Street Scams in Belgrade, Serbia
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas. Below are the street scams scams reported in Belgrade — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Mykonos, Barcelona, and Krakow.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
4
Street Scams Scams
11
Total in Belgrade
How it works
Men posing as plainclothes police officers approach tourists on Republic Square (Trg Republike) or near Knez Mihailova Street, claiming to investigate counterfeit currency or drug activity. They ask to inspect your passport and wallet 'for verification,' then palm banknotes during the examination or pocket a card from your wallet before returning it. Real Serbian police never conduct informal street currency checks and are required to show official badge ID on request.
How it works
Belgrade's busy pedestrian street Knez Mihailova and the bohemian Skadarlija quarter are prime pickpocketing spots, especially during festivals and evenings. Thieves work in pairs, using bumping or "help" as a distraction.
How it works
Rigged street games, especially three-card monte, appear on pedestrian areas like Knez Mihailova Street. Planted accomplices in the crowd appear to win easily, luring tourists into playing. Pickpockets work the gathered crowd simultaneously.
How it works
Near bus and train stations, individuals grab tourist luggage without being asked and then demand large payments for their "help." Refusing can result in aggressive behavior.
See all scams in Belgrade
11 total warnings across all categories