Scam in SerbiaTheft
Pickpocketing in crowds in Serbia
How it works
A thief takes a wallet, phone or other valuables while people are crowded together. Bags worn behind you and wallets in easily reached pockets are harder to watch.
Warning signs
- Your bag is behind you in a crowded vehicle or tourist area.
- A wallet or phone is visible or easy to reach.
- People are pressing close enough that you cannot monitor your belongings.
How to avoid it
- Keep your bag in front of you in crowds.
- Keep your wallet in a front pocket.
- Keep phones, money and travel documents in secure places.
- Check that you still have your belongings when leaving a crowded area.
If it happens to you
Move somewhere safe and check what is missing. Freeze stolen cards, secure a stolen phone and report the theft to police.
- Move somewhere safe. Avoid arguing with an aggressive driver, tout or stranger. Call police on 192 if you are threatened.
- Check what is missing or what you were charged. Freeze affected cards and contact your card issuer promptly.
- Save receipts, booking records, messages and screenshots. Write down the time, place and what happened. Record vehicle details if relevant.
- Report theft, threats or suspected fraud to police. Ask for a report or reference number.
- For a Belgrade taxi dispute, contact the taxi operator and city inspection. Also contact airport inspection if the ride involved the airport.
- Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen. Notify your insurer and keep copies of reports and expenses.
Questions
What is the pickpocketing in crowds scam in Serbia?
A thief takes a wallet, phone or other valuables while people are crowded together. Bags worn behind you and wallets in easily reached pockets are harder to watch.
How can I spot it early?
Your bag is behind you in a crowded vehicle or tourist area. A wallet or phone is visible or easy to reach. People are pressing close enough that you cannot monitor your belongings.
How do I avoid pickpocketing in crowds in Serbia?
Keep your bag in front of you in crowds. Keep your wallet in a front pocket. Keep phones, money and travel documents in secure places. Check that you still have your belongings when leaving a crowded area.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Move somewhere safe and check what is missing. Freeze stolen cards, secure a stolen phone and report the theft to police.
Where in Serbia does this happen?
Crowded tourist places and public transport across Serbia, including Belgrade.
How common is this scam in Serbia?
Common. Serbia is generally safe for visitors. Taxi scams are common in Belgrade, and unregulated taxis can overcharge in Novi Sad too. Watch for pickpockets in crowds and on public transport, and be cautious around transport touts.
Are there similar scams in Serbia?
Yes: theft of unattended belongings.
Who can I report it to?
Police: call 192 for immediate police help. Report theft or suspected fraud at a police station and ask for a report or reference number. Taxi operator: for a disputed Belgrade fare, call the driver's taxi association and ask it to check the price for the distance travelled. Provide the booking and vehicle details. Belgrade city inspection: call +381 11 3227-000. Keep the roof-sign number, licence plate and a signed bill showing the date, time, route and price. Belgrade airport inspection: for taxi incidents on journeys to or from the airport, call +381 11 2097-373 or email taxi@beg.aero. Card issuer: use your banking app or your issuer's official contact number to freeze a card and report unauthorised charges. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is lost or stolen. Travel insurer: use the claims or assistance contact in your policy. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of the loss.
What number do I call in an emergency in Serbia?
Police: 192, Fire: 193, Ambulance: 194.
Reviewed by @snuck