Street Scams in Amman, Jordan
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas. Below are the street scams scams reported in Amman — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Abu Dhabi, Baku, and Petra.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
2
Street Scams Scams
11
Total in Amman
How it works
In the narrow, crowded lanes of Downtown Amman — particularly around the Al-Husseini Mosque souk, the gold market on King Talal Street, and the produce markets near the Roman Amphitheatre — pickpockets and bag-snatchers work the dense crowds. The US State Department and multiple travel advisories specifically flag the older parts of Amman city center as the primary location for theft targeting foreign nationals. Thieves often work in pairs, with one creating a distraction while the other takes wallets, phones, or camera bags.
How it works
A well-dressed local approaches tourists near Rainbow Street or the Roman Amphitheatre, striking up a genuine-seeming conversation about Jordanian culture. The encounter inevitably leads to an invitation to visit a family souvenir or craft shop where high-pressure sales tactics are used.
See all scams in Amman
11 total warnings across all categories