Scam in UkraineFood and drink
Fake spirits in Ukraine
How it works
Fake horilka or konjak is sold as genuine alcohol. Some contains methyl alcohol, which can cause blindness or death.
Warning signs
- Horilka or konjak is offered by a seller outside a supermarket or liquor store.
How to avoid it
- Buy horilka and konjak only from supermarkets or liquor stores.
- Do not drink spirits whose origin you cannot establish.
If it happens to you
Stop drinking it. If poisoning is suspected, seek urgent medical help and keep the bottle or packaging if safe.
- Move to a safe, staffed place. Avoid chasing anyone or escalating a confrontation.
- Check what is missing. If cards or your phone were stolen, contact the relevant providers and secure your accounts.
- Save receipts, messages and transaction records. Write down the time, location and a description of what happened.
- Report the scam or theft to police. Request a report or reference number for insurance or bank claims.
- Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport is missing, you are detained or you need help finding assistance.
- Contact your insurer and card issuer where relevant. If fake alcohol may have caused poisoning, seek urgent medical help.
Questions
What is the fake spirits scam in Ukraine?
Fake horilka or konjak is sold as genuine alcohol. Some contains methyl alcohol, which can cause blindness or death.
How can I spot it early?
Horilka or konjak is offered by a seller outside a supermarket or liquor store.
How do I avoid fake spirits in Ukraine?
Buy horilka and konjak only from supermarkets or liquor stores. Do not drink spirits whose origin you cannot establish.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Stop drinking it. If poisoning is suspected, seek urgent medical help and keep the bottle or packaging if safe.
Where in Ukraine does this happen?
Sellers outside supermarkets and liquor stores.
How common is this scam in Ukraine?
Common. Tourist scams and robberies are fairly common in Ukraine, especially in Kyiv, where pickpocketing and the wallet or found-money scam are concerns. Other risks include dishonest currency exchanges, fake police, baggage theft and fake alcohol; petty crime is described as lower in Lviv. Ukraine is at war, so this scam guide does not cover all travel risks.
Are there similar scams in Ukraine?
Yes: watered-down draught beer, cheap wine sold as a local vintage.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, robbery or fraud at a police station. Bring any receipts, messages and transaction details, and request a report reference. Police online: report suspected official corruption online. No reporting address is provided. Your embassy or consulate: use the contact details and emergency number saved before your trip. Seek help with detention, a stolen passport or serious difficulties. Card issuer or bank: use the official banking app or a verified contact number to block stolen cards and report unauthorized transactions. Station staff or baggage-storage staff: report missing stored baggage immediately. Provide the locker number, storage receipt and approximate time. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its official claims channel. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of the loss.
Reviewed by @snuck