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Some scams

Northern Europe

Tourist scams in United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is generally safe to visit, but tourists can face theft, street cons and misleading prices. London has several scams aimed at visitors, including rigged street games, ticket-machine theft and costly currency exchange. Watch your phone, refuse pushy offers and check prices before paying.
  1. 1 On the streetVery commonCup and ball betting gameA person moves three cups and asks you to bet on which hides a ball. They secretly remove the ball, so you cannot win by following it. People who stop to watch may also be pickpocketed.London 2Read
  2. 2 Buses and trainsVery commonTicket-machine cash theftSomeone offers to help you buy a ticket. Once your money is in the machine, they reach across, cancel the purchase and take the returned cash.London 1Read
  3. 3 TheftCommonPhone snatchingThieves snatch phones, often while riding fast-moving mopeds. They may then try to access personal information and banking apps.London 3Read
  4. 4 Changing moneyCommonMisleading currency exchangeA shop advertises 'no commission' but builds a large charge into its exchange rate. Rates may also be misrepresented, leaving you with far fewer pounds than expected.London 2Read
  5. 5 Buses and trainsCommonPedicab overchargingBrightly lit rickshaws with loud music offer rides, then charge passengers far more than expected.London 1Read
  6. 6 TheftOccasionalPickpocketingA thief takes valuables while your attention is elsewhere. Street games, pushy performers and flower sellers can create distractions. Someone may also watch where you keep cash after you pay.London 1Read
  7. 7 TaxisOccasionalIllegal minicab toutsAn unlicensed driver offers a ride in an ordinary car. Some touts are aggressive. These rides can carry a risk of robbery or assault.London 1Read
  8. 8 Cards and ATMsOccasionalATM card, PIN and cash theftThieves may attach a device that traps your card, place a camera above the keypad to record your PIN, or take your card or cash as it comes out.London 1Read
  9. 9 On the streetOccasionalPushy performers and paid-photo demandsA performer grabs or pressures you to pose for a photo, then demands payment. The distraction may also allow someone to pickpocket you.London 2Read
  10. 10 On the streetOccasionalFree flowers and lucky heather demandsSomeone hands you a flower or 'lucky heather', sometimes claiming it is free or for charity. They later demand payment or a donation. A purse of supposed donations may be shown to pressure you. Paying can reveal where you keep your cash to a pickpocket.London 3Read
  11. 11 On the streetOccasionalFalse monk donation requestsPeople claiming to be Tibetan monks seek donations. The money may instead support a local criminal group.London 3Read
  12. 12 On the streetOccasionalMoney for tickets, calls or a hospital taxiSomeone asks for money after claiming their travel pass is lost or damaged, or that they need transport or a phone call. Another version uses a convincing fake injury and a request for taxi money to hospital.London 3Read
  13. 13 Buses and trainsOccasionalTrain tissue-selling scamSomeone leaves tissues on seats with a note asking for money. They later return to collect payment. This is described as an organised scam that funds criminal activity.London 3Read
  14. 14 NightlifeOccasionalSoho clip jointsA woman befriends a visitor, often a man travelling alone, and suggests a bar or club with a show. After only a drink or two, the venue presents a bill for hundreds of pounds. Bouncers may lock the visitor inside, use force or escort them to an ATM.London 1Read
  15. 15 Other tricksOccasionalFree stress-test recruitmentAn offer of a free 'stress test' may be a way to recruit you into the Church of Scientology.London 2Read
  16. 16 ShoppingOccasionalMisleading sale discountsA shop advertises a discount against a claimed full price that the item may never have sold for. The supposed saving can make an ordinary price look like a bargain.London 1Read
  17. 17 On the streetOccasionalFake street-drug salesA seller takes money for supposed drugs, hands over a parcel containing items such as cellophane or matches, then runs away. Sellers may carry knives.Bristol 1Read
  18. 18 TheftOccasionalKnifepoint robbery and bicycle theftRobbers threaten people with knives to take belongings, including bicycles. These incidents are described as unlikely in areas most tourists visit.Bristol 1Read
  19. 19 TheftCommonCar theftCars are stolen. Valuables left visible also create a theft risk. Cardiff is described as having a relatively high rate of car theft.Cardiff 2Read

