Tourist scams in Förenta Kungariket — and how to avoid them
These are the tourist scams Trzly has documented across Förenta Kungariket, grouped by destination. Each one is real, with a clear way to stay safe. Read before you land.
Hur det fungerar: Souvenir shops along the Royal Mile sell near-identical tartan scarves, whisky miniatures and 'genuine Scottish cashmere' that is often mass-produced abroad and marked up heavily for tourists.
Hur man undviker det: Treat 'genuine Scottish' and 'cashmere' labels with scepticism, compare a few shops, and check where an item is actually made. For real quality, buy from an established woollen mill or department store rather than a Royal Mile gift shop.
Overpriced tourist restaurants
Hur det fungerar: Restaurants right on the Royal Mile with laminated menus and tartan signage often charge well above the going rate for average food aimed squarely at passing tourists.
Hur man undviker det: Walk a street or two off the main tourist route into the New Town, Stockbridge or Leith, where locals eat. Check recent reviews, and be wary of anywhere with a tout outside or photos of every dish on the menu.
Fake festival and tour tickets
Hur det fungerar: Around the August festivals and popular ghost tours, scammers resell fake or non-existent tickets online and on the street, or scalp sold-out shows at inflated prices.
Hur man undviker det: Buy only from the official Fringe, International Festival or venue box offices and the tour operator's own site. Avoid street resellers and social-media 'spare ticket' offers, and never pay by bank transfer to a stranger.
The 'it's closed' diversion
Hur det fungerar: An overly helpful stranger tells you a landmark is shut for an event or maintenance and steers you instead to a particular shop, tour or taxi where they earn a commission.
Hur man undviker det: Check opening times yourself on the official website or app rather than trusting a passer-by. Most major sights keep predictable hours, so verify before you change your plans or follow anyone.
Unlicensed minicabs
Hur det fungerar: Away from official ranks, an unlicensed driver may offer a lift and then charge far more than a metered black cab or a booked app car, especially late at night near bars.
Hur man undviker det: Use the metered white-and-black taxis from a marked rank, or book through a licensed app that shows the fare in advance. Do not get into an unbooked private car that approaches you on the street.
Hur det fungerar: People with clipboards, often near major sights, ask you to sign a 'petition' or charity list, then press you for a cash donation while an accomplice may pick your pocket.
Hur man undviker det: Do not stop or sign anything. Keep walking, keep your bag closed and in front, and give to registered charities through official channels only.
Three-cup shell game
Hur det fungerar: A street operator hides a ball under one of three cups and invites bets. Planted 'winners' in the crowd lure you in, but the game is rigged and you cannot win.
Hur man undviker det: Never play and never bet. It is a coordinated con with lookouts and pickpockets, so simply move on if you see a crowd gathered around one.
Unlicensed minicab overcharge
Hur det fungerar: Drivers tout for fares outside stations, clubs and the airport, offering a 'taxi' with no meter, then charge a hugely inflated fare and may be unsafe or uninsured.
Hur man undviker det: Only take a metered black cab from the street or a rank, or a car booked through a licensed app in advance. Never get into a car that approaches you touting for business.
ATM skimming and distraction
Hur det fungerar: Card readers on some street cash machines are tampered with to copy your card, or a 'helpful' stranger distracts you to watch your PIN or swap your card.
Hur man undviker det: Use machines inside banks where possible, cover the keypad as you type, and decline any offered help. Check the card slot for anything loose before inserting your card.