Latest Scams in Europe 2018 please

[KLN]

Hi There everyone,
off to Europe next week, Switzerland, Italy, France.
what are the latest scams regarding gypsy's, thieves etc. like the old "oh you've got bird poo on your shoulder", just wondering what's doing the rounds this summer

thanks

Kathe LN

 

[JohnPhelan]

I've just been to Rome. I was approached several times, on different days, near the Colosseum by people of African background who all began with exactly the same line: "Nice shoes, man". As always, the trick is don't stop and don't engage. I just said "Thanks" and kept going. One of them was a bit persistent and followed me for a short distance trying to talk but I just kept going.

 

[vetrade]

Doesn't matter how old or new the scams are, it's your response or reaction that will get you out of (or in) trouble i.e. as JohnPhelan indicated, don't engage with anyone who approaches you whether it's to carry your bags, help find your train, admire your shoes or whatever no matter how tempted you are to be polite. Just keep your hand on your wallet or purse, keep moving and don't engage in conversation.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

The one most people are talking about in UK/Europe now is the drive-by phone snatchings. Crims on mopeds yanking phone/bag and driving off. Not a scam per se, but worth taking precautions.

I wouldn't be too worried about anything in Switzerland. If someone there comments you have bird poo on your shoulder you probably do! And their attempts to clean it off will probably be genuine

 

[Pushka]

Agree. We didn’t see anything new in May, in fact the gypsys weren’t around much except near the Eiffel Tower and when approached and asked if I speak English I replied No in German and walked on. Agree not to engage. They aren’t complimenting you at all.

 

[Denali]

My friends husband, despite being warned and told multiple times, fell for the ring scam where someone says he dropped a ring and then tries to hit him up for $$$.

I dont make eye contact, just keep walking and ignore. Do not engage.

They really suck some of the enjoyment out of touring.

 

[KLN]

My friends husband, despite being warned and told multiple times, fell for the ring scam where someone says he dropped a ring and then tries to hit him up for $$$.

I dont make eye contact, just keep walking and ignore. Do not engage.

They really suck some of the enjoyment out of touring.

Yes you're right about that, hence why we haven't been back in 6 years. Was so peeved last trip, especially in Nice then. I refuse to go to Paris this trip, told Mr KLN, nothing has changed since i was last there in 1990, except for more scams.
Switzerland staying with friends, Monza F1, and then visiting Lille and Villiers-Brett, something else in between, but want to stay not in the big capitals...... relaxing!

 

[Pushka]

My friends husband, despite being warned and told multiple times, fell for the ring scam where someone says he dropped a ring and then tries to hit him up for $$$.

I dont make eye contact, just keep walking and ignore. Do not engage.

They really suck some of the enjoyment out of touring.

Really? As we strolled along the Seine we started a tally as to how many times we’d see this scam happening. We ran out of fingers although it was along walk.

I love Paris. Its scams etc is all part of the story.

 

[I love to travel]

Trying to get you to sign a petition big in Paris this year. Very aggressively in your face

 

[Lynda2475]

Just back from London, Spain, Portugal and Croatia - no gypsies encountered anywhere.

In Porto (Portugal), one lady (i suspect homeless) asked for money, we say sorry no then she followed us for about 3 blocks gradually crying louder and louder and saying please please, when she realised we werent biting, she stopped wailing and went back to her spot in front of the cathedral/castle to try the next group of unsuspecting tourists.

I agree dont engage, wear your purse cross body or day pack on the front unless its locked).

 

[Pushka]

Trying to get you to sign a petition big in Paris this year. Very aggressively in your face

Just say Nein and they move on.

 

[wendym]

France and Italy seem to have the largest number of scammers. We do one of two things - ignore and push past while holding onto valuables that are always out of sight or yelling in a loud voice to leave you alone. This usually makes them move. When getting out of a taxi at a rail station in Paris with luggage and if you don't want help hold onto all luggage and tell taxi driver not to open car boot or else you will find your luggage has been moved onto a luggage trolley and whisked off while getting out of the taxi. I didn't mind paying the couple of Euros for help but it can be a bit worrisome if this is not expected and you imagine you won't get to see your luggage again.

 

[ambrosia]

Trying to get you to sign a petition big in Paris this year. Very aggressively in your face

This is to block your vision and provide an annoying physical stimulus that distracts you from an accomplice helping themselves to your wallet etc. Also sometimes done when “selling” newspapers or magazines. I’ve seen a variation of this in London cafe where the “seller” held a newspaper over the iPhone that was sitting on the table, and of course as the seller left, so did the phone.
Also look out for the couple in a crowded tourist area that shout, Someone’s stolen my wallet! Everyone immediately places their hand on their own to check, and the couple’s friends dotted around the tourists immediately know exactly which pocket to target as you move off in the crowd.

 

[bmam]

I must have been lucky as I've never experienced these types of hassles, having made several trips to Paris and a 2 week holiday by the Italian lakes in recent years. Maybe I have the wrong sort of face? LOL.

Many years ago I was approached by a "gypsy" near the cathedral in Cologne but that's about it. I politely said no to her begging and kept walking. I've had more hassles in Sydney.

 

[Comoman]

In Paris and Rome recently I saw the rose con, the ring, the string bracelet and survey/petition scam.

I unfortunately saw some Chinese tourists handing over wads of Euro's after falling for the ring.

 

[wendym]

I must have been lucky as I've never experienced these types of hassles, having made several trips to Paris and a 2 week holiday by the Italian lakes in recent years. Maybe I have the wrong sort of face? LOL.

Many years ago I was approached by a "gypsy" near the cathedral in Cologne but that's about it. I politely said no to her begging and kept walking. I've had more hassles in Sydney.

During a very recent trip to Paris I noticed the influx of beggars on every street corner. While their begging pulled at my heart they didn't cause any problems for us. The main problems seem to occur around the main tourist areas where there are masses of tourist ready to be ripped off and trains that are often packed. I wear a small front pack with clip locks that have deterred thieves over my many years of travel. The ring scam was tried on me many years ago even before it was well known but instinct told me this was a scam and I quickly moved on.

 

[davidj]

African background

Yeah there are plenty in Italy. Roma, Milano and most of the regional cities are now home to plenty of economic migrants. This is the same across most of Europe.

I was walking in front of the Milano Duomo and was approached "Welcome to Milan", I stared back at him and replied "Welcome to Milian to you!".. then radio silence... considering I have spent way more time there than him!?

If you want a real European experience go to the country and you'll only find locals.

 

[davidj]

I unfortunately saw some Chinese tourists handing over wads of Euro's after falling for the ring.

Chinese are prime targets in Paris, mostly because they are taken as gullible and an easy target.

The popular easy to reach beaches across France and Italy will house walking fashion markets, mostly from African and Bangladeshi backgrounds. They can be annoying but locals and tourists buy the stuff so they keep coming.

As someone mentioned, the UK has become a cesspool for crime. Be aware of your surroundings. Increase in crime being done by criminals on motorbikes, with knifes or acid choice weapons.

 

[Walter_Plinge]

and asked if I speak English I replied No in German and walked on.

Many years ago I tried that on a scammer in Leicester Square. Problem was he spoke fluent German and followed me for some distance nattering away. "Serves you right for being a smarty", said my then-fiancee.

 

[Melburnian1]

Just back from London, Spain, Portugal and Croatia - no gypsies encountered anywhere...I agree dont engage, wear your purse cross body or day pack on the front unless its locked).

I use a backpack: impractical to wear on one's front.