Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Frankfurt, Germany

All Topics about Frankfurt All Cities in Germany

1. Palmreaders on Hauptwache Square

Fortune tellers may charge exorbitant prices or provide misleading advice. Avoid giving personal information.

Price Gouging: Be aware of high costs for services and compare prices to nearby stands.
Personal Information: Avoid sharing sensitive information with fortune tellers or strangers.
Reliability: Check reviews and recommendations before visiting a fortune teller stand.

Some taxis may charge higher prices or take longer routes. Use official airport taxi stands.

Price Manipulation: Avoid unofficial taxis and compare the price before starting your journey.
Route Diversion: Stay alert during the ride to ensure the taxi driver doesn't deviate from the expected route.
Safety: Use official airport taxi services for a safe and reliable journey.

Unlicensed tour guides may overcharge or provide misinformation. Use only licensed guides.

Price Overcharging: Compare prices with other authorized guides and negotiate fair prices.
Misinformation: Check the guide's credentials and read reviews before booking a tour.
Legitimacy: Look for official ID cards or badges to verify the guide's license.

Some vendors may sell counterfeit goods. Verify the authenticity of souvenirs before purchasing.

Authenticity: Check for logos, packaging, and quality to ensure the item is genuine.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other vendors to identify overpriced or counterfeit items.
Reputable Shops: Purchase from established and reputable shops for guaranteed authentic goods.

Skimmers may be installed on ATMs to steal your card information. Use secure ATMs or withdraw money before arriving.

Secure ATMs: Look for ATMs inside banks, shopping centers, or hotels for increased security.
Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad while entering your PIN to prevent keylogging attacks.
Monitor Accounts: Regularly monitor your accounts and report any suspicious activity immediately.

Waiters or waitresses may use skimmers to copy credit card information. Pay with cash if possible.

Skimming Prevention: Pay with a secure chip-and-PIN card, and never leave your card out of sight.
Cash Payment: When possible, use cash to reduce the risk of credit card fraud.
Trusted Merchants: Dine at established and reputable restaurants with positive reviews.

Performers may demand excessive fees or intimidate you to give more money. Be respectful but firm.

Fair Payment: Offer a fair price for the performance, and do not feel pressured to give more.
Respectful Interaction: Treat street performers with kindness and respect, but do not let them pressure you into giving more money.
Safety: Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid getting involved in confrontations or arguments.

Rental agencies may charge hidden fees or provide damaged vehicles. Check the car thoroughly before leaving the lot.

Hidden Fees: Read the contract carefully and ask about any additional charges before signing.
Damaged Vehicles: Inspect the car thoroughly for damages before leaving the rental agency.
Reliable Rental Agencies: Choose a reputable and reliable rental agency with positive reviews.

Some mobile shops may sell counterfeit or overpriced SIM cards. Buy from official stores or kiosks.

Counterfeit Prevention: Check the SIM card's packaging for authenticity and compare prices with other vendors.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with official stores or websites to ensure you're getting a fair deal.
Reputable Shops: Purchase from an established and reputable mobile shop or kiosk for a guaranteed authentic SIM card.

Unsecure Wi-Fi hotspots may steal your data or show fake ads. Use a VPN or avoid using public Wi-Fi.

Data Theft Prevention: Use a reliable VPN to encrypt your data when connecting to public Wi-Fi.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Consider using your phone's mobile data instead of relying on public Wi-Fi.
Secure Connections: Connect to secure, encrypted Wi-Fi networks when necessary, and avoid connecting to unsecured networks.

Some street food vendors may use low-quality or unsafe ingredients. Choose established and reputable vendors.

Food Quality: Look for clean kitchen areas, fresh ingredients, and a steady flow of customers.
Reputation: Check reviews and recommendations before choosing a street food vendor.
Personal Safety: Be cautious when eating street food to avoid any potential health issues.

Some buskers may demand excessive fees or use aggressive tactics. Offer a fair price and remain calm.

Fair Payment: Offer a reasonable amount based on the performance quality and your budget.
Respectful Interaction: Interact politely with buskers, but do not feel pressured to give more money than you're comfortable with.
Safety: Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid getting involved in confrontations or arguments.

Pickpockets may target tourists in crowded areas. Keep your belongings secure and aware of your surroundings.

Secure Belongings: Use a travel wallet or pouch to keep your valuables safe, and avoid displaying valuable items.
Awareness: Stay alert in crowded areas and be mindful of people around you.
Valuables Safety: Keep your passport, cash, and credit cards in a secure location when not in use.

Some bars may overcharge drinks or use tricky billing methods. Check prices before ordering and settle bills promptly.

Price Check: Ask for price lists or compare prices with other nearby bars.
Billing Precautions: Settle your bill promptly to avoid any confusion or overcharges.
Reputable Bars: Choose established and reputable bars with positive reviews.

Scalpers may sell overpriced or fake tickets for events. Buy tickets from authorized vendors.

Authenticity Verification: Check the ticket's hologram, barcode, and details to ensure its authenticity.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with authorized vendors or online to avoid overpaying.
Authorized Vendors: Purchase tickets from authorized vendors or through the venue's official website.