Scam in United KingdomBuses and trains
Train tissue-selling scam in United Kingdom
How it works
Someone 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.
Warning signs
- Tissues are placed on seats beside a begging note.
- Someone returns asking you to pay for them.
How to avoid it
- Leave the tissues untouched.
- Do not pay or engage with demands for money.
- Tell train staff if the person becomes intimidating.
If it happens to you
Move away if needed. When above ground, text the British Transport Police on 61016 to report it.
- Move to a safe, busy place. Do not chase a thief or confront anyone carrying a weapon.
- Call 999 or 112 if you are threatened, injured or being held against your will. For a crime that does not need an emergency response, call 101.
- Freeze missing cards and contact your card issuer about unauthorised or forced payments. If your phone was stolen, lock it remotely and contact your mobile provider.
- Save receipts, booking details, messages and payment records. Write down the location, time and what happened while you remember it.
- Report the incident to the relevant police or transport staff. Ask for a report reference and contact your insurer.
- If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate through its official contact details.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/AskABrit2022Does this happen often on a train?A passenger travelling into London reports someone distributing tissue packets and personal hardship notes before returning to collect them.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/london2023is it me or there's been an increase of scammers inside the trains?Passengers describe people distributing tissues with messages on Underground trains and returning through the carriages to collect them.Read on Reddit
- News2016What is tissue begging? Police investigate links with organised criminal gangs from eastern EuropeBritish Transport Police describe investigating possible organised-crime links to tissue begging on UK trains.Read on News
Questions
What is the train tissue-selling scam scam in United Kingdom?
Someone 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.
How can I spot it early?
Tissues are placed on seats beside a begging note. Someone returns asking you to pay for them.
How do I avoid train tissue-selling scam in United Kingdom?
Leave the tissues untouched. Do not pay or engage with demands for money. Tell train staff if the person becomes intimidating.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Move away if needed. When above ground, text the British Transport Police on 61016 to report it.
Where in United Kingdom does this happen?
Trains. It has been reported in London.
How common is this scam in United Kingdom?
Occasional. 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.
Are there similar scams in United Kingdom?
Yes: ticket-machine cash theft, pedicab overcharging.
Who can I report it to?
Emergency services: call 999 or 112 for an immediate serious threat to life or safety. Ask for the service you need and give your exact location, including the town or city. Local police: call 101 to report a crime or concern that does not need an emergency response. In London, the Metropolitan Police covers most of the city; the City of London Police covers the City of London. British Transport Police: speak to an officer or station staff about railway incidents. For the tissue-selling scam on trains, text 61016 when above ground. ATM premises or bank: tell staff if a machine has suspicious attachments or appears altered. Also report it to police on 101, or 999 in an emergency. Do not try to remove a device. Card issuer or bank: use the official banking app or a verified contact number to freeze cards and report suspicious, unauthorised or forced payments. Mobile provider: use the provider's official contact channel to report a stolen phone and block the SIM. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need document assistance. Travel insurer or rental company: report the loss through their official claims or support channel. Keep the police reference, receipts and supporting records.
What number do I call in an emergency in United Kingdom?
Emergency police, ambulance, fire and rescue: 999, Alternative emergency number: 112, Non-emergency police: 101.
Reviewed by @snuck