Tourist scams are surprisingly repetitive: the same techniques migrate from one city to another with small local variations. Knowing them in advance makes them almost harmless, because most of them only work on the element of surprise.
This article collects the most widespread patterns we've documented in VoyAVer dossiers, each verified with up-to-date sources. For the specifics of each city, the 'what to avoid' section of the dossier remains the reference.
The petition and the friendship bracelet
A classic in Barcelona and Paris: someone stops you to sign a petition (often fake, for a non-existent charity) or ties a bracelet around your wrist 'as a gift'. In both cases the goal is to distract you while an accomplice acts, or to embarrass you until you pay.
- Don't sign anything in the street and don't let anyone touch your wrist or hands
- Walk away firmly: whoever insists is working, not socializing
- Keep your bag closed and in front of you during any unsolicited interaction
The three cups (or three cards) game
In Rome it appears near the Trevi Fountain and in the most crowded areas, in Paris around the major monuments: an improvised table, three cups or three cards, and a small crowd of people 'winning' easily. They're all accomplices. Whoever stops to play always loses, and meanwhile the huddle is the perfect spot for pickpockets.
Taxis: 'broken' meters and inflated fares
The 'broken meter' scam — with a made-up price at the end of the ride — is documented practically everywhere, peaking near airports and stations. In Rome the defense is using only official white taxis with an active meter, in Barcelona official apps like FreeNow, and in Amsterdam licensed taxis are recognizable by their blue plates — a detail that makes all the difference at Schiphol.
- Check that the meter is visible and starts from zero at the beginning of the ride
- Where possible, book through an official app: the route is tracked and the price disputable
- Turn down anyone offering to be your 'driver' outside stations and airports
'Zero commission' currency exchange
Outside the euro area, the 'zero commission' sign is almost always a warning, not a promise: the margin is hidden in an exchange rate far worse than the real one. In Prague it's the most reported scam of all, together with 'street cashiers' offering great rates and handing over banknotes no longer in circulation.
- Exchange only at banks or offices that clearly display the applied rate, and always demand a receipt
- Never exchange money with strangers in the street, at any rate
- Better still: withdraw from recognized local bank ATMs and pay by card in the local currency
Counterfeit QR codes: the newest variant
On parking meters, charging stations and even restaurant menus in Barcelona and Rome, stickers with fake QR codes have appeared, leading to cloned payment pages. It's the digital version of pickpocketing: fast, silent and hard to dispute.
- Always check the URL before entering payment details
- Prefer official payment apps (parking, transport) over scanning codes displayed in the street
- Be wary of QR codes on stickers applied over original surfaces
The general rule is worth more than any single case: before you leave, read the 'what to avoid' section of your destination's dossier. Every entry is verified with sources and a confidence level, and scams change faster than printed guidebooks.