Home » EUROPE » Rome Joins Paris, Barcelona, Athens, Prague, Budapest, Istanbul, Lisbon, Porto, and Amsterdam as These are 10 European Cities Where Female Travelers Are Being Scammed in 2026 – Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Go!

Published on
December 29, 2025

Europe is renowned for its romantic architecture, vibrant art scenes and charming pedestrian‑filled streets. Yet behind the postcard settings are predators who view travellers—especially women travelling alone or in small groups—as easy targets. Official consular advisories from Canada, the United States and other governments warn that petty criminals, scammers and occasionally organised groups exploit busy tourist areas in many European cities. These advisories describe pickpockets operating in packs, people drugging drinks to commit sexual assault or robbery, bogus taxi drivers and fraudulent police officers. The scams often rely on distraction and tourists’ lack of local awareness, and women are specifically targeted because thieves assume they may carry more valuables and may be less likely to resist. The following sections summarise common travel scams reported in official government advisories for some of Europe’s most beautiful yet dangerous destinations in 2026.

Italy’s historical cities such as Rome, Florence and Venice attract millions of visitors each year. Canada’s government notes that petty theft is frequent; pickpockets and bag snatchers thrive in crowded areas like the Colosseum, Spanish Steps and Termini station. Thieves work in teams where one distracts a victim with conversation or by spilling something while an accomplice grabs a bag or wallet[1]. Italy also sees credit‑card fraud: scammers attach skimming devices to ATMs or stand behind victims to view PINs. Women are advised to protect their bags, avoid showing wallets in public and be wary if someone insists on helping with luggage. Another threat involves criminals drugging food or drinks; the advisory warns that perpetrators have used spiked beverages to facilitate sexual assault or theft[2]. Women should watch bartenders prepare drinks, avoid accepting snacks or gum from strangers and seek help immediately if they feel drowsy.

The City of Light charms visitors, but it also hides a thriving pickpocket industry. The U.S. embassy in Paris reports thousands of passport thefts each year and notes that women account for about seventy percent of victims[3]. Professional pickpockets, including some who pose as children or petitioners, work in groups and use tactics like spilling a drink, staging an argument or pretending to drop coins. They commonly operate near the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Champs‑Élysées and major Metro stations. Another scam involves distraction by a group of children who ask tourists to sign a petition while an accomplice steals from pockets. Women carrying bags or backpacks should keep them closed and under the arm, distribute money and passport copies in different places and never leave purses on café chairs. At nightclubs, spiked drinks and unattended purses are risks; female travellers are advised to watch their drinks and stay with trusted companions.

Spain’s coastal beauty and vibrant nightlife draw travellers to Barcelona and Madrid, but official advisories caution that petty crime and scams are rife. In Barcelona’s Las Ramblas, Passeig de Gràcia and Plaça de Catalunya, thieves posing as tourists ask for directions while an accomplice steals a wallet. Some criminals impersonate plain‑clothes police officers, demanding to inspect passports or wallets; they may produce fake badges and then walk away with valuables. Travellers should always ask to see official photo ID and never hand over wallets[4]. In Madrid, pickpocketing is common in markets, on the Metro and around Puerta del Sol. Road scams are also reported: criminals puncture a rental car’s tire and then offer assistance, stealing bags from the car while the driver is distracted[5]. Women driving alone should keep doors locked and be suspicious of strangers pointing out problems. As in other cities, spiked drinks in bars have been used to drug victims, so female travellers should maintain control over beverages.

Historic Athens and the idyllic Greek islands are magnets for summer travellers. The Greek police warn that pickpocketing, purse snatching and luggage theft are common around archaeological sites, on public transport and in restaurants[6]. Organised groups often use distraction techniques: one person may spill sauce or ice cream on a victim, while another helps clean up and a third steals a purse. Women are targeted because criminals perceive them as less confrontational; they should carry bags across the body and avoid leaving valuables on chairs. Authorities also warn of assaults facilitated by spiked food or drinks—criminals sometimes lace beverages to commit sexual assault or theft[7]. Tourists should only accept drinks from trusted staff, remain in groups when socialising and contact the tourist police using the 1571 helpline if victimised[8]. On some islands, credit‑card skimming at ATMs has been reported; travellers should use ATMs inside banks during daylight hours.

Prague’s medieval charm and lively nightlife attract many female travellers, but the Canadian advisory highlights specific scams. In some bars and nightclubs, menus do not display prices; after customers order, they are presented with highly inflated bills and sometimes escorted to an ATM to pay[9]. This scam often begins with friendly locals who invite tourists for a drink; female travellers are particularly targeted because criminals assume they can be pressured into paying. Officials recommend confirming prices before ordering and refusing to run a tab; travellers should choose reputable establishments. Taxi scams are another hazard: unlicensed drivers overcharge or take longer routes. Women should use trusted taxi apps or official taxi stands and avoid discussing accommodation details with drivers. Credit‑card fraud and ATM skimming also occur, so travellers should shield PINs and inspect devices[10].

Hungary’s capital is known for its architecture and thermal baths but also for scams targeting tourists. The government warns that some restaurants and bars advertise drink specials without listing prices, then present astronomical bills once orders are placed. There have been cases where young local women befriend travellers and suggest a bar, but once there, security staff coerce the traveller into paying an inflated bill or escort them to an ATM[11]. Solo female travellers should be cautious of unsolicited invitations, ask to see menus and politely decline bars recommended by taxi drivers. Petty crime is also an issue, particularly pickpocketing in crowded metro stations and markets. Car break‑ins and highway robberies occasionally occur; travellers should avoid leaving valuables in vehicles and remain in well‑lit areas at night. Using secure taxi services and staying aware of surroundings can reduce risks.

