Question 1

What is the "Shell Game Pickpocket Crew" scam in Sarajevo?

Accepted Answer

A street performer runs a three-box ball game near the Eternal Flame monument or Ferhadija street. While onlookers focus on the game, team members pickpocket the crowd. Never stop to watch or join any street gambling game. Keep valuables in front pockets and be alert to any physical contact from strangers near street performances.

Question 2

What is the "Counterfeit Copperware at Baščaršija Bazaar" scam in Sarajevo?

Accepted Answer

The artisan quarter of Baščaršija is known for traditional hand-hammered copper goods, but some stalls sell machine-pressed pieces coated with copper-coloured paint, representing them as genuine handmade copperware at handmade prices. The distinction is hard to spot quickly — genuine pieces show irregular hammer marks on the interior surface, while fakes are uniform and lightweight. Sellers may demonstrate "hammering" on a display piece while the items for sale are factory-produced. Prices for fake pieces are often set high to signal quality, making the deception more convincing. Examine the interior surface of any copper piece — genuine hand-hammered work has slight irregularities in the metal surface. Buy from workshops where you can see active production. Ask the seller to confirm the item is hand-hammered; a legitimate artisan will explain the process readily.

Question 3

What is the "Camera Drop Scam" scam in Sarajevo?

Accepted Answer

A local near the famous Sebilj fountain or Vijećnica asks you to take their photo, then drops the camera on return and demands compensation for the supposed damage. Decline to handle strangers' cameras. Offer to photograph them on your own phone and show them the result instead.

Street Scams in Sarajevo

Shell Game Pickpocket Crew

Counterfeit Copperware at Baščaršija Bazaar

Camera Drop Scam

Experienced a scam here?