Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Poznań, Wielkopolskie, Poland

1. Coin Trick Scam

Street performers may manipulate coins, attempting to keep extras. Stay alert and only give spare change.

Public Performance: Often happens in crowded public areas.
Manipulated Coins: Coins may be manipulated to appear stuck.
Aggressive Tactics: Performers can become aggressive if not given extra change.

Unlicensed tour guides may approach you offering services. Always confirm their licensure with the city's tourist office.

Counterfeit or overpriced tickets for attractions can be sold. Always purchase from official outlets.

Counterfeit Tickets: Tickets may be fake and unusable.
Overpriced Tickets: Ticket prices may be significantly higher than official outlets.
Unauthorized Sellers: Tickets may be sold by unauthorized vendors.

Some restaurants may add hidden fees to your bill. Check the menu carefully and ask about any additional charges.

Hidden Fees: Fees for services like bread, water, or Wi-Fi may not be clearly stated.
Inflated Prices: Prices on the menu may differ from actual prices.
Aggressive Selling: Waiters or waitresses may push expensive items or extra services.

Some taxis may refuse to use the meter or overcharge. Use authorized taxi services and agree on the price before starting your journey.

Criminals can install skimmers on ATMs to steal your card data. Use ATMs in well-lit, busy areas and avoid machines that look tampered with.

Skimmer Devices: Small devices can be installed on the card reader to capture your data.
Covering Camera: A camera may be placed over the keypad to record your PIN.
Tampered ATM: The machine itself may look tampered with or damaged.

Thieves can pick pockets in crowded areas. Keep your belongings close and be aware of your surroundings.

Crowded Areas: Pickpocketing often occurs in crowded public spaces.
Distractions: Thieves may use distractions to steal your belongings.
Sleeve or Bag Theft: Thieves can reach into unzipped bags or grab items from sleeves.

Items may be switched in stores, or you may be accused of shoplifting. Check your belongings and receipts carefully.

Switched Items: Items in your bag may not match what you paid for.
Accusations of Shoplifting: You may be accused of shoplifting when nothing was stolen.
Overcharging: You may be overcharged for items.

Some charities may not be legitimate or may exploit your generosity. Verify the charity with the city's authorities before donating.

No Verification: There is no way to confirm if the charity is legitimate.
Exploitation: Your donation may not reach the intended recipients.
Pressure Tactics: Charity collectors may use pressure tactics to get your money.

Sellers may offer counterfeit goods, especially in markets. Be cautious when shopping and always check for quality.

Low Quality Goods: Counterfeit goods may break or lose their value quickly.
Legal Consequences: Possession of counterfeit goods can lead to legal issues.
Lack of Guarantee: There is no guarantee for the quality or function of counterfeit goods.

Some street games may seem fun but are rigged to make you lose money. Be cautious and only participate in reputable venues.

Rigged Games: The games may be rigged to ensure you lose your money.
Pressure Tactics: You may be pressured to continue playing and lose more money.
Unfair Odds: The odds of winning may be significantly lower than advertised.

Public Wi-Fi hotspots can be used to steal your data. Use a VPN or avoid public Wi-Fi if possible.

Data Theft: Your data may be stolen while connected.
Malware Infection: Your device may become infected with malware.
Unencrypted Connection: The connection is not encrypted, making it easy for hackers to intercept data.

Some accommodations may overcharge or offer subpar services. Research and compare prices before booking.

Inflated Prices: Prices for accommodations may be significantly higher than the market rate.
Subpar Services: The accommodation may lack necessary services or be in poor condition.
Fraudulent Listings: Listings may not match the actual accommodation.

You may be given counterfeit currency in change. Be cautious when receiving change and check your bills carefully.

Inferior Quality: Counterfeit currency may not have the same quality as real bills.
Legal Consequences: Possession of counterfeit currency can lead to legal issues.
Difficulty Identifying: Counterfeit bills may be difficult to distinguish from real ones.

Dentists may offer gold teeth removal and replacement services but use inferior materials. Only trust reputable dentists.

Inferior Materials: Gold teeth replacements may be made from inferior materials.
High Prices: The cost of gold tooth removal and replacement may be significantly higher than normal.
Unnecessary Procedures: Removal of healthy teeth may be suggested.