Europe is flooded with tourists in the summer, providing scammers with a steady stream of potential victims and, more importantly, their euros. Due to being unfamiliar with the local language, currency, and surroundings, tourists can be more vulnerable to deception and manipulation.

Andrew Noble, Marketing Director of Amigo eSIM, shares the most common types of tourist scams to watch out for and the busiest times of day and year for seven popular European attractions, when tourists need to be extra vigilant.

“Europe experiences peak tourism in the summer, when families go on holiday and the weather is generally favorable. Whilst there are common types of scams that will circulate throughout the year, there are also specific scams that will occur more frequently in certain tourist hotspots. Therefore, it is important to be aware of this if you are planning to visit one of the places rife with scams.”

1. Cup Gambling and Stolen Phones on Westminster Bridge, London

“Westminster Bridge is one of the busiest tourist hotspots in London, with Big Ben on one side of the River Thames and the London Eye on the other side. It’s also the biggest tourist trap,” Noble notes.

Five years ago, the BBC documented an illegal gambling scam involving three cups, where tourists would try to guess where the ball was hidden, when in fact it was removed entirely. At the time, Westminster police told the BBC that it had arrested 30 people in 2019 for illegal gambling and fined 290 offenders; however, the scam still happens today.

“The riskiest part, besides losing the bet in an impossible-to-win game, is that the main offenders do not act alone. They are surrounded by accomplices posing as common tourists who can cheer the unassuming victim to increase their bet, pretend to be winning themselves, or pickpocket all those distracted by the performance.

“With the UK ranking as the top European country for online searches for “track stolen phone” in July 2025, please stay vigilant when something loud and seemingly entertaining is happening on Westminster Bridge. It is a distraction. Londoners avoid going through there at all costs both because it is incredibly crowded and riddled with pickpockets.”

2. Fake Gladiator Scams at the Colosseum, Rome

The CNN reported a scheme involving fake gladiators outside of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy. Rome’s Polizia di Stato police force announced that, in August and September, they received several complaints from foreign tourists who had had up to 500 euros extorted from them.

Noble said, “The scam sees locals dressing up as Rome’s fake gladiators, who are, in fact, usually dressed as soldiers rather than gladiators, who would allegedly invite their tourist victims to take an “imperial selfie” with them outside the Colosseum and then demand money.

“This has long been a problem, with many tourists snapping photos with them, unaware that they will be charged. You should never have to pay someone to take a photo as it is illegal.”

3. Pickpocketing at Las Ramblas, Barcelona

“Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Trevi Fountain in Rome are known for rampant pickpocketing. However, Las Ramblas in Barcelona is reportedly the worst for it as thieves continue nabbing possessions from people’s pockets,” says Noble.

Crowded all year round, Las Ramblas is busiest during the summer season. Research from 2023 revealed the famous street had more than 3,270 reviews mentioning pickpockets on the famous street, which is first on many tourists’ checklists, the highest across Europe.

“If you are heading to the Catalonian capital, ensure that all of your valuables are tightly zipped away in a bag or purse when you are in tourist areas. Zips on bags should also face inward where possible,” Noble advises.

4. Taxi Scams at Charles de Gaulle Airport, France

A taxi scam often occurs when a taxi driver takes longer routes or claims their meter is broken, resulting in a higher fare. Sometimes, they may demand an inflated price at the end of the journey.

“Though Uber has made airport transfers safer, a loss of internet connection as soon as you get off the plane sees many tired tourists hail a taxi in good old-fashioned style. Some places have a scarcity of ride app coverage, so taxi ride to your hotel may be your only option, but potentially opening you up to several risks,” Noble notes.

The taxi drivers reportedly wait outside the airport and spot unsuspecting tourists from the official taxi line in their own cars, which have no visible taxi meters inside. The driver uses a fake taxi meter app instead and charges an unreasonable price at the end of the journey.

“To avoid being a victim of this scam, always ensure the taxi you take gives you a quoted price before agreeing on the ride, and also provide the car with a proper meter inside that can be visible to passengers,” says Noble. “Ideally, though, try to book an airport transfer before you set off for your holiday.”

5. Credit Card Scams across Budapest, Hungary

Credit card scams are especially rife in Budapest, Hungary, local media noted.

“Make sure the other party is legitimate and trustworthy when buying or booking online. If you are paying by credit card in an offline store, make sure that the amount the seller enters on the terminal is the same as the price of the product or souvenir you are buying and that the amount deducted is in the correct currency. 

“When paying for anything, check that the amount is correct on the reader. Never let someone take your credit card off you and out of sight, as this can also lead to the risk of credit card cloning or further unauthorised transactions.”

6. Buskers and Beggars in Alexanderplatz, Berlin

Across German cities, particularly Berlin, you will often find multiple buskers and beggars asking for money or food. 

While most of them are harmless and genuinely in need, a few of them can be violent and can do anything to snatch your belongings. Some may try to engage you in conversations while their companions steal your bag.

Noble says “you will need to keep an eye out for Alexanderplatz in Berlin and parks in Kreuzberg. The Hasenbergl district around the main station in Munich is also a very busy area that can put you at risk.”

Meanwhile, in Hamburg, be cautious around the Mönckebergstrasse central station on the Reeperbahn.

“Generally, in Germany and across Europe, when traveling, it is important never to leave your bag unattended hanging on the back of a chair or casually leave your wallet or purse on the table.”

7. Car Trunk Theft at the Milan Central Train Station

For years, tourists taking the train through Milano Centrale have returned home hopeless with no luggage. Unlike crowded places where you might hold onto your handbag tighter, thieves near this train station target the car park too. Cars with trunks that close automatically are especially vulnerable.

“When you park your car and put any bags with valuables in the trunk, assuming they would be safer there, what you do not see is a thief hiding near your car that manages to steal your bag right before the trunk door closes fully,” Noble warns.

“The local police are aware of the ongoing theft crimes near Milano Centrale, but tourists essentially have no hope of retrieving their belongings. One consolation might be that thieves could throw the bag in a nearby alley after rummaging for anything valuable, but this comes with its own set of risks. Just remember, if you must travel via Milano Centrale train station to get dropped off by a friend or want to grab a bite nearby before catching your train, remember the number one rule: do not park anywhere near it.”