Scam in NorwayTheft
Mugging and robbery in Norway
How it works
Someone uses threats or force to take belongings. The risk is described as low, but some areas warrant extra care at night.
Warning signs
- You are alone on a poorly lit route after dark.
- Someone threatens you or blocks your path.
How to avoid it
- Avoid the Akerselva stretch from Grønland to Cuba after dark.
- Choose well-lit routes and avoid walking alone through parks at night.
- Keep clear of arguments and aggressive groups when bars close.
If it happens to you
Do not fight over belongings. Get to safety and call 112 if you are threatened, injured or in immediate danger.
- Get somewhere safe. Call 112 if someone threatens you or you are in immediate danger. Call 113 for a medical emergency.
- Stop further losses. Freeze missing cards, contact your bank and remotely lock a stolen phone.
- Save evidence. Keep receipts, booking details, screenshots and messages. Note the time, place and taxi licence number if relevant.
- Report the incident to police. For non-emergencies, call 02800 from within Norway. Ask for a report reference.
- Contact the taxi company, booking app, merchant or card issuer about disputed charges. Explain what happened and provide the evidence.
- Contact your insurer if you need to claim. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate for help.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/Norway2026Do you feel safe in Norway walking around at night? Is there anything like “chavs/roadmen”?Commenters recount historical Oslo muggings, including one while returning from a pub and another during a school trip.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/Norway2025Is it true that there neighborhoods in Oslo that people avoid especially at night?A commenter reports being mugged on Karl Johans gate shortly before midnight and says police subsequently dropped the case.Read on Reddit
- News2011Police renew fight against pirate taxisThe report describes Oslo police receiving complaints of illegal taxi drivers robbing passengers after late-night pickups.Read on News
Questions
What is the mugging and robbery scam in Norway?
Someone uses threats or force to take belongings. The risk is described as low, but some areas warrant extra care at night.
How can I spot it early?
You are alone on a poorly lit route after dark. Someone threatens you or blocks your path.
How do I avoid mugging and robbery in Norway?
Avoid the Akerselva stretch from Grønland to Cuba after dark. Choose well-lit routes and avoid walking alone through parks at night. Keep clear of arguments and aggressive groups when bars close.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not fight over belongings. Get to safety and call 112 if you are threatened, injured or in immediate danger.
Where in Norway does this happen?
Oslo, particularly after dark along the Akerselva river between Grønland and Cuba. Stovner, Holmlia and Grønland/Tøyen are also mentioned for extra caution at night. It has been reported in Oslo.
How common is this scam in Norway?
Occasional. Norway has low crime levels, and common tourist scams are rare. The main risks are car break-ins, bicycle theft, pickpocketing and high taxi charges, especially when hailing a taxi in Oslo. Currency exchange and payment conversion can also cost you extra, though these charges are not necessarily scams.
Are there similar scams in Norway?
Yes: car break-ins, bicycle theft, pickpocketing.
Who can I report it to?
Police: call 112 for an emergency or immediate danger. For a non-emergency, call 02800 from within Norway. Report theft, robbery or suspected fraud and keep the report reference. Police in Bergen: the downtown police station is at Allehelgens gate 6, across from the old town hall. The listed non-emergency number is +47 55 55 63 00. Taxi company or booking app: use the company's customer service or the app's support option. Include the receipt, price quote, trip details and taxi licence number. For driver delays or false pickup locations, include screenshots and messages. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to freeze a stolen card and report unauthorised or disputed charges. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Many consulates in Bergen are honorary and have limited services; your embassy in Oslo may be needed. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its claims service. Keep police references, receipts and proof of loss.
What number do I call in an emergency in Norway?
Police and help reaching the correct rescue service: 112, Fire: 110, Emergency medical services: 113, Non-emergency police, within Norway only: 02800, Non-emergency medical care, within Norway only: 116117, Emergency services for people using a text telephone: 1412.
Reviewed by @snuck