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Common in Germany

Scam in GermanyTheft

Pickpocketing in crowds and on public transport in Germany

Large cities, crowded events, tourist areas, public transport and larger train stations. Berlin's central and Warschauer stations need particular care at night. Pickpockets are also active in Cologne's city centre.

How it works

Thieves take belongings from pockets or bags in busy places. Crowds and rush-hour travel make it harder to notice a theft.

Warning signs

  • Packed public transport during rush hour.
  • Dense crowds at attractions or events.
  • An open bag or exposed valuables in a busy place.

How to avoid it

  1. Keep your bag closed and in front of you in crowds.
  2. Keep your phone and wallet out of easy-to-reach pockets.
  3. Watch your bags while boarding and moving through stations.
  4. Carry only the cash and valuables you need.

If it happens to you

Move somewhere safe, check what is missing and report the theft to police. Block any stolen payment cards promptly.

  1. Move somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or continue an argument.
  2. Check what is missing. Block stolen cards and secure any affected accounts immediately.
  3. Save receipts, transaction records and messages. Write down the time, place and what happened.
  4. Report the incident to police. Call 110 for urgent police help, or 112 for a medical emergency or fire.
  5. Contact your embassy or passport authority if your passport was stolen or given an unofficial stamp.
  6. Contact your insurer and card issuer where relevant. Keep the police report details and copies of your evidence.
Where it happensLarge cities, crowded events, tourist areas, public transport and larger train stations. Berlin's central and Warschauer stations need particular care at night. Pickpockets are also active in Cologne's city centre.Berlin, Cologne

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

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Questions

What is the pickpocketing in crowds and on public transport scam in Germany?

Thieves take belongings from pockets or bags in busy places. Crowds and rush-hour travel make it harder to notice a theft.

How can I spot it early?

Packed public transport during rush hour. Dense crowds at attractions or events. An open bag or exposed valuables in a busy place.

How do I avoid pickpocketing in crowds and on public transport in Germany?

Keep your bag closed and in front of you in crowds. Keep your phone and wallet out of easy-to-reach pockets. Watch your bags while boarding and moving through stations. Carry only the cash and valuables you need.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Move somewhere safe, check what is missing and report the theft to police. Block any stolen payment cards promptly.

Where in Germany does this happen?

Large cities, crowded events, tourist areas, public transport and larger train stations. Berlin's central and Warschauer stations need particular care at night. Pickpockets are also active in Cologne's city centre. It has been reported in Berlin, Cologne.

How common is this scam in Germany?

Common. Germany is generally very safe, and crime rates are low. Visitors should mainly watch for pickpockets in busy places, false appeals for money in Berlin, and costly ATM or currency exchange offers. Near Checkpoint Charlie, souvenir passport stamps can also cause serious travel problems.

Are there similar scams in Germany?

Yes: story-card distraction theft, street robbery.

Who can I report it to?

Police: approach an officer or patrol, or report the incident at a police station. Call 110 for an urgent police emergency. Officers generally understand at least basic English or can find a colleague who does. Federal police (Bundespolizei): approach federal police for incidents at airports, train stations and border crossings, where they are responsible for policing. Card issuer or bank: use your bank's official app or verified contact number to block stolen cards and report unauthorised transactions. Embassy or passport authority: use official contact details for help with a stolen passport or advice about an unofficial passport stamp. Foreign nationals who are arrested can also contact their embassy. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its official claims channel. Keep receipts, police report details and evidence of the loss.

What number do I call in an emergency in Germany?

Police emergency: 110, Medical emergencies and fire: 112.

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