Tourist Scams in Denmark

On Strøget pedestrian street and around Rådhuspladsen (City Hall Square), individuals with official-looking clipboards and lanyards approach tourists claiming to collect signatures and donations for children's charities or environmental causes. After obtaining a signature, they pressure visitors to enter bank details or make a cash donation. The organisations are fabricated or unregistered, and cash goes directly to the collector. This scheme is well-documented in Copenhagen and across Scandinavia.

How to avoid: Decline politely and keep walking — saying "nej tak" (no thank you) is sufficient. Do not sign clipboards or hand over any payment card or cash to street collectors. Legitimate Danish charities do not cold-approach tourists on pedestrian streets.

Metropolife and Copenhagen tourism authorities specifically identify Nørreport Station and Copenhagen Central Station as primary pickpocket hotspots, with organised teams working rush hour crowds and tourist groups. Risk rises significantly during summer festivals.

How to avoid: Keep wallets in front pockets or a money belt. Do not use your phone while walking through station concourses. Be alert to anyone who brushes against you or causes an unnecessary delay.

Fraudulent short-term rental listings for Copenhagen apartments — particularly in Vesterbro and Frederiksberg — are posted on classified sites and social platforms at below-market rates. Scammers request a deposit of DKK 1,500–4,000 via bank transfer or gift card before handing over keys, then disappear. The apartments either do not exist, belong to someone else, or the listed owner has no right to sublet. Copenhagen's tight rental market and high hotel prices make tourists susceptible to deals that appear legitimate.

How to avoid: Book only through established platforms with escrow-style payment protection. Never transfer a deposit directly by bank transfer or gift card before physically viewing the property or verifying the host's identity through the platform. Be suspicious of any listing priced 30%+ below comparable Airbnb or hotel rates.

Individuals posing as plainclothes police officers approach tourists, show a fake ID, and claim they are investigating drug or counterfeit money problems in the area. They ask to inspect your wallet and passport, then steal cash or swap bills. Formally documented on TripAdvisor Copenhagen forum and UK Gov travel advice.

How to avoid: Real Danish police do not approach tourists and demand to inspect wallets on the street. If approached, ask to go to the nearest police station together. Real officers will comply; scammers will not.

Three-card monte and shell game operators set up on Strøget, Copenhagen's main pedestrian shopping street. Shills in the crowd win visibly to lure tourists. The game is rigged and cannot be won.

How to avoid: Never gamble with street operators. If you see a crowd gathered around a street game, keep walking — the 'winners' are all part of the crew.

Short-term apartment rentals in Copenhagen's Indre By (city centre) and Nørrebro are increasingly listed at attractive nightly rates on booking platforms, with a mandatory cleaning fee of DKK 600–1,500 disclosed only at the final checkout step or not at all until check-in. Some hosts additionally charge for "linen sets" or "welcome packs" that cannot be declined. Because Copenhagen is already expensive, travellers absorb these charges without realising they significantly exceed the advertised price.

How to avoid: Always click through to the total price including all fees before comparing accommodation options. Use the platform's "total price" filter if available. Message the host before booking to ask for a written list of all mandatory charges.

Organised thieves at stations observe tourists entering PIN codes, then steal the wallet or card shortly after — either via pickpocket or distraction. The combination of PIN and card enables immediate cash withdrawals.

How to avoid: Always shield the keypad when entering your PIN. Be aware of anyone standing unusually close. Use contactless payments where possible to reduce PIN exposure.

Unmarked taxis wait outside Copenhagen Airport arrivals offering rides at flat rates significantly lower than official taxis. Drivers claim to take shortcuts but drive in circles, request cash payment only, and overcharge when you reach the destination. Some refuse to activate meters and demand cash upfront.

How to avoid: Use only official yellow taxis from the rank or book via Uber/FreeNow app. Official rates from airport are ~DKK 250. Never negotiate flat rates. Insist on meter operation for any taxi. Official taxis have taximeter numbers on the door.