Question 1

What is the "Nevsky Prospekt Pickpocket Bump" scam in St. Petersburg?

Accepted Answer

Organized pickpocket teams work the full length of Nevsky Prospekt, particularly around the underground crossings at Ploshchad Vosstaniya metro (exit 1) and the crowded segment near Gostiny Dvor arcade. A team member bumps into the tourist or causes a minor confrontation while an accomplice extracts wallets, phones, or cameras from bags and jacket pockets. The technique is also used on the packed metro during rush hour on Line 2 (Blue) between Sennaya Ploshchad and Nevsky Prospekt stations. Use a money belt or keep cash in a front trouser pocket. Switch bags to your front when on Nevsky or in the metro. Be alert to anyone who unnecessarily bumps you or tries to engage you in conversation in a crowded spot — look around immediately for an accomplice. Use contactless payment where possible to avoid showing a wallet.

Question 2

What is the "Palace Square Costumed Character Photo Scam" scam in St. Petersburg?

Accepted Answer

Around Palace Square (Dvortsovaya Ploshchad) outside the Hermitage's main Jordan (Winter Palace) entrance, individuals dress as Peter the Great, Catherine the Great, or tsarist hussars and invite tourists to pose for photographs. No price is stated beforehand. Once the photo is taken they demand 500–1,500 RUB per shot and become aggressively insistent if refused. Children are particular targets as the costumes are designed to attract them. Agree on a price in writing or on a piece of paper before posing for any photograph with a costumed character. If no price is disclosed upfront, decline entirely. The Hermitage's official interior and grounds are inside the gates — costumed individuals outside are not affiliated with the museum. Be especially vigilant with children.

Question 3

What is the "Friendship Bracelet Distraction" scam in St. Petersburg?

Accepted Answer

Individuals — often operating in pairs — approach tourists on Nevsky Prospekt near Kazan Cathedral and around the Mikhailovsky Garden, aggressively tying a "friendship bracelet" onto the tourist's wrist without asking permission. Once the bracelet is on, they demand 500–2,000 RUB for it. The interaction is designed as a distraction: while one person works on the bracelet, an accomplice pickpockets the tourist's bag or jacket pocket. If someone moves toward your wrist with string or thread, immediately step back and firmly say "Nyet." Do not engage in conversation or allow them to make physical contact. Keep your bag zipped and held in front of you on crowded sections of Nevsky. Report any theft immediately by calling 112.

Street Scams in St. Petersburg

Nevsky Prospekt Pickpocket Bump

Palace Square Costumed Character Photo Scam

Friendship Bracelet Distraction

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