Europe is home to some of the most sought-after summer holiday destinations for Britons, with bustling cities and coastal hotspots aplenty in nearby France, Spain and Italy. According to the European Travel Commission, more than 400 million international visitors arrived in Europe last year alone, with the UK consistently among the top three source markets.
This influx of post-pandemic tourism has brought economic benefits but also a surge in thefts and scams—Europol estimates 5.7 million reported cases of burglary, robbery and theft across the continent each year. And British travellers are particularly vulnerable. Global Guardian’s intelligence team warns that scammers specifically target those who appear distracted or unfamiliar with local customs: “Scammers have become highly organised and adapt quickly to new trends. They often work in teams and specifically target tourists who are distracted or unfamiliar with local customs.”
Bustling cities are home to some of the best culture and cuisine, but these hotspots also attract those looking to prey on distracted visitors.
Global Guardian notes that “there’s an expectation” that visitors will have valuables or cash on them in major tourist areas, including Las Ramblas in Barcelona, to the Colosseum in Rome.
While tourists are distracted by the sights or their family members, they are “excellent targets for pickpocketing or theft,” say the intelligence analysts.
They warned that “losing your wallet or passport can quickly turn a dream trip into a logistical nightmare” and highlighted three notorious scams that persistently ensnare British visitors.
Petition scam
Scammers posing as charity workers ask you to sign a petition for a humanitarian cause. Europe For Visitors notes that this scam is popular in Paris, where workers are often a “gang of youths” (usually teenage girls or young women) who will approach you asking for a signature.
The petition-bearers may ask for a monetary donation in addition to a signature, on which they can be “extremely persistent”, and you’ll probably end up handing over some coins to make them go away. While you’re distracted, an accomplice picks your pocket.
To avoid this scam, say no to those who approach you and walk away quickly without engaging in their request.
Three Card Monty
Global Guardian notes that this scam is rife near landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or Milan’s Duomo.
A street hustler invites bets on a cup-and-ball game rigged for you to lose. Accomplices crowd around to create an illusion of fairness.
When the victim tries to place a bet, the ball suddenly disappears. If they try to recover their money, they may face intimidation or violence from the scammer’s associates.
The gift
A scammer sets up a merchandise stand near a tourist spot to lure victims into conversation. During this interaction, they casually tie a bracelet or give an item as a “gift”.
If the victim attempts to leave with the item, the scammer demands payment and may call other nearby scammers to intimidate the victim into paying.
The bracelet scam is common throughout Europe and particularly prevalent in Rome. It’s a peculiar but annoying racket that combines friendly chat, a cheap African bracelet, and a guilt trip into paying money for it.