Scam in IcelandTheft
Occasional petty theft in Iceland
How it works
Small thefts have occasionally occurred. No particular theft method is identified.
How to avoid it
- Keep your phone, wallet and bag secure.
- Keep track of your belongings during nights out.
If it happens to you
- Move somewhere safe. Avoid arguing with or chasing anyone.
- If a card or phone is missing, contact your card issuer and secure your accounts. Freeze affected cards as soon as possible.
- Save receipts, booking details, screenshots and payment records. Write down what happened, where and when.
- Report theft or suspected fraud to the police. Ask for a report reference or a copy for your records.
- Contact the business or booking provider about a disputed charge. Ask your card issuer about a payment dispute if needed.
- Contact your insurer about a claim. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate about replacement documents.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/VisitingIceland2024Warning !!! Theft at campsiteA camper reported that someone opened another tourist’s tent at Reykjavik Eco Campsite overnight and stole a bag containing a passport and credit cards.Read on Reddit
- Government advicePickpockets at Þingvellir - Thingvellir National ParkNational park authorities reported coordinated thieves stealing from visitors’ bags through close contact or distraction at Þingvellir before continuing to Geysir and Gullfoss.Read on Government advice
- Government adviceSafety and security - Iceland travel advice - GOV.UKUK travel advice states that petty theft can occur despite Iceland’s low crime levels, particularly around bars in downtown Reykjavík.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the occasional petty theft scam in Iceland?
Small thefts have occasionally occurred. No particular theft method is identified.
How do I avoid occasional petty theft in Iceland?
Keep your phone, wallet and bag secure. Keep track of your belongings during nights out.
Where in Iceland does this happen?
Reykjavík; no specific street or venue is identified. It has been reported in Reykjavík.
How common is this scam in Iceland?
Occasional. Iceland has very low crime, and tourist scams are not described as a common problem. Occasional petty theft has occurred in Reykjavík, but high prices for taxis, shopping and drinks do not by themselves mean you are being scammed.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft or suspected fraud and provide the details and evidence you have. Ask for a report reference. No local reporting number or specialist tourist police unit is identified. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to freeze a card, report an unauthorised payment or ask about disputing a charge. Business or booking provider: use the contact details on your receipt or booking confirmation. Explain the disputed charge and keep a written record. Travel insurer: contact the claims service listed in your policy. Keep receipts, evidence and any police report. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is lost or stolen and you need replacement travel documents.
Reviewed by @snuck