Scam in PolandTours and guides
Organised pub-crawl scams and abuse in Poland
How it works
Organised pub crawls are flagged as scams. Reports include guides sexually abusing both male and female tourists.
Warning signs
- The activity is an organised pub crawl.
- A guide pressures you to drink, leave your companions or go somewhere alone.
How to avoid it
- Avoid organised pub-crawl tours in Warsaw.
- Visit pubs independently with people you trust.
- Keep control of your drink and your journey home.
If it happens to you
Get away from the guide and seek help from someone you trust. For immediate danger or urgent medical help, call 112. Report abuse to police when you are safe.
- Move to a safe, staffed place. Do not chase a thief or confront someone who threatens you.
- Call 112 if you are in immediate danger, injured or suspect your drink was spiked.
- Freeze missing cards and contact your card issuer about unauthorised payments.
- Save receipts, booking records, messages, vehicle details and the time and location.
- Report the scam or theft to police promptly. Ask for a report reference for your insurer.
- Contact your insurer, relevant booking provider or rental company. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate.
Questions
What is the organised pub-crawl scams and abuse scam in Poland?
Organised pub crawls are flagged as scams. Reports include guides sexually abusing both male and female tourists.
How can I spot it early?
The activity is an organised pub crawl. A guide pressures you to drink, leave your companions or go somewhere alone.
How do I avoid organised pub-crawl scams and abuse in Poland?
Avoid organised pub-crawl tours in Warsaw. Visit pubs independently with people you trust. Keep control of your drink and your journey home.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Get away from the guide and seek help from someone you trust. For immediate danger or urgent medical help, call 112. Report abuse to police when you are safe.
Where in Poland does this happen?
Organised pub-crawl tours It has been reported in Warsaw.
How common is this scam in Poland?
Occasional. Poland is generally safe for visitors, but taxi overcharging and poor exchange rates are recurring tourist traps. Pickpockets target some stations and busy transport routes, while certain nightlife scams involve large bills, spiked drinks or abuse.
Who can I report it to?
Police (Policja): report scams and theft promptly at a police station. For urgent police help, call 112. The separate police number listed is 997. Warsaw City Guard (Straż Miejska): for taxi problems in Warsaw, call 986 or +48 (22) 986 from a mobile phone. Keep the receipt and vehicle details. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to freeze a missing card and report unauthorised charges. Keep supporting receipts and messages. Ride-booking or tour provider: report the incident through the provider's official support channel. Include the booking record, driver or guide details, and evidence of the charge. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact channels if your passport was stolen or you need consular help. Travel insurer or rental company: contact the claims or emergency assistance team. Supply the police report reference and evidence of the loss.
What number do I call in an emergency in Poland?
Police, ambulance and fire emergencies: 112, Police (Policja): 997, Ambulance (Pogotowie): 999, Firefighters (Straż Pożarna): 998, Municipal Guards (Straż Miejska), in large cities: 986, Warsaw City Guard, mobile-phone contact for taxi problems: +48 (22) 986.
Reviewed by @snuck