Scam in PortugalOn the street
A stranger asks to borrow money in Portugal
How it works
A stranger asks to borrow money and promises to repay it within a few hours. The promise is used to persuade you to hand over cash.
Warning signs
- Someone you do not know asks for a loan.
- They promise a quick repayment.
How to avoid it
- Do not lend money to strangers.
- Give a firm refusal and move on.
If it happens to you
Keep any messages or details of the person. Report suspected fraud to police and do not send more money.
- Move to a safe, busy place. Do not chase a thief or confront a group.
- Call 112 if anyone is injured, you are being threatened or there is immediate danger.
- Block stolen cards and contact your card issuer about any unauthorised payments.
- Save receipts, messages, transaction details and any photos. Write down what happened while you remember it.
- Report the incident to police. Ask for a report or reference number for insurance or bank follow-up.
- Contact your insurer, rental company or embassy as needed. Ask your embassy or consulate about replacing stolen travel documents.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/lisboa2024Did I get scammed?An airport visitor gave money to a stranger claiming his bank card was trapped in an ATM, and commenters reported encountering the same man with the same travel-money story.Read on Reddit
- WebWikivoyageLisbon – Travel guide at WikivoyageThe community-written guide warns about strangers requesting borrowed money while promising repayment within a few hours.Read on Web
Questions
What is the a stranger asks to borrow money scam in Portugal?
A stranger asks to borrow money and promises to repay it within a few hours. The promise is used to persuade you to hand over cash.
How can I spot it early?
Someone you do not know asks for a loan. They promise a quick repayment.
How do I avoid a stranger asks to borrow money in Portugal?
Do not lend money to strangers. Give a firm refusal and move on.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Keep any messages or details of the person. Report suspected fraud to police and do not send more money.
Where in Portugal does this happen?
Lisbon. It has been reported in Lisbon.
How common is this scam in Portugal?
Occasional. Portugal is relatively safe, but pickpocketing is the most common crime against visitors. Other risks include theft from rental cars, street scams in Lisbon, and poor value at some ATMs, exchange counters and music venues.
Who can I report it to?
PSP — Public Security Police: report theft, robbery or fraud in major urban areas. Approach an officer or visit a police station. GNR — National Republican Guards: report incidents outside major urban centres and in rural areas. Approach an officer or visit a police station. Emergency services: call 112 for urgent police, fire or medical help. Your bank or card issuer: use its official app or contact number to freeze cards and report unauthorised transactions. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport or other travel documents are stolen. Your insurer or rental company: contact them through official channels after a covered loss or theft from a rental car. Keep the police report, receipts and photos.
What number do I call in an emergency in Portugal?
Police, fire and medical emergencies: 112.
Reviewed by @snuck