Scam in GeorgiaTheft
Child pickpockets around beggars in Georgia
How it works
Very young children are used as pickpockets. Aggressive begging can bring people close enough to reach your belongings.
Warning signs
- Children or beggars crowd close to you.
- Someone keeps approaching after you move away.
- Your bag or pockets are within easy reach.
How to avoid it
- Keep bags closed and in front of you.
- Keep your phone and wallet out of easy-to-reach pockets.
- Move away from close or persistent approaches.
If it happens to you
Move to a safe place, check what is missing and report the theft to police.
- Get to a safe place. If you are threatened or need urgent police or ambulance help, call 112.
- Write down what happened while you remember it. Save the location, time, agreed price and amount paid.
- Keep receipts, booking details and screenshots. Record vehicle or venue details only if it is safe.
- If a card or phone was stolen, contact your card issuer and secure the affected accounts promptly. Ask about disputed payments where relevant.
- Report theft, threats or fraud to police. Ask for a report reference or written record for your insurer.
- Contact your insurer about a claim. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate about replacement documents.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/tbilisi2023Rampant pickpockets in TbilisiA visitor says eight to ten children grabbed them near Galleria Mall and stole approximately US$800 from their wallet.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/tbilisi2023General safety in Georgia (tbilisi)A commenter warns that street children in tourist areas watch where visitors keep money before surrounding them and emptying accessible pockets.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the child pickpockets around beggars scam in Georgia?
Very young children are used as pickpockets. Aggressive begging can bring people close enough to reach your belongings.
How can I spot it early?
Children or beggars crowd close to you. Someone keeps approaching after you move away. Your bag or pockets are within easy reach.
How do I avoid child pickpockets around beggars in Georgia?
Keep bags closed and in front of you. Keep your phone and wallet out of easy-to-reach pockets. Move away from close or persistent approaches.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Move to a safe place, check what is missing and report the theft to police.
Where in Georgia does this happen?
Especially just south of Batumi Piazza. It has been reported in Batumi.
How common is this scam in Georgia?
Common. Georgia is generally very safe for visitors. The main risks described here are taxi tricks, inflated tourist prices and a few serious bar scams in Tbilisi. Pickpocketing by young children is also a concern in part of Batumi.
Are there similar scams in Georgia?
Yes: postal theft and high charges.
Who can I report it to?
Police: call 112 for urgent help involving threats, theft or forced payment. For a non-urgent report, approach police and provide the location, time, payment details and any evidence. Card issuer or bank: use the issuer's official app or contact number to freeze a missing card and report unauthorised transactions. Ask whether a disputed payment can be challenged. Taxi app or transport company: report the ride through the app or company's support channel. Include the trip record, agreed fare and amount demanded. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its official claims channel. Keep receipts, medical records and any police report. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is lost or stolen, or you need consular help. Postal company: for a missing or damaged parcel, submit the posting receipt and tracking details and request an investigation.
What number do I call in an emergency in Georgia?
Police: 112, Ambulance: 112.
Reviewed by @snuck