Scam in NorwayTheft
Pickpocketing in Norway
How it works
A thief takes a wallet, phone or other small item from your pocket or bag without you noticing.
Warning signs
- A crowd makes it hard to notice contact with your pockets or bag.
- Your bag is open or your valuables are easy to reach.
How to avoid it
- Keep bags closed and in front of you in crowds.
- Keep your phone and wallet in secure pockets.
- Carry a backup payment card separately.
If it happens to you
Check what is missing, freeze stolen cards and report the theft to police. Use your phone's remote lock feature if it was stolen.
- Get somewhere safe. Call 112 if someone threatens you or you are in immediate danger. Call 113 for a medical emergency.
- Stop further losses. Freeze missing cards, contact your bank and remotely lock a stolen phone.
- Save evidence. Keep receipts, booking details, screenshots and messages. Note the time, place and taxi licence number if relevant.
- Report the incident to police. For non-emergencies, call 02800 from within Norway. Ask for a report reference.
- Contact the taxi company, booking app, merchant or card issuer about disputed charges. Explain what happened and provide the evidence.
- Contact your insurer if you need to claim. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate for help.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/oslo2024Friendly reminder: Oslo is a safe place, but it doesn’t mean theft is non-existentA poster believes their phone was pickpocketed while they waited for food at Burger King in Oslo Central Station.Read on Reddit
- Government advice2026Norway travel adviceCanadian travel advice warns that pickpockets and purse snatchers use distractions around transport hubs, hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions, especially during summer.Read on Government advice
- Government advice2026Norway Travel Advice & SafetyAustralian travel advice reports pickpocketing and bag-snatching in Norwegian tourist areas, with increased risk in Oslo during the peak travel season.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the pickpocketing scam in Norway?
A thief takes a wallet, phone or other small item from your pocket or bag without you noticing.
How can I spot it early?
A crowd makes it hard to notice contact with your pockets or bag. Your bag is open or your valuables are easy to reach.
How do I avoid pickpocketing in Norway?
Keep bags closed and in front of you in crowds. Keep your phone and wallet in secure pockets. Carry a backup payment card separately.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Check what is missing, freeze stolen cards and report the theft to police. Use your phone's remote lock feature if it was stolen.
Where in Norway does this happen?
Urban areas, especially in summer. Crowds and public transport in Oslo are specifically mentioned, as is summer pickpocketing in Bergen.
How common is this scam in Norway?
Occasional. Norway has low crime levels, and common tourist scams are rare. The main risks are car break-ins, bicycle theft, pickpocketing and high taxi charges, especially when hailing a taxi in Oslo. Currency exchange and payment conversion can also cost you extra, though these charges are not necessarily scams.
Are there similar scams in Norway?
Yes: car break-ins, bicycle theft, theft of unattended belongings.
Who can I report it to?
Police: call 112 for an emergency or immediate danger. For a non-emergency, call 02800 from within Norway. Report theft, robbery or suspected fraud and keep the report reference. Police in Bergen: the downtown police station is at Allehelgens gate 6, across from the old town hall. The listed non-emergency number is +47 55 55 63 00. Taxi company or booking app: use the company's customer service or the app's support option. Include the receipt, price quote, trip details and taxi licence number. For driver delays or false pickup locations, include screenshots and messages. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to freeze a stolen card and report unauthorised or disputed charges. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Many consulates in Bergen are honorary and have limited services; your embassy in Oslo may be needed. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its claims service. Keep police references, receipts and proof of loss.
What number do I call in an emergency in Norway?
Police and help reaching the correct rescue service: 112, Fire: 110, Emergency medical services: 113, Non-emergency police, within Norway only: 02800, Non-emergency medical care, within Norway only: 116117, Emergency services for people using a text telephone: 1412.
Reviewed by @snuck