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Occasional in Germany

Scam in GermanyOn the street

False appeal for money to travel home in Germany

Pariser Platz next to the Brandenburg Gate, Alexanderplatz and Museuminsel.

How it works

Someone asks whether you speak English, then claims to be from a new EU country and needs money to fly home. The account is false. Women accompanied by children are described using this approach.

Warning signs

  • An unsolicited approach begins with “Speak English?”
  • The person asks for money to fly home.
  • You are handed a card telling a personal story and asking for money.

How to avoid it

  1. Keep walking without engaging with the appeal.
  2. Do not take out your wallet.
  3. Keep your bag closed and within sight.

If it happens to you

End the conversation and move away. Contact police if you feel frightened or threatened.

  1. Move somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or continue an argument.
  2. Check what is missing. Block stolen cards and secure any affected accounts immediately.
  3. Save receipts, transaction records and messages. Write down the time, place and what happened.
  4. Report the incident to police. Call 110 for urgent police help, or 112 for a medical emergency or fire.
  5. Contact your embassy or passport authority if your passport was stolen or given an unofficial stamp.
  6. Contact your insurer and card issuer where relevant. Keep the police report details and copies of your evidence.
Where it happensPariser Platz next to the Brandenburg Gate, Alexanderplatz and Museuminsel.Berlin

What travellers report

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

More scams in GermanyStory-card distraction theft: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the false appeal for money to travel home scam in Germany?

Someone asks whether you speak English, then claims to be from a new EU country and needs money to fly home. The account is false. Women accompanied by children are described using this approach.

How can I spot it early?

An unsolicited approach begins with “Speak English?”. The person asks for money to fly home. You are handed a card telling a personal story and asking for money.

How do I avoid false appeal for money to travel home in Germany?

Keep walking without engaging with the appeal. Do not take out your wallet. Keep your bag closed and within sight.

What should I do if it happens to me?

End the conversation and move away. Contact police if you feel frightened or threatened.

Where in Germany does this happen?

Pariser Platz next to the Brandenburg Gate, Alexanderplatz and Museuminsel. It has been reported in Berlin.

How common is this scam in Germany?

Occasional. Germany is generally very safe, and crime rates are low. Visitors should mainly watch for pickpockets in busy places, false appeals for money in Berlin, and costly ATM or currency exchange offers. Near Checkpoint Charlie, souvenir passport stamps can also cause serious travel problems.

Are there similar scams in Germany?

Yes: souvenir passport-stamp booths.

Who can I report it to?

Police: approach an officer or patrol, or report the incident at a police station. Call 110 for an urgent police emergency. Officers generally understand at least basic English or can find a colleague who does. Federal police (Bundespolizei): approach federal police for incidents at airports, train stations and border crossings, where they are responsible for policing. Card issuer or bank: use your bank's official app or verified contact number to block stolen cards and report unauthorised transactions. Embassy or passport authority: use official contact details for help with a stolen passport or advice about an unofficial passport stamp. Foreign nationals who are arrested can also contact their embassy. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its official claims channel. Keep receipts, police report details and evidence of the loss.

What number do I call in an emergency in Germany?

Police emergency: 110, Medical emergencies and fire: 112.

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