Scam in MontenegroOn the street
Persistent requests for money in Montenegro
How it works
People ask visitors for money. Giving money can lead to more aggressive approaches. Some begging is organised.
Warning signs
- Someone keeps asking after you refuse.
- Requests become more forceful after you give money.
How to avoid it
- Decline requests for money.
- Keep your wallet put away.
- Walk away if the approach becomes persistent.
If it happens to you
Move to a staffed public place. Contact police if you feel threatened.
- Move somewhere safe. Avoid a confrontation or chasing a thief.
- Check what is missing. Freeze stolen cards and contact your card issuer about disputed payments.
- Save bills, receipts, booking messages and screenshots. Write down the time, place and what happened.
- Report theft, fraud or threats to police. Call 122 for police or 112 for an emergency.
- Contact your travel insurer. Ask police for a report or reference number if needed for a claim.
- If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate for replacement-document advice.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- News2015Beggars flooded the streets of BudvaShopkeepers and tourism workers report persistent and sometimes aggressive demands for money from tourists on Budva's streets, beaches, and promenade.Read on News
- News2017Budva: They discovered 15 children begging, reports against their parentsPolice describe seasonal begging in Budva and report aggressive behaviour toward people being asked for money.Read on News
Questions
What is the persistent requests for money scam in Montenegro?
People ask visitors for money. Giving money can lead to more aggressive approaches. Some begging is organised.
How can I spot it early?
Someone keeps asking after you refuse. Requests become more forceful after you give money.
How do I avoid persistent requests for money in Montenegro?
Decline requests for money. Keep your wallet put away. Walk away if the approach becomes persistent.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Move to a staffed public place. Contact police if you feel threatened.
Where in Montenegro does this happen?
Coastal resort towns It has been reported in Kotor, Budva, Sveti Stefan, Herceg Novi.
How common is this scam in Montenegro?
Common. Montenegro is generally safe, but pickpocketing and persistent requests for money occur in coastal resorts. Visitors should also watch for taxi overcharging, inflated drinks bills, change disputes and counterfeit branded goods, especially in Budva.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, fraud or threats. The police number is 122. Keep receipts and a clear account of what happened. Emergency services: call 112 if you are in immediate danger or need emergency help. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to freeze a stolen card or discuss an unauthorised or disputed payment. Business manager or taxi provider: raise a disputed bill or fare with the manager, taxi company or booking service. Share your receipt and any agreed price. Travel insurer: use the claims contact in your policy. Keep receipts and any police report or reference number. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official channels if your passport is stolen.
What number do I call in an emergency in Montenegro?
Police: 122, Emergency services: 112.
Reviewed by @snuck