Scam in GermanyTheft
Story-card distraction theft in Germany
How it works
An adult hands you a card with a story asking for money. While you read it, a child searches through your bags.
Warning signs
- A stranger hands you a story card while asking for money.
- Your attention shifts to the card while a child is close to your bag.
How to avoid it
- Do not stop to read unsolicited story cards.
- Keep your bag closed and in front of you.
- Move away if someone draws your attention away from your belongings.
If it happens to you
Check your belongings once you are safe. Report any theft to police and block missing payment cards.
- Move somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or continue an argument.
- Check what is missing. Block stolen cards and secure any affected accounts immediately.
- Save receipts, transaction records and messages. Write down the time, place and what happened.
- Report the incident to police. Call 110 for urgent police help, or 112 for a medical emergency or fire.
- Contact your embassy or passport authority if your passport was stolen or given an unofficial stamp.
- Contact your insurer and card issuer where relevant. Keep the police report details and copies of your evidence.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/berlin2022Phone got stolen last night- common scam that I hadn't heard ofA bar patron reports that a man asking for money concealed their phone beneath a sign and stole it while they reached for change.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/berlin2023Is there any chance my phone will be found?A diner at Rüyam Gemüse Kebab reports that someone soliciting money placed a paper over their phone and took both away.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the story-card distraction theft scam in Germany?
An adult hands you a card with a story asking for money. While you read it, a child searches through your bags.
How can I spot it early?
A stranger hands you a story card while asking for money. Your attention shifts to the card while a child is close to your bag.
How do I avoid story-card distraction theft in Germany?
Do not stop to read unsolicited story cards. Keep your bag closed and in front of you. Move away if someone draws your attention away from your belongings.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Check your belongings once you are safe. Report any theft to police and block missing payment cards.
Where in Germany does this happen?
Tourist spots including Pariser Platz next to the Brandenburg Gate, Alexanderplatz and Museuminsel. It has been reported in Berlin.
How common is this scam in Germany?
Occasional. Germany is generally very safe, and crime rates are low. Visitors should mainly watch for pickpockets in busy places, false appeals for money in Berlin, and costly ATM or currency exchange offers. Near Checkpoint Charlie, souvenir passport stamps can also cause serious travel problems.
Are there similar scams in Germany?
Yes: pickpocketing in crowds and on public transport, street robbery.
Who can I report it to?
Police: approach an officer or patrol, or report the incident at a police station. Call 110 for an urgent police emergency. Officers generally understand at least basic English or can find a colleague who does. Federal police (Bundespolizei): approach federal police for incidents at airports, train stations and border crossings, where they are responsible for policing. Card issuer or bank: use your bank's official app or verified contact number to block stolen cards and report unauthorised transactions. Embassy or passport authority: use official contact details for help with a stolen passport or advice about an unofficial passport stamp. Foreign nationals who are arrested can also contact their embassy. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its official claims channel. Keep receipts, police report details and evidence of the loss.
What number do I call in an emergency in Germany?
Police emergency: 110, Medical emergencies and fire: 112.
Reviewed by @snuck