Where to stay alert

  • Westminster Bridge, LondonCup and ball betting scams and pickpocketing around spectators.
  • Leicester Square, LondonCurrency exchange rates may be misrepresented.
  • Tottenham Court Road, LondonCurrency exchange rates may be misrepresented.
  • Soho, LondonClip joints lure visitors into bars and demand very large payments.
  • Brixton, LondonPeople claiming to be Tibetan monks may seek false donations.
  • Central LondonPedicabs often seriously overcharge passengers.
  • Adamsdown, CardiffPoorly lit streets are discouraged for overnight parking because of car theft concerns.
  • Splott, CardiffPoorly lit streets are discouraged for overnight parking because of car theft concerns.
  • Riverside, CardiffPoorly lit streets are discouraged for overnight parking because of car theft concerns.
  • Butetown, CardiffPoorly lit streets are discouraged for overnight parking because of car theft concerns.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • In London, hail a black cab or pre-book a licensed minicab. Never enter a minicab offered by a street tout.
  • Match a booked car and its registration to your booking details.
  • Agree the minicab fare before getting in and check how you can pay.
  • In Bristol, legitimate taxis and private hire vehicles should have predominantly yellow council plates at the front and back. Cardiff licensed taxis have a yellow rear plate.

Money

  • Check the final amount you will receive when exchanging money. A 'no commission' sign does not promise good value.
  • Keep most cash out of sight and carry a small amount separately for daily spending.
  • Compare shop prices. Airport tax-free shopping and tourist-area shops may cost more than other retailers.
  • Do not accept unsolicited gifts or open your wallet in response to a pressured donation request.

Cards and ATMs

  • Prefer cash machines inside banks and check for loose slots or unusual attachments.
  • Cover your PIN and stop if someone stands too close.
  • Collect your card and cash promptly.
  • Keep your card issuer's contact details somewhere you can access without your phone.

Your belongings

  • Keep bags closed and valuables secure in crowds, on trains and around street performances.
  • Step away from passing traffic before using your phone.
  • Enable phone security, remote locking and anti-theft features before travelling.
  • Remove valuables from parked cars and choose well-lit overnight parking.
  • Keep luggage with you. CCTV does not replace watching your belongings.

Nights out

  • Choose bars yourself and check prices before ordering.
  • Be cautious when a stranger insists on taking you to a particular bar or show.
  • Plan a licensed ride home before drinking.
  • Leave rowdy areas and avoid arguments, especially around closing time.

Police and officials

  • If you need to check an officer's identity, ask to see their warrant card.
  • Do not pay an instant cash penalty to a police officer. Such payments are not required.
  • Ask for an interpreter if you cannot understand police questions.
  • At stations, ask railway staff for help instead of accepting assistance from a stranger at a ticket machine.

What travellers say about United Kingdom

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

Questions

Is the United Kingdom safe for a first visit?

Generally, yes. The main concerns covered here are theft, street cons and misleading prices. Keep valuables secure and be cautious about unsolicited offers.

Can I win the cup and ball game on a London bridge?

Do not bet. The operator secretly removes the ball. Even stopping to watch can expose you to pickpocketing.

Should I accept help at a train ticket machine?

Ask station staff instead. A stranger may cancel your purchase after you insert money and take the returned cash.

How do I choose a safer taxi in London?

Hail a black cab or book a licensed minicab by phone or online. Check the car against your booking and never enter an unbooked minicab.

Does 'no commission' mean a good exchange rate?

No. The charge may be hidden in a poor exchange rate. Ask for the exact final payout and avoid currency exchange in Leicester Square and Tottenham Court Road.

What should I check before using an ATM?

Look for loose card slots, unusual attachments and anyone standing too close. Prefer a machine inside a bank, cover your PIN and never remove a suspicious device yourself.

What should I do if someone gives me a free flower?

Refuse it or hand it back. A seller may later demand payment. Avoid opening your wallet under pressure, as someone may watch where you keep your cash.

How can I avoid a huge surprise bill in Soho?

Choose your own bar and check prices before ordering. Be cautious if a stranger steers you towards a nearly empty bar or a club with a show.

How can I reduce the risk of phone theft?

Keep your phone put away when possible. Step away from passing traffic before checking it, and enable strong security and remote locking.

Who should I call after a scam or theft?

Call 101 for a non-emergency police report. Call 999 or 112 if you face an immediate serious threat. Contact your bank promptly if cards or payments are involved.

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