Scam in LithuaniaOn the street
Street sales and donation approaches in Lithuania
How it works
Strangers may approach visitors to sell something or ask for donations. These approaches are flagged as a reason for caution, but no specific false story, payment trick or theft method is described.
Warning signs
- An unfamiliar person approaches you with something to sell.
- A stranger asks you for a donation in a busy visitor area.
How to avoid it
- Decline briefly if you do not want to engage.
- Keep your wallet and phone secure during the approach.
- Do not hand over money simply because you feel pressured.
If it happens to you
End the conversation and move away if you feel uncomfortable. If money or belongings have been stolen, report the incident to police.
- Move to a safe, public place. Do not chase a thief or continue a confrontation.
- If there is immediate danger, injury or an urgent need for police, call 112.
- Block stolen cards through your card issuer. Lock a stolen phone remotely and secure affected accounts.
- Save receipts, booking records, messages, photos and vehicle or seller details. Write down the time and location.
- Report theft or suspected fraud to police. Ask for a report reference, and contact the operator or seller about any payment dispute.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate about replacement documents.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/lithuania2024I was approached by an Ukrainian refugee (?) in VilniusA visitor reported being approached near Vilnius Cathedral by a man displaying a Ukrainian flag and asking for food money, prompting discussion of suspected deceptive solicitations.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/lithuania2019Vilnius places to avoid?Contributors reported repeated approaches around Vilnius requesting money, including one person repeatedly claiming to need funds for a passport.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the street sales and donation approaches scam in Lithuania?
Strangers may approach visitors to sell something or ask for donations. These approaches are flagged as a reason for caution, but no specific false story, payment trick or theft method is described.
How can I spot it early?
An unfamiliar person approaches you with something to sell. A stranger asks you for a donation in a busy visitor area.
How do I avoid street sales and donation approaches in Lithuania?
Decline briefly if you do not want to engage. Keep your wallet and phone secure during the approach. Do not hand over money simply because you feel pressured.
What should I do if it happens to me?
End the conversation and move away if you feel uncomfortable. If money or belongings have been stolen, report the incident to police.
Where in Lithuania does this happen?
Popular public places across Lithuania.
How common is this scam in Lithuania?
Occasional. Lithuania is generally safe, and taxi rip-offs are uncommon. The main concerns are theft, higher street-taxi fares, approaches from street sellers or donation collectors, and counterfeit goods.
Who can I report it to?
Police: call 112 for an emergency. For a non-urgent theft or fraud report, contact police or visit a police station. Keep a copy or reference for the report. Taxi operator or booking service: use the contact details on the vehicle or the support option in your booking app. Provide the trip record, fare, receipt and vehicle registration. Card issuer: use your banking app or your issuer's official contact number to block a missing card and report unauthorised payments. Embassy or consulate: use your government's official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Travel insurer: contact the claims service shown in your policy. Keep police records, receipts and evidence of the loss.
What number do I call in an emergency in Lithuania?
Police, ambulance, fire and other urgent rescue services: 112, Non-urgent medical information and first-aid advice: 113.
Reviewed by @snuck