Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in London, United Kingdom

1. Tourist Trap Shops

Avoid overpriced souvenirs in popular tourist areas like Oxford Street or Covent Garden. Prices can be significantly higher than elsewhere.

Price Comparison: Compare prices with local shops or online before buying
Off-Peak Shopping: Shop off-peak hours to avoid crowds and get better deals
Market Bargaining: Bargain with street vendors in markets like Camden or Portobello Road

Be cautious when buying attraction tickets from unofficial sellers. Some may provide fake or invalid tickets.

Official Sellers: Purchase attraction tickets only from official websites or authorized ticket offices
Time Management: Plan ahead and book your tickets online to avoid queues and potential scams
Reviews & Ratings: Check reviews and ratings of ticket vendors before making a purchase

Keep your belongings close while using public transport. Theft can occur, especially on the Underground during peak hours.

Bag Security: Use a bag with a secure zipper or lock and avoid visible valuables
Crowded Areas: Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas or during peak travel times
Pickpocket-Proof Clothing: Invest in pickpocket-proof clothing with hidden pockets for valuables

Avoid unlicensed taxis and use only black cabs or pre-booked minicabs. Some drivers may overcharge unsuspecting tourists.

Know the Fare: Ask for an estimate before starting your journey in a black cab
Pre-booked Minicabs: Book minicabs through reputable companies like Addison Lee or Uber
Meter Checks: Ensure the meter is turned on in black cabs and check for any irregularities

Be cautious when donating to street performers as some may use distractions to steal from tourists.

Donation Tips: Give cash only when the performance has ended and avoid putting money directly into a hat
Police Presence: Look for a police officer nearby to confirm that the performer is legitimate
Avoid Distractions: Be aware of distractions around the performer and keep your belongings secure

Keep your belongings close when in crowded areas like markets, festivals or concerts. Pickpockets often target tourists.

Bag Security: Use a bag with a secure zipper or lock and avoid visible valuables
Avoid Distractions: Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
Travel Insurance: Make sure you have travel insurance to cover theft or loss of personal items

Avoid bars with hidden charges for drinks. Some may serve watered-down cocktails or overcharge unsuspecting tourists.

Check the Bill: Check your bill carefully before leaving the bar to avoid any hidden charges
Reputable Bars: Choose bars with good reviews and a reputation for fair pricing
Drink Awareness: Stay aware of the drinks you order and be cautious when accepting refills or free drinks

Be wary of unofficial tour guides who may overcharge or take you to unwanted locations. Only book guided tours through reputable companies.

Official Tour Companies: Book guided tours only through official tour companies like Evan Evans or Golden Tours
Guide Accreditation: Check if your guide has proper accreditation and is a member of a recognized association
Online Reviews: Read online reviews before booking a guided tour to ensure a positive experience

Avoid buying counterfeit goods in markets like Camden or Brick Lane. These goods are often of poor quality and may be illegal.

Legal Consequences: Buying counterfeit goods can lead to legal consequences, including fines or imprisonment
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other shops or online before buying to ensure a fair price
Avoid Unofficial Sellers: Do not buy from unofficial sellers or those with no visible business license

Be cautious when using ATMs, especially in tourist areas. Some may have skimmers installed to steal your card information.

Secure ATMs: Use ATMs located in well-lit and busy areas or inside banks for added security
Card Monitoring: Monitor your card activity regularly to detect any unusual transactions
Bank Notification: Notify your bank of your travel dates and destinations to help monitor for fraudulent activity

Be aware of cashpoint scams where a device is attached to the ATM to steal your card information. Only use well-maintained and secure machines.

Secure ATMs: Use only well-maintained and secure ATMs, avoiding ones that look tampered with
Card Monitoring: Monitor your card activity regularly to detect any unusual transactions
Bank Notification: Notify your bank of your travel dates and destinations to help monitor for fraudulent activity

Avoid exchanging currency at airports or tourist hotspots as they often offer unfavorable exchange rates.

Favorable Rates: Find a reputable currency exchange service with competitive exchange rates
Avoid Peak Exchange Times: Exchange currency outside of peak hours to avoid long lines and higher fees
Check Reviews: Read reviews of currency exchange services before exchanging your money

Be cautious when buying street food, as some vendors may use unsanitary practices or overcharge tourists.

Health Risks: Avoid street food from unhygienic stalls and look for busy stalls with a good reputation
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other vendors before buying to ensure a fair price
Avoid Distractions: Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings, especially when buying street food

Be wary of accommodation scams online, where unscrupulous landlords may offer fake listings or overcharge tourists.

Reputable Booking Sites: Book accommodation only through reputable booking sites like Airbnb, Booking.com, or Expedia
Reviews & Ratings: Check reviews and ratings of accommodations before making a booking
Secure Payment Methods: Use secure payment methods offered by reputable booking sites to protect your personal information

Be cautious when parking in unfamiliar areas, as some car parks may overcharge or issue fraudulent parking tickets.

Reputable Car Parks: Park only in reputable and well-lit car parks
Check Parking Rates: Check parking rates beforehand to avoid unexpected charges
Time Limits: Pay attention to time limits and avoid overstaying to avoid unnecessary charges