Scam in MontenegroTheft
Pickpocketing in coastal resorts in Montenegro
How it works
Thieves take money or valuables from pockets and bags. Pickpockets are not uncommon in these resorts.
Warning signs
- Your bag hangs behind you or stays open.
- Your wallet or phone is easy to reach.
How to avoid it
- Wear your bag across your body with the pouch in front.
- Keep a hand or arm across your bag.
- Carry spare money under your clothing.
If it happens to you
Move somewhere safe, check what is missing and report the theft. Freeze any stolen payment cards.
- 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.
- Government adviceSafety and security - Montenegro travel advice - GOV.UKUK travel advice warns about pickpockets at tourist hotspots and beaches, as well as airports and public transport.Read on Government advice
- Redditr/montenegro2022Question for tourists visiting MontenegroA commenter reports that their uncle lost $600 to pickpocketing in Budva.Read on Reddit
- Travel blogBudva - Discover MontenegroThe Budva guide warns visitors about pickpockets, particularly in the old town.Read on Travel blog
Questions
What is the pickpocketing in coastal resorts scam in Montenegro?
Thieves take money or valuables from pockets and bags. Pickpockets are not uncommon in these resorts.
How can I spot it early?
Your bag hangs behind you or stays open. Your wallet or phone is easy to reach.
How do I avoid pickpocketing in coastal resorts in Montenegro?
Wear your bag across your body with the pouch in front. Keep a hand or arm across your bag. Carry spare money under your clothing.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Move somewhere safe, check what is missing and report the theft. Freeze any stolen payment cards.
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