Street Scams in Budapest

Fake Police Document Check

Plainclothes individuals approach tourists claiming to be plainclothes police officers conducting an anti-counterfeiting or drug check. They ask to inspect your wallet, passport, and cash, then pocket some notes while pretending to examine the currency for authenticity. Victims often do not notice the theft until later. Real Budapest police conducting such checks will always show an official badge and will not touch your wallet directly.