Scam in NorwayTheft
Theft of unattended belongings in Norway
How it works
A thief takes belongings left unattended or within easy reach. Phones and wallets left on café tables are specifically highlighted as a risk.
Warning signs
- Your phone or wallet is lying on a café table.
- Your bag is out of sight or left unattended.
How to avoid it
- Put your phone and wallet away when you are not using them.
- Keep bags where you can see and control them.
- Take your belongings with you when leaving your seat.
If it happens to you
Tell staff promptly, then report the theft to police. Freeze missing cards and remotely lock a stolen phone.
- Get somewhere safe. Call 112 if someone threatens you or you are in immediate danger. Call 113 for a medical emergency.
- Stop further losses. Freeze missing cards, contact your bank and remotely lock a stolen phone.
- Save evidence. Keep receipts, booking details, screenshots and messages. Note the time, place and taxi licence number if relevant.
- Report the incident to police. For non-emergencies, call 02800 from within Norway. Ask for a report reference.
- Contact the taxi company, booking app, merchant or card issuer about disputed charges. Explain what happened and provide the evidence.
- Contact your insurer if you need to claim. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate for help.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the theft of unattended belongings scam in Norway?
A thief takes belongings left unattended or within easy reach. Phones and wallets left on café tables are specifically highlighted as a risk.
How can I spot it early?
Your phone or wallet is lying on a café table. Your bag is out of sight or left unattended.
How do I avoid theft of unattended belongings in Norway?
Put your phone and wallet away when you are not using them. Keep bags where you can see and control them. Take your belongings with you when leaving your seat.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Tell staff promptly, then report the theft to police. Freeze missing cards and remotely lock a stolen phone.
Where in Norway does this happen?
Public places and cafés in Oslo. It has been reported in Oslo.
How common is this scam in Norway?
Occasional. Norway has low crime levels, and common tourist scams are rare. The main risks are car break-ins, bicycle theft, pickpocketing and high taxi charges, especially when hailing a taxi in Oslo. Currency exchange and payment conversion can also cost you extra, though these charges are not necessarily scams.
Are there similar scams in Norway?
Yes: car break-ins, bicycle theft, pickpocketing.
Who can I report it to?
Police: call 112 for an emergency or immediate danger. For a non-emergency, call 02800 from within Norway. Report theft, robbery or suspected fraud and keep the report reference. Police in Bergen: the downtown police station is at Allehelgens gate 6, across from the old town hall. The listed non-emergency number is +47 55 55 63 00. Taxi company or booking app: use the company's customer service or the app's support option. Include the receipt, price quote, trip details and taxi licence number. For driver delays or false pickup locations, include screenshots and messages. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to freeze a stolen card and report unauthorised or disputed charges. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Many consulates in Bergen are honorary and have limited services; your embassy in Oslo may be needed. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its claims service. Keep police references, receipts and proof of loss.
What number do I call in an emergency in Norway?
Police and help reaching the correct rescue service: 112, Fire: 110, Emergency medical services: 113, Non-emergency police, within Norway only: 02800, Non-emergency medical care, within Norway only: 116117, Emergency services for people using a text telephone: 1412.
Reviewed by @snuck