Question 1

What is the "Pickpocket Teams at Centraal Station and on Trams" scam in Antwerp?

Accepted Answer

Groups of two or three pickpockets work the crowded concourses and platforms of Antwerpen-Centraal and the busy premetro and tram lines toward Meir and Groenplaats. One member creates a distraction—asking directions, blocking an escalator, or jostling at the doors as a tram arrives—while an accomplice lifts phones and wallets from pockets and open bags. Activity peaks at rush hour and when large groups crowd the gates. Wear a crossbody bag zipped and held in front, keep your phone in a front pocket, and never set bags down at gates or escalators. Be especially wary when a stranger crowds you or starts a conversation in a packed space, and check your belongings immediately after any jostle.

Question 2

What is the "Train Overhead-Rack and Platform Distraction Theft" scam in Antwerp?

Accepted Answer

On trains arriving at and departing Antwerpen-Centraal, well-dressed thieves target bags placed on overhead racks or set down on benches. One operator engages you with a question—often whether the train stops at a certain station—while a second person removes a camera bag, laptop or backpack within seconds. Travelers have reported losing passports and cash from overhead racks in under thirty seconds while answering a stranger. Keep valuables on your lap or between your feet, never on overhead racks or end-of-carriage luggage stacks. If someone starts an oddly persistent conversation while you handle your bags, keep one hand on your belongings and watch the people around you, not just the person talking.

Question 3

What is the "Fake Charity Petition Clipboard Scam" scam in Antwerp?

Accepted Answer

People with clipboards, sometimes claiming to collect for a deaf or disabled charity, thrust an official-looking petition at tourists around the Grote Markt and Meir and ask you to sign. After signing they demand a cash 'donation,' and while your hands and attention are on the clipboard an accomplice can pick your pocket or open your bag. The petition is usually in English, a sign it targets visitors rather than locals. Do not stop, sign, or engage; keep walking and say no clearly. Keep one hand on your bag if approached, and never get out cash to make a clipboard 'donation' on the street.

Question 4

What is the "Friendship-Bracelet and Rose Vendor Distraction" scam in Antwerp?

Accepted Answer

On the pedestrianized Meir and around the Grote Markt and Groenplaats, vendors approach tourists offering to tie a 'free' friendship bracelet on your wrist or pressing a rose into your hand. Once the bracelet is knotted on or the flower accepted, they demand payment and are hard to shake off, and the close contact doubles as cover for an accomplice to reach into your bag or pocket. Keep your hands to yourself and refuse firmly without stopping; do not let anyone tie anything onto you or place an object in your hand. If a bracelet is already on, walk away rather than paying, and check your bag and pockets afterward.

Street Scams in Antwerp

Pickpocket Teams at Centraal Station and on Trams

Train Overhead-Rack and Platform Distraction Theft

Fake Charity Petition Clipboard Scam

Friendship-Bracelet and Rose Vendor Distraction

Experienced a scam here?