Street Scams in London, UK
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas. Below are the street scams scams reported in London — 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
12
Total in London
How it works
Riders on mopeds, e-bikes, and bicycles — sometimes dressed as Deliveroo or other food delivery couriers — snatch mobile phones from pedestrians' hands at high speed. London recorded nearly 60,000 phone thefts in 2024, a 153% increase, with Westminster, Southwark, and Camden among the worst-affected boroughs. Victims lose the device instantly and recovery is rare. Some gangs use sticky gloves to grab phones cleanly even at speed.
How it works
Street hustlers operate the shell-and-ball game near Waterloo, London Bridge, and Southwark, with a crowd of apparent strangers who are actually shills. The game is unwinnable for anyone outside the gang.
How it works
Professional charity collectors on Oxford Street and near major tourist sights pressure passersby into signing up for direct debits to charities. They use high-pressure psychological tactics and some are working for commissions rather than the charity itself.
How it works
A woman pushes a sprig of heather into your hand near Piccadilly, Oxford Street or Westminster Bridge and then refuses to take it back, aggressively demanding money and sometimes blocking your path.
See all scams in London
12 total warnings across all categories