London is perfectly safe to visit. However, no city in the world is entirely free of crime, and London is no exception. There are numerous street scams that visitors need to be aware of. Fraudsters use a range of tactics to steal your cash and – in some cases – your identity. Some scams and tricks are as old as anything in the book, whereas others are deviously clever.
However, you don’t need to fall victim to any of these scams if you know what to look for. Most visits and tours in London are trouble-free, but it’s a good idea to be aware of these common tricks and scams that sometimes catch unsuspecting visitors off guard.
What are the most common street scams in London that you should be aware of and avoid?
- Fake theatre tickets
- Pickpockets
- Bag-cutting thieves
- Fake charity collectors
- Counterfeit products
- Suspicious cash machines
- The newspaper trick
- Fake auctions
- Contactless card readers
We tell you how they work and how to avoid them below.
Fake theatre tickets
There’s no denying that a trip to London isn’t complete without a West End show experience. Unfortunately, London’s tricksters understand and capitalise on this fact. Some people offer discounted tickets to unsuspecting tourists in Leicester Square, but many of those tickets are counterfeit. If it sounds too good to be true, just walk away.
Only buy theatre tickets from licensed vendors (the TKTS ticket booth in Leicester Square is legitimate).
Pickpockets
You might assume that pickpockets belong in films such as Oliver Twist. Unfortunately, pickpockets are very real, and they often operate in busy areas such as Leicester Square, Oxford Circus, Trafalgar Square, and the Tube. Keep your belongings hidden in the inner compartments of your bag, rather than in your pockets.
Bag-cutting thieves
‘Bag cutters’ are like pickpockets, but they go to greater lengths to steal belongings. Instead of trying to remove possessions from your bag, they’ll cut a hole in the bottom of it and catch the contents in their own bag. Always remain vigilant when visiting London’s busy tourist attractions.
Fake charity collectors
Nobody wants to say ‘no’ to a charity collector. Some people play on those feelings of guilt to steal your money. In London, charity collectors are required to carry a permit to work in public spaces. Don’t be afraid to ask for proof before parting ways with your hard-earned cash.
Counterfeit products
London is home to an abundance of designer shops, but you probably won’t find genuine luxury goods at markets, such as Camden Town and other busy places. Some products may appear identical to the real thing, but you need to know what you’re really paying for. For genuine products, head to Bond Street or Regent Street. Don’t avoid London’s markets entirely – they’re the best places to find vintage and second-hand offerings.
Suspicious cash machines
Some of London’s tech-savvy fraudsters attach cameras to ATMs to record your card details and PIN number. Another common scam is to replace the card slot with a fake one that acts as a ‘skimmer’.
Once an unsuspecting member of the public inserts their card, the reader scans the details and ‘keeps’ the card. The thieves lie in wait nearby for the cardholder to leave the ATM and simply pop the fake card slot out to retrieve the stolen card.
The newspaper trick
Some of London’s thieves are very daring and seemingly friendly. They might approach you for a bit of chit-chat while subtly placing a newspaper on top of your belongings. When they leave you, they’ll retrieve their newspaper along with your valuables. Avoid keeping your possessions on tables or out in the open.
Fake auctions
There’s nothing like a mock auction to drive up the price of a product. Fake bidders will stand at street market auctions to generate interest in goods that are actually worthless. Don’t fall victim to such a scheme – stick to designer stores if you want genuine goods for a fair price.
Contactless card readers
One of the newest scams in London is also one of the hardest to avoid. Scammers target tourists in busy areas with a contactless card reader. They can steal up to £30 from your bank account without you even realising. Consider wrapping your cards in foil or purchasing a Defender Note to protect your identity and finances.
If you’d like the guidance of an expert guide and a local Londoner on your trip, make sure to check out our London tours page. Our tours offer a hassle-free and convenient way to explore everything the city has to offer.
