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Occasional in Portugal

Scam in PortugalFake officials

Drug offer followed by a fake police fine in Portugal

Lisbon streets. Young visitors receive many street approaches, especially near Chiado Plaza.

How it works

Two people work together. One offers drugs. The second pretends to be a police officer and demands a fine, threatening jail if you refuse.

Warning signs

  • A stranger approaches you offering drugs.
  • Another person suddenly appears and claims to be a police officer.
  • They demand money to keep you out of jail.

How to avoid it

  1. Decline street drug offers and keep walking.
  2. Avoid getting drawn into a conversation.
  3. Do not hand over money in response to the threat.

If it happens to you

Walk away if you can do so safely. If threatened or unable to leave, call 112. Report the incident to police once safe.

  1. Move to a safe, busy place. Do not chase a thief or confront a group.
  2. Call 112 if anyone is injured, you are being threatened or there is immediate danger.
  3. Block stolen cards and contact your card issuer about any unauthorised payments.
  4. Save receipts, messages, transaction details and any photos. Write down what happened while you remember it.
  5. Report the incident to police. Ask for a report or reference number for insurance or bank follow-up.
  6. Contact your insurer, rental company or embassy as needed. Ask your embassy or consulate about replacing stolen travel documents.
Where it happensLisbon streets. Young visitors receive many street approaches, especially near Chiado Plaza.Lisbon

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in PortugalA stranger asks to borrow money: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the drug offer followed by a fake police fine scam in Portugal?

Two people work together. One offers drugs. The second pretends to be a police officer and demands a fine, threatening jail if you refuse.

How can I spot it early?

A stranger approaches you offering drugs. Another person suddenly appears and claims to be a police officer. They demand money to keep you out of jail.

How do I avoid drug offer followed by a fake police fine in Portugal?

Decline street drug offers and keep walking. Avoid getting drawn into a conversation. Do not hand over money in response to the threat.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Walk away if you can do so safely. If threatened or unable to leave, call 112. Report the incident to police once safe.

Where in Portugal does this happen?

Lisbon streets. Young visitors receive many street approaches, especially near Chiado Plaza. 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.

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