Regional Guide
Tourist Scams in Europe
Europe spans 41 countries and 172 documented destinations in our database. With 2251+ verified scam reports across the region, this is one of the most comprehensive regional scam databases available. Europe has a lower overall scam risk compared to other regions, though pockets of activity exist — particularly in Hamburg (27 documented scams). Standard traveler awareness applies throughout. Across the region, street scams are the most frequently reported category, followed by other incidents. These patterns are consistent across most Europe destinations, making category-specific preparation highly effective.
Lower
Overall risk
2251+
Scams documented
172
Destinations
41
Countries
Overall risk
Lower
Scams documented
2251+
Destinations
172
Countries
41
Scam risk by country in Europe
Countries ranked by total documented scam incidents. Higher counts typically correlate with higher tourist volume, not necessarily greater inherent danger.
Spain
24 cities · 305 documented scams
Greece
21 cities · 282 documented scams
Italy
19 cities · 249 documented scams
United Kingdom
13 cities · 169 documented scams
Germany
7 cities · 122 documented scams
France
8 cities · 116 documented scams
Croatia
7 cities · 92 documented scams
Portugal
7 cities · 88 documented scams
Bulgaria
5 cities · 62 documented scams
Poland
4 cities · 59 documented scams
Switzerland
4 cities · 56 documented scams
Belgium
4 cities · 52 documented scams
Austria
4 cities · 45 documented scams
Cyprus
3 cities · 39 documented scams
Turkey
3 cities · 39 documented scams
Norway
3 cities · 32 documented scams
Netherlands
2 cities · 30 documented scams
Georgia
2 cities · 27 documented scams
Ireland
3 cities · 27 documented scams
Serbia
2 cities · 27 documented scams
Bosnia and Herzegovina
2 cities · 26 documented scams
Montenegro
2 cities · 26 documented scams
North Macedonia
2 cities · 26 documented scams
Czech Republic
2 cities · 24 documented scams
Russia
2 cities · 22 documented scams
Romania
2 cities · 21 documented scams
Monaco
1 city · 16 documented scams
Albania
1 city · 14 documented scams
Estonia
1 city · 13 documented scams
Finland
1 city · 13 documented scams
Iceland
1 city · 13 documented scams
Latvia
1 city · 13 documented scams
Lithuania
1 city · 13 documented scams
Malta
1 city · 13 documented scams
Moldova
1 city · 13 documented scams
Ukraine
1 city · 13 documented scams
Denmark
1 city · 11 documented scams
Slovakia
1 city · 11 documented scams
Slovenia
1 city · 11 documented scams
Sweden
1 city · 11 documented scams
Hungary
1 city · 10 documented scams
All 172 covered destinations in Europe
Safety tips for travelling in Europe
Research scams for your specific destination within Europe — risk levels vary enormously between cities and countries in this region.
Street scams are the most documented risk across Europe. Review the dedicated guide for this category before travelling.
Use app-based transport rather than street taxis in Europe destinations where this is available. Transport scams are among the most frequently reported in the region.
Carry photocopies of travel documents in a separate location from originals. This applies across all Europe destinations.
Be cautious of unsolicited assistance near major tourist attractions anywhere in Europe. Distraction-based scams operate across national borders using similar tactics.
Check government advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT) for your specific destination within Europe before travelling. Regional conditions can change rapidly.
Europe travel safety questions
Is Europe safe for tourists?
Europe is visited by millions of tourists annually and is generally safe with preparation. Our database documents 2251+ tourist scams across 172 destinations in 41 countries. Scam activity is rated lower overall. The most common risks are scams. Reviewing destination-specific warnings before travel significantly reduces your risk.
What are the most common tourist scams in Europe?
The most frequently documented scams across Europe are . Hamburg has the highest documented scam count in the region with 27 reported incidents. These scam types are consistent across most Europe destinations, making category-specific research an efficient way to prepare.
Which destination in Europe has the most tourist scams?
Hamburg (Germany) has the highest number of documented tourist scams in Europe with 27 recorded incidents. Other high-activity destinations include Marseille (25), Munich (23), Valencia (20).
Which country in Europe has the most tourist scams?
Spain leads with 305 documented scam incidents across 24 cities. Greece follows with 282 scams across 21 destinations. Higher scam counts often correlate with higher tourist volume rather than inherently greater danger.
How can I stay safe from scams in Europe?
The most effective protection in Europe is destination-specific preparation. Key precautions: use app-based transport instead of street taxis, verify prices before agreeing to any service, keep valuables secured in crowded tourist areas, and be cautious of unsolicited help from strangers near attractions. Review the detailed warnings for each city you plan to visit — scam tactics vary by destination even within the same country.
Is Europe safe for solo travelers?
Solo travel in Europe is popular and generally safe with standard precautions. Solo travelers face slightly higher targeting rates for distraction scams and transport fraud because they lack a group deterrent. Stay in well-reviewed accommodation, share your itinerary with someone at home, use app-based transport at night, and review the scam database for your specific destination before arrival. The region has strong traveler infrastructure across most countries.
Editorial note: Scam warnings for Europe are compiled from government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT), verified news sources, and traveler reports. Read our methodology →
Quick stats
Countries in Europe