Scam in SwitzerlandOn the street
Pushy or organised begging in Switzerland
How it works
Organised begging groups and occasional begging children are reported in these areas. Some requests may become pushy. Begging alone does not prove that someone is dishonest or part of a group.
Warning signs
- A request for money becomes aggressive or persistent.
- A child is begging.
How to avoid it
- Decline briefly and keep walking if you feel pressured.
- Avoid an argument.
- Report a begging child to a nearby police officer or security guard.
If it happens to you
Move to a busy place if you feel threatened. Seek help from police or a security guard.
- Move somewhere safe. If you feel threatened, enter a nearby restaurant. Call 112 for an emergency.
- Check what is missing. Freeze stolen payment cards and contact your card issuer about suspicious charges.
- Write down the time, place and what happened. Save receipts, transaction records and any other evidence.
- Report theft or fraud to police. Tell train staff, accommodation staff or a rental company when relevant.
- Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen. Ask about replacement travel documents.
- Contact your travel insurer. Keep the police report and records of related costs.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/Switzerland2024Getting approached by beggars/refugees at Swiss railway stationsThe poster reports repeated approaches at several Swiss stations from people requesting around CHF 200 with similar stories about needing to leave the country.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/Switzerland2024Weird encounter with beggars in Basel SBBThe poster describes two people at Basel SBB requesting more than CHF 300 for a flight, while commenters recount persistent and aggressive requests for money.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/Switzerland2026How do you deal with fake beggars in Switzerland?The poster alleges coordinated begging at Aargau stations involving shifts, repeated scripts and increasingly assertive requests for travel money.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the pushy or organised begging scam in Switzerland?
Organised begging groups and occasional begging children are reported in these areas. Some requests may become pushy. Begging alone does not prove that someone is dishonest or part of a group.
How can I spot it early?
A request for money becomes aggressive or persistent. A child is begging.
How do I avoid pushy or organised begging in Switzerland?
Decline briefly and keep walking if you feel pressured. Avoid an argument. Report a begging child to a nearby police officer or security guard.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Move to a busy place if you feel threatened. Seek help from police or a security guard.
Where in Switzerland does this happen?
Lausanne's old town, especially Lausanne-Flon and Saint-François during the day. It has been reported in Lausanne.
How common is this scam in Switzerland?
Occasional. Switzerland is generally very safe, but theft still affects visitors. The main concerns are pickpockets, stolen bags and burglary; the other risks described here include a rigged street game, pushy begging and exposed card details.
Are there similar scams in Switzerland?
Yes: rigged hiding-the-ball street game, unwanted approaches from drug dealers.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft or suspected fraud to police. For an emergency, call 112; operators generally speak English. Police in Basel: call 117 in an emergency. Operators usually speak English. Nearby police officer or security guard in Lausanne: report cases involving begging children directly to the nearest officer or guard. Basel tram or bus operator: ask the operator for help if you have trouble on board. In an emergency, the operator can alert police to the vehicle's location. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to freeze a stolen card and report unauthorised transactions. Accommodation provider or rental company: tell reception, your host or the rental company about a burglary, damaged lock or stolen rental bicycle. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is stolen. Travel insurer: use the insurer's claims service. Keep your police report, receipts and a list of stolen items.
What number do I call in an emergency in Switzerland?
General emergency; operators generally speak English: 112, Police emergency in Basel; operators usually speak English: 117, Emergency medical assistance in Lausanne; French-language assistance: 144.
Reviewed by @snuck