Rigged hiding-the-ball street game in Switzerland

Near the bridges south of Geneva's railway station. This is a historical warning: police action was reported in 2015.

How it works

Players bet on where a ball is hidden. The game is rigged. It used to be commonplace here, but its present frequency is unclear.

Warning signs

Someone runs a street game involving a hidden ball.
You are invited to place a bet.

How to avoid it

Do not bet on street games.
Walk away if someone urges you to join.

If it happens to you

Stop betting and leave. Do not try to win the money back. Report suspected fraud to police.

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.

Where it happensNear the bridges south of Geneva's railway station. This is a historical warning: police action was reported in 2015.Geneva

What travellers report

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

More scams in SwitzerlandPushy or organised begging: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the rigged hiding-the-ball street game scam in Switzerland?

Players bet on where a ball is hidden. The game is rigged. It used to be commonplace here, but its present frequency is unclear.

How can I spot it early?

Someone runs a street game involving a hidden ball. You are invited to place a bet.

How do I avoid rigged hiding-the-ball street game in Switzerland?

Do not bet on street games. Walk away if someone urges you to join.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Stop betting and leave. Do not try to win the money back. Report suspected fraud to police.

Where in Switzerland does this happen?

Near the bridges south of Geneva's railway station. This is a historical warning: police action was reported in 2015. It has been reported in Geneva.

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: pushy or organised begging, 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