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Few scams

Australia and New Zealand

Tourist scams in Australia

Tourist scams are not widespread in Australia, and few travellers become victims of crime. Watch for theft, rare ATM tampering and fake tax-debt demands for gift cards. Cairns has pickpockets and touts, while Darwin needs extra care with belongings, especially at night.
  1. 1 TheftCommonPickpocketingSomeone steals belongings from your pockets or bag. No specific distraction method is described.Cairns, Darwin 2Read
  2. 2 TheftCommonCar break-insThieves may smash a window to reach a visible phone, GPS or bag.Canberra, Darwin 3Read
  3. 3 TheftCommonHouse burglaries and other break-insThieves enter a property and steal belongings. No specific entry trick is described.Cairns, Darwin 2Read
  4. 4 TheftCommonTheft of unattended belongingsSomeone takes belongings that have been left unattended.Darwin 1Read
  5. 5 TheftOccasionalCar theftA thief steals the vehicle itself. No specific method is described.Cairns 3Read
  6. 6 TheftOccasionalBag snatchingA thief grabs your bag and takes it.A general precaution across Australia; no particular location is identified. 2Read
  7. 7 Fake officialsOccasionalFake tax-debt demands for gift cardsSomeone claiming to represent the ATO demands payment of a supposed tax debt using Spotify or iTunes gift cards. The ATO does not request debt payments this way.Across Australia. These ongoing scams especially target older people and people unfamiliar with the trick. 3Read
  8. 8 On the streetOccasionalTourist toutingTouts approach visitors to seek their business. No particular sales trick, false claim or charge is described.Cairns 3Read
  9. 9 Cards and ATMsOccasionalATM card skimmingCriminals tamper with an ATM to record card details. A camera may also record your PIN.Rare incidents across Australia. 2Read
  10. 10 Cards and ATMsOccasionalATM cash trappingCriminals alter an ATM so that withdrawn cash stays trapped inside. The transaction may appear successful even though you receive no money.Rare incidents across Australia. 1Read

Where to stay alert

  • CairnsPickpockets and touts are noted, along with car theft and house burglaries. No specific scam street or venue is identified.
  • DarwinPickpocketing, theft and break-ins are concerns. Take extra care at night and around bottle shops.

Habits that keep you safe

Cards and ATMs

  • Prefer trusted bank ATMs, ideally inside a bank.
  • Cover your PIN with your hand.
  • Check account records after withdrawals.
  • Contact the ATM's bank immediately if a successful withdrawal produces no cash.

Your belongings

  • Keep bags closed and valuables within reach.
  • Never leave valuables unattended.
  • Lock your car, close its windows and leave no valuables visible.
  • Lock accommodation doors and windows, and store valuables out of sight.

Police and officials

  • Reject any demand to pay an ATO debt with Spotify or iTunes gift cards.
  • If stopped by police, you may ask for the officer's rank, name and station.
  • Never offer police or other officials a bribe or gratuity.
  • Report theft and other crime to police promptly.

Taxis

  • Use a licensed taxi booking service or a recognised ride-booking app.
  • In Adelaide, use supervised taxi ranks at night where available.
  • In Fortitude Valley at night, wait at a taxi rank with a security guard.
  • Confirm your destination and how the fare will be charged before leaving.

Nights out

  • Avoid arguments and confrontations with intoxicated people.
  • Stay on busy, well-lit streets and travel with others at night.
  • Avoid walking alone at night in Darwin.
  • In Adelaide, use a taxi or public transport rather than crossing poorly lit parklands after dark.

What travellers say about Australia

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

Are tourist scams common in Australia?

No. Tourist scams are not widespread, and few travellers become victims of crime. Normal precautions against theft and payment fraud are still sensible.

Where should I take extra care with my belongings?

Cairns has pickpockets and touts. Darwin also has pickpocketing and theft concerns. Take extra care there at night and around bottle shops.

How can I reduce the risk of ATM skimming?

Use a trusted bank ATM, preferably inside a bank. Cover your PIN and check your account afterwards. ATM skimming is rare.

What if an ATM charges me but gives me no cash?

Contact the bank that controls the machine immediately. Record the location, time and amount. Rare cases of ATM tampering can trap cash inside.

Would the ATO ask me to pay a tax debt with gift cards?

No. A demand for Spotify or iTunes gift cards to pay an ATO debt is a scam. Do not buy the cards or share their codes.

Can I leave a bag in a parked car?

Take it with you where possible. Thieves may smash a window to reach a visible bag, phone or GPS. Lock the car and close all windows.

How should I deal with a tout in Cairns?

Decline clearly if you are not interested. Walk away if you feel pressured. Check an offer before paying.

How can I get a taxi more safely after a night out?

Use a licensed booking service or a supervised taxi rank. In Fortitude Valley at night, wait only at a rank with a security guard. Confirm the fare arrangement before leaving.

Can I ask a police officer to identify themselves?

Yes. You may ask for their rank, name and station. Australian police are generally approachable and trustworthy. Never offer a bribe or gratuity.

Who should I call after a theft?

Call 000 if there is immediate danger. For non-emergency police assistance, call 131 444. Contact your card issuer promptly if cards are missing, and your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen.

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