Question 1

What is the "Centraal Station Luggage-Locker Theft" scam in Antwerp?

Accepted Answer

Antwerpen-Centraal's left-luggage area requires travelers to carry bags from the lockers to a separate pay kiosk, leaving suitcases briefly unattended and out of sight. Thieves watch for this gap and walk off with bags during the few moments owners are away paying. Families have reported losing a suitcase while completing the locker payment. Keep one person with the bags at all times while another pays, or keep your luggage physically in hand until the locker is locked. Do not leave suitcases by the lockers while you walk to the kiosk, and photograph your bags in case you need to report a theft.

Question 2

What is the "Fake Plainclothes Police Wallet Check" scam in Antwerp?

Accepted Answer

Individuals posing as plainclothes police approach tourists near Centraal station or in the historic centre, flash a badge, and claim a drug investigation or counterfeit-currency check requires them to inspect your wallet and passport. Real Belgian police do not run surprise wallet inspections on the street; the demand is designed to lift cash directly or distract you while an accomplice picks your bag. Never hand your wallet or passport to anyone on the street. Say you will only deal with police at the nearest station, ask for uniformed officers, and call 101 if pressed. Genuine officers will not object to this.

Other Tourist Scams in Antwerp

Centraal Station Luggage-Locker Theft

Fake Plainclothes Police Wallet Check

Experienced a scam here?