Scam in GreeceChanging money
Street money exchange and counterfeit notes in Greece
How it works
Someone offers to exchange money in the street or asks you to break a €20 or €50 note. The note you receive may be counterfeit.
Warning signs
- A stranger offers a street currency exchange.
- Someone asks you to change a €20 or €50 note.
How to avoid it
- Refuse street money exchanges.
- Do not break notes for strangers.
- Use a bank or an established currency exchange.
If it happens to you
Keep any suspected counterfeit note separate. Do not try to spend it. Ask a bank or police how to proceed.
- Get to a safe public place. Avoid confronting thieves or anyone threatening you. Call 112 if there is immediate danger.
- Check what is missing. Freeze stolen cards and contact your card issuer about disputed payments.
- Save evidence. Keep receipts, bills, booking details and payment records. Write down the time, place and descriptions.
- Report the incident to police. For taxi fare fraud, keep the number plate and receipt and contact the tourist police on 171.
- If your passport or identity document is missing, contact your embassy or consulate for replacement guidance.
- Contact your insurer if you have cover. Keep the police report reference and copies of any supporting documents.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the street money exchange and counterfeit notes scam in Greece?
Someone offers to exchange money in the street or asks you to break a €20 or €50 note. The note you receive may be counterfeit.
How can I spot it early?
A stranger offers a street currency exchange. Someone asks you to change a €20 or €50 note.
How do I avoid street money exchange and counterfeit notes in Greece?
Refuse street money exchanges. Do not break notes for strangers. Use a bank or an established currency exchange.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Keep any suspected counterfeit note separate. Do not try to spend it. Ask a bank or police how to proceed.
Where in Greece does this happen?
On the street.
How common is this scam in Greece?
Occasional. Greece is generally safe, with low rates of theft and violent crime, but travellers can still face scams and overcharging. Watch for friendly strangers leading you to expensive bars, taxi fare tricks, counterfeit goods and notes, and theft in crowded places.
Who can I report it to?
Tourist police: call 171 to report taxi fare fraud. Give the number plate and receipt details. Kavala also has a Tourist Police Station on Omonia Street. Police: call 100 for police assistance. Report theft, threats, counterfeit money or fake police approaches, and ask for a report reference. Emergency services: call 112 for an emergency requiring police, ambulance or fire services. The call is free. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to freeze missing cards and report disputed payments. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if identity documents are stolen or you need consular help. If detained, ask to speak to your consulate. Travel insurer: use the claims contact in your policy. Provide the police report reference, receipts and payment records where available.
What number do I call in an emergency in Greece?
Emergency services: police, ambulance and fire: 112, Police: 100, Tourist police: taxi fare fraud reports: 171, Ambulance: 166, Fire: 199, Coast Guard: 108.
Reviewed by @snuck