Accommodation Scams in Porto

Fake Guesthouse "Full" Redirect Scam

Touts operating near the São Bento railway station and along Rua das Flores approach newly arrived travelers and claim their booked accommodation is "closed," "full," or "under renovation." They then offer to escort visitors to an alternative guesthouse — usually a property where they earn a commission for each referral. The alternative is typically overpriced relative to comparable options and may not match the quality advertised. This tactic is also used near the main bus terminal at Campo 24 de Agosto.