London Tourist Scams To Look Out For
Are you planning on visiting London soon but don’t want to be scammed out of your holiday fund? There are numerous London scams to look out for when you visit and it’s important to know what to look for and what to avoid if you want to have a nice holiday.
As London is such a popular and busy place to visit it’s no wonder there are many, many scams to fall into. It’s also important to make sure your valuables are safe and secure from pickpockets as you’ll never see them coming and you won’t know they’ve been until you can’t find your phone or wallet.
Take a look below at some of the worst London tourist scams and how to avoid them.
Common London Tourist Scams
London is a vibrant and bustling city with a rich history, iconic landmarks, and endless opportunities for exploration. However, like many major tourist destinations, it’s also a place where scammers target unsuspecting visitors. Understanding common scams and knowing how to avoid them will help ensure your trip remains memorable for the right reasons.
1. Fake Charity Collectors
Scammers posing as charity workers may approach you on the street, in busy areas like Trafalgar Square or Covent Garden, with clipboards or buckets for donations. These individuals often use high-pressure tactics to guilt tourists into donating to fake causes.
How to Avoid It:
- Politely decline and walk away.
- If you want to support a charity, research legitimate organisations and donate directly through their official channels.
2. Pickpocketing
Pickpockets are a common problem in crowded tourist areas such as the Tube, Oxford Street, and major attractions like the Tower of London or Buckingham Palace. They often work in teams and use distractions, such as bumping into you or spilling something on your clothes, to steal wallets, phones, or passports.
How to Avoid It:
- Keep valuables in zipped bags or money belts, and wear bags across your body.
- Stay vigilant in crowded spaces and avoid placing items in back pockets.
- Be cautious if someone distracts you unexpectedly.
3. Fake Tickets and Tours
Outside popular attractions, you might encounter individuals selling “discount” tickets for entry or tours. These are often counterfeit or overpriced, leaving you unable to access the attraction.
How to Avoid It:
- Always purchase tickets directly from the official website or authorised vendors.
- Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
4. Card Skimming and ATM Scams
Some ATMs or card machines may be tampered with to steal card information. Scammers might also offer to help you with the machine and use the opportunity to memorise your PIN.
How to Avoid It:
- Use ATMs inside banks or well-lit, secure locations.
- Cover your PIN when entering it.
- If a machine looks suspicious or damaged, avoid using it.
5. The Friendship Bracelet Scam
This scam often occurs in tourist hotspots like Leicester Square or near the London Eye. A scammer will offer you a “free” bracelet or souvenir, claiming it’s a gift. Once you accept, they’ll demand payment and may become aggressive.
How to Avoid It:
- Politely decline offers of “free” items from strangers.
- Keep walking if someone tries to engage you in this manner.
6. Fake Taxi Scams
Unlicensed taxis, or “black cabs,” often target tourists in busy areas or after events. These drivers may overcharge or take longer routes to inflate fares.
How to Avoid It:
- Only use official black cabs or licensed minicabs.
- Book rides through apps like Uber or Bolt, which provide fare estimates.
7. Pigeon Feeding Scam
Near parks or famous landmarks like Trafalgar Square, scammers might offer birdseed to feed pigeons. Once you accept, they’ll demand payment.
How to Avoid It:
- Do not engage with individuals offering birdseed or similar activities.
8. Overpriced Souvenirs or Counterfeits
Street vendors in tourist areas may sell cheap souvenirs at inflated prices or pass off counterfeit goods as genuine.
How to Avoid It:
- Shop for souvenirs in reputable stores or official gift shops.
- Compare prices at multiple vendors before buying.
9. Street Performers with a Catch
While many street performers in London are talented and legitimate, some may try to pressure you into paying after a photo or interaction, even if you didn’t intend to tip.
How to Avoid It:
- Be clear about your intentions when engaging with street performers.
- Only tip if you genuinely enjoyed the performance and want to support them.
10. Fake Surveys or Petitions
Scammers might approach you with a clipboard, asking you to sign a petition or complete a survey. Afterward, they may demand a “donation” or distract you while an accomplice steals your belongings.
How to Avoid It:
- Politely decline and keep walking.
- Avoid handing over money or personal information.
General Tips to Stay Safe
- Stay Alert: Pay attention to your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
- Use Reputable Services: Stick to well-known companies for accommodation, transport, and tours.
- Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is.
- Keep Valuables Secure: Use anti-theft bags and avoid displaying expensive items like jewellery or gadgets.
- Have a Backup Plan: Carry photocopies of important documents, and save emergency contact numbers.
It’s also important to stay calm in these situations. Some scammers may become forceful which is never ideal so ensure that you are polite, say phrases such as no thank you or not today and carry on walking. Never stop in the area of scammers as that makes you a prime target.