Istanbul offers East‑meets‑West architecture and bazaars, but official advisories caution women about spiked beverages and bar scams. Criminals sometimes invite tourists into bars, then inflate drink prices and demand payment, occasionally resorting to violence[12]. Women may also experience harassment or unwanted attention, particularly in nightlife areas. The government advises travellers to avoid down‑market bars, watch their drinks closely and travel in groups. Another scam involves adding drugs to food or drink to render victims unconscious; these incidents have been used to facilitate sexual assault or robbery[13]. Women should decline offers of food or gum from strangers and keep drinks in view. ATM fraud is prevalent in Istanbul; travellers should use machines inside banks, shield their PIN and avoid help from strangers[14]. In busy areas like the Grand Bazaar and Taksim Square, pickpockets operate using distraction techniques similar to those in other European cities. Women should keep bags zipped and close to the body.

Portugal’s capital and second city are increasingly popular with tourists, but government advisories warn of drink‑spiking and theft. Criminals have been known to add drugs to beverages, food, gum or cigarettes; female travellers are told never to accept these items from strangers and to watch drinks being prepared[15]. Some bars and clubs cater to tourists and overcharge or swap out expensive bottles; travellers should request itemised bills and avoid running tabs. Petty theft—particularly pickpocketing and bag snatching—occurs on trams, in markets and in nightlife districts. Women are advised to travel in groups at night, stay in well‑lit streets and use registered taxis or ride‑sharing apps. The tourist police have stations in Lisbon and Porto to assist victims[16]. Victims are encouraged to remain calm if robbed, not to resist and to report incidents to police; carrying door alarms or personal safety alarms for hotel rooms can provide added security[15].

Amsterdam’s canals and cultural attractions are beloved by travellers, yet petty crime and scams persist. The Dutch national advisory notes that pickpockets often operate in restaurants, coffee shops, the Red Light District, Amsterdam Central Station and on crowded trams[17]. They use distraction techniques such as spilling drinks, asking for directions or bumping into travellers. Some criminals impersonate plain‑clothes police officers, showing fake ID and demanding to see passports or wallets[18]. Women should never hand over wallets; instead, request to go to the nearest police station to verify the officers’ identity. Thieves also target backpacks and handbags hung over chairs; travellers should keep bags on their lap or across the body and avoid carrying all valuables in one place. Spiked drinks and drugs used for theft or sexual assault have been reported, so female travellers should watch their beverages and avoid accepting drinks from strangers. Trains between Amsterdam and Schiphol airport are another hotspot for theft, particularly when travellers are distracted by luggage[19].

Across Europe’s magnificent cities, the pattern is clear: criminals exploit crowded tourist areas, travellers’ unfamiliarity and social trust. Women face heightened risks because criminals may assume they can be distracted or coerced more easily. Government advisories repeatedly stress vigilance: carry valuables in several places, keep bags zipped and across the body, and maintain situational awareness. Avoid displaying cash or jewellery, and do not leave bags unattended on café chairs or train luggage racks. At bars and clubs, always watch drinks being prepared; never accept snacks, gum, cigarettes or drinks from strangers; and travel with trusted companions. If someone attempts to lure you to a bar or show you something, politely decline and walk away. When approached by individuals claiming to be police officers, ask to see photo ID and volunteer to go to an official station if required. Use registered taxis or reputable ride‑share services rather than accepting rides from strangers. Stay in well‑lit areas at night, especially when alone. In the event of theft or harassment, remain calm, do not resist and report the incident to local police or tourist support lines.

Europe’s historic cities remain alluring destinations for women travellers in 2026, but the charm often masks a thriving underworld of scams and petty crime. Official government advisories warn of pickpockets, bag snatchers, fraudulent police, drink‑spiking and overcharging scams in places like Rome, Paris, Barcelona, Athens, Prague, Budapest, Istanbul, Lisbon, Porto and Amsterdam. While these threats are real, female travellers can mitigate risks by staying informed, adopting practical safety habits and trusting instincts. By understanding the methods criminals use, women can appreciate Europe’s beauty while safeguarding their personal security. The key is vigilance: keep valuables secure, be cautious of strangers offering help or requests and remember that no destination—even one as enchanting as Europe—is immune to those who prey on tourists.

  • Canadian government travel advisory for Italy on petty crime, bag snatching, distraction tactics and spiked drinks[1][2].
  • U.S. Embassy Paris safety advice describing passport thefts and pickpocket tactics[3].
  • Spanish travel advisory for Barcelona and Madrid describing pickpockets, bogus police and road scams[4][5].
  • Greek travel advisory outlining pickpocketing, purse snatching and drink‑spiking, with a tourism police helpline[6][7][8].
  • Advisory on scams in Prague involving overcharging bars and taxi fraud[9][10].
  • Hungarian travel advisory describing bar scams where women lure tourists and inflated bills[11].
  • Turkish travel advisory warning of drink‑spiking, bar scams and ATM fraud[13][12][14].
  • Portuguese travel advisories about spiked drinks, theft and travel safety for women[15][16].
  • Dutch travel advisory for Amsterdam highlighting pickpockets and fraudulent police[17][18][19].