoid them will ensure you are not taken for a ride. Remember, nothing is for free and the old saying, if it sounds too good to be true.....
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