Scam in GreeceNightlife
Friendly stranger bar scam in Greece
How it works
A friendly stranger approaches a traveller, usually a man alone at night, and suggests a bar. At the bar, women join them and order expensive drinks, often champagne. The traveller receives a huge bill. Men then appear to pressure or threaten him into paying. This is the most commonly reported major scam against travellers.
Warning signs
- A stranger quickly invites you to a particular bar.
- People join your table and start ordering drinks on your bill.
- You cannot get clear prices before drinks are ordered.
How to avoid it
- Politely but firmly decline bar invitations from strangers who approach you this way.
- Choose your own venue.
- Check prices and make clear that you will pay only for your own orders.
- Leave early if others start ordering drinks at your expense.
If it happens to you
Avoid arguing with anyone threatening you. Get to a safe public place when you can, then contact police. Keep any bill or payment record.
- 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.
- Redditr/GreeceTravel2024Plaka, Athens - Old Man Ouzo Scam Still in OperationA traveller reports that a friendly older man invited two visitors for ouzo before taking them to a brothel where they paid for drinks including his and a worker’s.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/GreeceTravel2022Scammed today in Athens is there anything police can do?A visitor describes following a friendly older stranger to a bar after being promised traditional Greek music and an ouzo.Read on Reddit
- TripadvisorAthens Forum2016Scam Attempt--It Finally Happened! - Athens ForumAn experienced visitor reports resisting a stranger’s persistent invitation for ouzo outside the Acropolis Museum, after which the man left when tourist police were mentioned.Read on Tripadvisor
Questions
What is the friendly stranger bar scam scam in Greece?
A friendly stranger approaches a traveller, usually a man alone at night, and suggests a bar. At the bar, women join them and order expensive drinks, often champagne. The traveller receives a huge bill. Men then appear to pressure or threaten him into paying. This is the most commonly reported major scam against travellers.
How can I spot it early?
A stranger quickly invites you to a particular bar. People join your table and start ordering drinks on your bill. You cannot get clear prices before drinks are ordered.
How do I avoid friendly stranger bar scam in Greece?
Politely but firmly decline bar invitations from strangers who approach you this way. Choose your own venue. Check prices and make clear that you will pay only for your own orders. Leave early if others start ordering drinks at your expense.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Avoid arguing with anyone threatening you. Get to a safe public place when you can, then contact police. Keep any bill or payment record.
Where in Greece does this happen?
Central Athens, especially Omonia, Syntagma and Plaka; occasional reports from other cities and larger island towns. It has been reported in Athens.
How common is this scam in Greece?
Common. 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