Street Scams in Istanbul, Turkey
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas. Below are the street scams scams reported in Istanbul — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Baku.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
3
Street Scams Scams
10
Total in Istanbul
How it works
Men posing as plainclothes police officers approach tourists and ask to inspect their wallets or passports for counterfeit currency or drugs. While the tourist is distracted complying, an accomplice steals cash or payment cards.
How it works
A shoe shiner walks ahead of you and deliberately drops one of his brushes. If you pick it up and return it, he insists on shining your shoes as a thank-you gesture. Once finished, he demands an inflated fee of 50–100 USD and turns aggressive if you refuse to pay.
How it works
A shoe shiner walks past a tourist near Sultanahmet and "accidentally" drops his brush. When the tourist helpfully picks it up, the grateful shiner insists on polishing the tourist's shoes. He then charges $20–50 for the unwanted service.
See all scams in Istanbul
10 total warnings across all categories