Scam in PortugalTheft
Late-night mugging in Portugal
How it works
Someone uses threats or force to take your belongings. Certain parts of Lisbon carry a greater mugging risk late at night.
Warning signs
- You are entering quiet alleys late at night.
- Someone blocks your route or threatens you.
How to avoid it
- Avoid quiet alleys and the named areas late at night.
- Stay with companions when heading home.
- Plan your return journey before going out.
If it happens to you
Do not fight over belongings. Get somewhere safe, call 112 if there is immediate danger or injury, and report the robbery.
- Move to a safe, busy place. Do not chase a thief or confront a group.
- Call 112 if anyone is injured, you are being threatened or there is immediate danger.
- Block stolen cards and contact your card issuer about any unauthorised payments.
- Save receipts, messages, transaction details and any photos. Write down what happened while you remember it.
- Report the incident to police. Ask for a report or reference number for insurance or bank follow-up.
- Contact your insurer, rental company or embassy as needed. Ask your embassy or consulate about replacing stolen travel documents.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/LisbonPortugalTravel202620 things I personally would not recommend in LisbonA visitor reported that two friends were beaten and robbed after their group separated while leaving a Lisbon club or bar.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/LisbonPortugalTravel2026How Safe Does Lisbon Feel to You?A visitor described an apparent attempted robbery around 3 a.m. in which a man tried to stop their Uber and pointed a gun as the driver escaped.Read on Reddit
- WebWikivoyageLisbon – Travel guide at WikivoyageThe community-written guide warns of nighttime mugging risks around Bairro Alto, Cais do Sodré and quiet back streets in Baixa.Read on Web
Questions
What is the late-night mugging scam in Portugal?
Someone uses threats or force to take your belongings. Certain parts of Lisbon carry a greater mugging risk late at night.
How can I spot it early?
You are entering quiet alleys late at night. Someone blocks your route or threatens you.
How do I avoid late-night mugging in Portugal?
Avoid quiet alleys and the named areas late at night. Stay with companions when heading home. Plan your return journey before going out.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not fight over belongings. Get somewhere safe, call 112 if there is immediate danger or injury, and report the robbery.
Where in Portugal does this happen?
Bairro Alto, alleys and Cais do Sodre late at night. 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.
Are there similar scams in Portugal?
Yes: pickpocketing and bag theft, theft from rental cars.
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.
Reviewed by @snuck