Scam in GreeceFood and drink
Cheap imitation imported spirits in Greece
How it works
Cheap locally distilled alcohol with flavourings, called bomba, may be sold as imported whisky, gin or other spirits. Genuine imported alcohol is often expensive, so a very cheap imported drink can be a warning.
Warning signs
- An imported spirit is offered at a surprisingly low price.
- You cannot see the bartender prepare your drink.
How to avoid it
- Choose respectable venues.
- Watch the bartender mix your drink.
- Consider traditional domestic Greek drinks instead of unusually cheap imported spirits.
If it happens to you
Stop drinking it. If you become unwell, seek medical help; call 112 for an emergency.
- Get to a safe public place. Avoid confronting thieves or anyone threatening you. Call 112 if there is immediate danger.
- Check what is missing. Freeze stolen cards and contact your card issuer about disputed payments.
- Save evidence. Keep receipts, bills, booking details and payment records. Write down the time, place and descriptions.
- Report the incident to police. For taxi fare fraud, keep the number plate and receipt and contact the tourist police on 171.
- If your passport or identity document is missing, contact your embassy or consulate for replacement guidance.
- Contact your insurer if you have cover. Keep the police report reference and copies of any supporting documents.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- News2008Greeks target bootleg alcohol 'bombes'The Irish Times reports a Greek tourism campaign against resort bars serving spirits adulterated with industrial alcohol.Read on News
- Government advice2021Organized Criminal Group (OCG) smuggling alcoholic beverages from Bulgaria dismantled by the Organized Crime Unit of the General Regional Police Directorate of Crete in cooperation with SEK, the Operational Directorate of SDOE and the Security Directorate of AtticaGreek authorities describe a network importing alcohol from Bulgaria, using counterfeit branded labels and refilling bottles with adulterated products supplied to Attica and tourist areas.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the cheap imitation imported spirits scam in Greece?
Cheap locally distilled alcohol with flavourings, called bomba, may be sold as imported whisky, gin or other spirits. Genuine imported alcohol is often expensive, so a very cheap imported drink can be a warning.
How can I spot it early?
An imported spirit is offered at a surprisingly low price. You cannot see the bartender prepare your drink.
How do I avoid cheap imitation imported spirits in Greece?
Choose respectable venues. Watch the bartender mix your drink. Consider traditional domestic Greek drinks instead of unusually cheap imported spirits.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Stop drinking it. If you become unwell, seek medical help; call 112 for an emergency.
Where in Greece does this happen?
Especially island bars catering to young visitors.
How common is this scam in Greece?
Occasional. Greece is generally safe, with low rates of theft and violent crime, but travellers can still face scams and overcharging. Watch for friendly strangers leading you to expensive bars, taxi fare tricks, counterfeit goods and notes, and theft in crowded places.
Who can I report it to?
Tourist police: call 171 to report taxi fare fraud. Give the number plate and receipt details. Kavala also has a Tourist Police Station on Omonia Street. Police: call 100 for police assistance. Report theft, threats, counterfeit money or fake police approaches, and ask for a report reference. Emergency services: call 112 for an emergency requiring police, ambulance or fire services. The call is free. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to freeze missing cards and report disputed payments. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if identity documents are stolen or you need consular help. If detained, ask to speak to your consulate. Travel insurer: use the claims contact in your policy. Provide the police report reference, receipts and payment records where available.
What number do I call in an emergency in Greece?
Emergency services: police, ambulance and fire: 112, Police: 100, Tourist police: taxi fare fraud reports: 171, Ambulance: 166, Fire: 199, Coast Guard: 108.
Reviewed by @snuck