Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Amsterdam, Netherlands
1. IAMTravel Scam
Scammers pose as police officers, claiming to have found drugs or stolen items on you. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and don't agree to follow them anywhere.
- Fake Police Officers: Scammers pretending to be police officers
- Planting Evidence: Scammers planting drugs or stolen items on victims
- Extortion for Bail: Demanding money for 'bail' or release from fake charges
2. Pickpocketing in Crowded Areas
Thieves target tourists in crowded areas like markets and public transportation. Keep belongings close and use anti-theft bags or pouches.
- Crowded Locations: Scammers taking advantage of crowds to pickpocket
- Quick Theft Techniques: Thieves using distractions or sleight of hand
- Anti-Theft Measures: Using anti-theft bags, zips, and pouches to secure belongings
3. Overcharging at Restaurants
Some restaurants may overcharge tourists. Ask for prices before ordering or check menus carefully.
- Price Discrepancies: Restaurants charging higher prices to tourists
- Lack of Transparency: Prices not clearly displayed or communicated
- Preventive Measures: Asking for prices and checking menus to avoid overcharges
4. Fake Taxi Services
Unlicensed taxis may charge higher fares or take longer routes. Only use licensed taxi services or book through reliable apps.
- Unlicensed Taxis: Taxis operating without a license
- Overcharging: Charging higher fares than legitimate taxis
- Risk of Theft: Unlicensed taxis may pose a risk to passengers' safety and belongings
5. Counterfeit Goods at Markets
Markets may sell counterfeit goods such as designer clothing or electronics. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
- Counterfeit Items: Selling fake designer items at markets
- Lack of Quality: Items are often poor quality or do not function correctly
- Bargaining Tactics: Vendors using aggressive bargaining tactics to sell counterfeit goods
6. Card Skimming at ATMs
Criminals may install skimmers on ATMs to steal card information. Use ATMs inside banks or in well-lit areas.
- Skimmer Devices: Devices installed on ATMs to steal card data
- Bank ATMs: ATMs located inside banks are less likely to have skimmers
- Well-lit Areas: Criminals are less likely to install skimming devices in well-lit areas
7. Romance Scams on Dating Apps
Scammers use dating apps to build relationships and ask for money. Be wary of individuals who ask for financial help quickly.
- Romantic Requests: Individuals asking for money or gifts under the guise of romance
- Quick Escalation: Scammers rapidly escalating the relationship to ask for money
- Verification and Research: Verifying identities and conducting research to identify scams
8. Bicycle Theft
Bikes are frequently stolen from bike racks or locks. Use a sturdy lock and park in well-lit areas.
- Theft from Bike Racks: Bikes stolen from locked bike racks
- Lack of Security: Insecure locks or poor lock placement increase theft risk
- Well-lit Areas: Bikes parked in well-lit areas are less likely to be stolen
9. Fake Flower Scam
Scammers offer flowers and then demand payment for an overpriced service. Ignore unsolicited offers of flowers.
- Unsolicited Offers: Offers given without being asked
- Overpriced Services: Services charged at significantly higher prices than their value
- Ignore Unsolicited Offers: Ignoring unsolicited offers to avoid scams
10. Fraudulent Guided Tours
Unlicensed tour guides may overcharge or lead tourists to questionable locations. Only book tours through reputable companies.
- Unlicensed Tour Guides: Tour guides operating without a license
- Overcharging: Charging higher prices than legitimate tour guides
- Questionable Locations: Taking tourists to locations not recommended for tourists
11. Street Performers Scam
Performers may demand payment for photos or insist that payment is required to continue watching the performance. Watch performances for free and only tip generously.
- Demanding Payment for Photos: Performers demanding payment for taking pictures
- Insisting on Payment: Performers insisting that payment is necessary to continue watching
- Generous Tips: Tipping generously for quality performances
12. Rental Car Scams
Scammers may offer rental cars with hidden damage or inflated prices. Only rent from reputable car rental companies.
- Hidden Damage: Rental cars with existing damages not disclosed
- Inflated Prices: Cars rented at significantly higher prices than the market rate
- Reputable Rental Companies: Renting from reputable car rental companies to avoid scams
13. Goldfish Scam
Scammers sell goldfish in plastic bags and then demand payment for the bag after you have agreed to buy. Only purchase goldfish from reputable pet stores.
- Payment for Bag: Demanding payment for the bag once the sale has been agreed upon
- Reputable Pet Stores: Purchasing goldfish from reputable pet stores to avoid scams
- Healthy Goldfish: Ensuring the goldfish are healthy and well-cared for before purchase
14. Fake Charities
Charity collectors may be scammers. Only donate to reputable charities and research them thoroughly before giving.
- Fake Collectors: Individuals posing as charity collectors but not affiliated with a legitimate charity
- Researching Charities: Researching charities before donating to ensure they are legitimate
- Donating to Reputable Charities: Only donating to reputable and well-known charities
15. Rental Bike Scams
Rental bikes may have hidden damages or be overpriced. Only rent from reputable bike rental companies.
- Hidden Damage: Rental bikes with existing damages not disclosed
- Overpriced Rentals: Bikes rented at significantly higher prices than the market rate
- Reputable Bike Rental Companies: Renting from reputable bike rental companies to avoid scams