Scam in HungaryTheft
Baggage theft while sleeping on trains in Hungary
How it works
Thieves take passengers' bags while they are asleep.
Warning signs
- Your luggage is out of sight or easy for someone to carry away.
- Your valuables are in a bag you cannot monitor while sleeping.
How to avoid it
- Keep valuables close to your body.
- Secure luggage before sleeping.
- Keep bags where you can monitor them while awake.
If it happens to you
Tell train staff and report the theft to police. Freeze any stolen cards and list the missing items.
- Move to a safe public place. If you are threatened or in immediate danger, call 112.
- Freeze missing cards through your bank's app or contact your card issuer. Check for unauthorised payments.
- Save receipts, booking records, screenshots and the time and location. Record vehicle or business details if safe.
- Report theft, threats or fraud to police. Ask for a report reference or a copy for your insurer.
- Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen. Tell your travel insurer about any covered loss.
- For disputed bills or fares, contact the business or taxi company. Ask your card issuer about a payment dispute if relevant.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- TripadvisorBucharest ForumBudapest to Bucharest by train/bus? - Bucharest ForumA contributor says they personally know a couple who were robbed while sleeping on a night train in Hungary.Read on Tripadvisor
- Travel blog2018The Whole Of The Moon – Stolen Hours: Krakow To Budapest (Part Three)The author recounts a companion's wallet being stolen while both travellers slept in their bunks on the overnight train to Budapest.Read on Travel blog
Questions
What is the baggage theft while sleeping on trains scam in Hungary?
Thieves take passengers' bags while they are asleep.
How can I spot it early?
Your luggage is out of sight or easy for someone to carry away. Your valuables are in a bag you cannot monitor while sleeping.
How do I avoid baggage theft while sleeping on trains in Hungary?
Keep valuables close to your body. Secure luggage before sleeping. Keep bags where you can monitor them while awake.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Tell train staff and report the theft to police. Freeze any stolen cards and list the missing items.
Where in Hungary does this happen?
Trains.
How common is this scam in Hungary?
Occasional. Hungary is generally very safe, but tourists can face pickpocketing, taxi tricks and inflated bills. The main warnings concern Budapest, especially Váci utca, transport hubs and taxis used around nightclubs.
Are there similar scams in Hungary?
Yes: pickpocketing on public transport and in crowds.
Who can I report it to?
Emergency services: call 112 if you are in immediate danger or need urgent help. Police: report theft, fraud or threats to police. The police number is 107. Bring any receipts, booking details and a list of missing items. Budapest TourInform complaint and assistance office: visit Sütő Street 2, District V. The office is described as open 24/7 and able to receive complaints and help in English and German. Card issuer or bank: use your bank's app or its official contact number to freeze stolen cards, report unauthorised payments or ask about a payment dispute. Taxi company or business: use the contact details in your booking or on your receipt. Provide the journey or purchase details and explain the disputed amount. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is lost or stolen. Travel insurer: contact your insurer through its claims service. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of the loss.
What number do I call in an emergency in Hungary?
General emergency: 112, Police: 107, Ambulance: 104, Fire: 105.
Reviewed by @snuck