Scam in RussiaChanging money
Street currency exchange scams in Russia
How it works
Unofficial money changers use various tricks during cash exchanges. A street offer gives you little protection if the amount or deal changes.
Warning signs
- Someone offers to exchange money on the street.
- A person approaches you with an exchange offer at a transport hub.
- The exchange takes place away from an official counter.
How to avoid it
- Use an official bank exchange counter.
- Decline exchange offers from people at stations and other transport hubs.
- Confirm the rate and final amount before handing over cash.
- Count the money before leaving the counter.
If it happens to you
Keep any evidence and report the loss to police. Do not hand over more money to try to recover the first amount.
- Get to a safe, public place. Do not chase a thief or physically resist an armed robber.
- If you are injured or suspect drink spiking, seek urgent medical help and stay with someone you trust.
- Freeze stolen or compromised payment cards. Secure accounts linked to a stolen phone.
- Save receipts, bills, booking records and messages. Write down the time, place and any vehicle or officer details.
- Report the incident to police and ask for a report or reference. In Moscow, Tourist Police can help visitors in foreign languages.
- Contact your insurer and, if documents were stolen or you need support, your embassy or consulate. Keep copies of reports and expenses.
Questions
What is the street currency exchange scams scam in Russia?
Unofficial money changers use various tricks during cash exchanges. A street offer gives you little protection if the amount or deal changes.
How can I spot it early?
Someone offers to exchange money on the street. A person approaches you with an exchange offer at a transport hub. The exchange takes place away from an official counter.
How do I avoid street currency exchange scams in Russia?
Use an official bank exchange counter. Decline exchange offers from people at stations and other transport hubs. Confirm the rate and final amount before handing over cash. Count the money before leaving the counter.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Keep any evidence and report the loss to police. Do not hand over more money to try to recover the first amount.
Where in Russia does this happen?
Street exchanges across Russia, including Saint Petersburg and offers around major transport hubs in Sochi.
How common is this scam in Russia?
Common. Tourists can face pickpocketing, taxi overcharging, money exchange tricks and nightlife scams in Russia. Crowded transport, unofficial taxis and unfamiliar bars need extra care, while some scams involve fake inspectors or demands for bribes.
Are there similar scams in Russia?
Yes: misleading exchange rates and added commission.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, robbery, fraud or threats through an official police channel. Give the location, time and any evidence. Ask for a written record or reference. Moscow Tourist Police: ask Tourist Police officers for help in Moscow. They can speak foreign languages and assist visitors. Card issuer: use the issuer's official app or contact details to freeze a compromised card and report unauthorized transactions. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate for stolen travel documents, help after a serious crime or guidance if pressured by officials. Taxi booking service: report a fare dispute or driver incident through the service used to book the ride. Include the trip record, vehicle details and receipt. Transport staff: report a suspected fake ticket inspector to the driver or transport operator. Record the route and time. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its official claims channel. Keep police records, receipts and evidence of the loss.
Reviewed by @snuck