Street Scams in Bucharest, Romania
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas. Below are the street scams scams reported in Bucharest — 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
3
Street Scams Scams
11
Total in Bucharest
How it works
Individuals posing as plainclothes police officers approach tourists asking to inspect their passports and wallets for counterfeit currency. Real Romanian police do not carry out random wallet checks on tourists.
How it works
A common street scam in Bucharest's pedestrianized zones, particularly along Calea Victoriei and around Piața Română, involves a distraction using a stray or planted puppy. One person encourages tourists to hold or photograph the dog while an accomplice pickpockets wallets, phones, or cameras from unzipped bags. The setup is convincing because Bucharest genuinely has stray dogs, making the scenario feel natural.
How it works
Motorcyclists or cyclists in the Old Town area snatch phones being held out for photography or GPS navigation, especially at night. The phone is gone before you can react.
See all scams in Bucharest
11 total warnings across all categories