Scam in FinlandTheft
Pickpocketing in Finland
How it works
Pickpockets take belongings from people in crowds. Some pickpocketing is organised.
Warning signs
- A crowd makes it hard to notice contact with your pockets or bag.
- Your phone or wallet is easy to reach.
How to avoid it
- Keep your bag closed and in front of you in crowds.
- Keep your phone and wallet in secure pockets.
- Carry only the cash you need.
If it happens to you
Move somewhere safe, check what is missing and report the theft. Freeze any stolen payment cards.
- Move somewhere safe. Call 112 if there is immediate danger, serious injury or another emergency.
- Stop further payments. Contact your bank or card issuer and freeze any missing or exposed cards.
- Save receipts, booking details, messages and screenshots. Write down what happened while you remember it.
- Report theft, fraud or a fake official to the police. Give a clear description and any evidence you have.
- For a purchase or taxi dispute, contact the business with your evidence and request a correction or refund.
- If a passport is stolen, contact your embassy or consulate. Secure accounts on stolen devices and contact your travel insurer if needed.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the pickpocketing scam in Finland?
Pickpockets take belongings from people in crowds. Some pickpocketing is organised.
How can I spot it early?
A crowd makes it hard to notice contact with your pockets or bag. Your phone or wallet is easy to reach.
How do I avoid pickpocketing in Finland?
Keep your bag closed and in front of you in crowds. Keep your phone and wallet in secure pockets. Carry only the cash you need.
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 Finland does this happen?
Crowds across Finland, especially during the busy summer tourist months. Crowds in Helsinki are specifically mentioned. Pickpocketing is remarkably rare in Oulu.
How common is this scam in Finland?
Occasional. Finland has a low crime rate, and tourist scams are uncommon. The main things to watch for are costly taxi offers, misleading sale prices and theft of unattended belongings. Online and phone fraud also occur.
Are there similar scams in Finland?
Yes: bicycle theft, theft of unattended belongings, street robbery by youth gangs.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, fraud, robbery or someone posing as an officer. Police generally speak some English. Call 112 for an emergency. Oulu police department: for non-emergency cases or questions, call +358 29-546-0211. The central police office is at Kirkkokatu 13. Lapland Police Department in Rovaniemi: for police matters, call +358 295-466-250 or visit Hallituskatu 3A, Monday–Friday 08:00–16:00. For lost-property matters, call +358 295-416-941. Card issuer, bank or payment provider: use its official app or independently verified contact details. Report unauthorised payments, freeze affected cards and ask about recovering the money. Taxi company or retailer: provide your receipt, booking details or advertised price. Explain the difference and ask for a correction. For misleading shopping prices, first ask the shop to cancel the purchase. Relevant consumer authority: if a shop does not resolve misleading advertising or a disputed purchase, seek help from the authority responsible for that type of complaint. The process can be slow. Embassy or consulate: if your passport is stolen, contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details for replacement-document guidance.
What number do I call in an emergency in Finland?
Emergency services: 112.
Reviewed by @snuck