Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

All Topics about Dortmund All Cities in Germany

1. Dortmund Tourist Info Scam

Unscrupulous individuals may pose as tourist information assistants and direct you to overpriced shops or attractions.

Official Information Centers: Visit the Dortmund Tourismus & Congress GmbH (Tourist Information Center) for accurate and reliable advice.
Internet Research: Check online reviews before visiting shops or attractions recommended by strangers.
Trust Your Instincts: If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your instincts and don't hesitate to walk away.

Some taxi drivers might try to overcharge unsuspecting tourists.

Registered Taxis: Always use registered taxis with a meter. In Dortmund, these are often yellow or black and white.
Fixed Prices: Ask for a fixed price before entering the taxi to avoid unexpectedly high charges.
Taxi Apps: Use popular taxi apps like Taxi.Dortmund or mytaxi for reliable and affordable rides.

Some street performers might try to involve you in a 'performance' that ends up being an opportunity for them to pickpocket.

Be Aware: Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially when crowds gather.
Valuables Safety: Keep your valuables safe in a zipped bag or pocket.
Report Suspicious Behavior: If you witness any suspicious behavior, report it to local authorities.

Sellers may offer counterfeit goods at apparently low prices.

Authenticity Check: Check for authenticity marks or seek advice from knowledgeable sources.
Shopping Districts: Shop in reputable areas like Dortmund's Westfalenstraße or Reinoldikirchplatz.
Avoid Street Sales: Avoid purchasing goods from street vendors to minimize the risk of buying counterfeits.

Skimmers can be attached to ATMs to steal your card information.

Secure ATMs: Use ATMs located in well-lit, busy areas or inside banks.
Card Protection: Cover the keypad with your hand while entering your PIN to prevent potential cameras from recording it.
Monitor Accounts Regularly: Regularly monitor your account for unauthorized transactions.

Criminals may pose as police officers to steal from you.

Legitimate Uniforms: Police in Dortmund wear a specific uniform with an ID badge.
Ask for Identification: Always ask for identification before sharing personal information or valuables.
Report to the Police Station: If you're unsure, accompany the 'officer' to the nearest police station to verify their identity.

Some bars might overcharge for drinks or watered-down beverages.

Reputable Bars: Choose reputable bars with good reviews.
Check Prices: Compare prices of drinks with other bars in the area before making a purchase.
Ask Locals: Ask locals for recommendations to avoid overpriced or subpar establishments.

Some landlords might offer accommodation at inflated prices.

Online Booking Sites: Book through reputable online booking sites like Airbnb, Booking.com, or Expedia.
Location Verification: Verify the location of your accommodation before finalizing a booking.
Read Reviews: Read reviews from other guests to ensure a positive experience.

Someone might find your lost property and ask for a reward in exchange.

Report Lost Items: Report lost items to local authorities as soon as possible.
Be Careful with Strangers: Be cautious when dealing with strangers offering your lost property.
Never Pay Upfront: Don't pay for a found item until you have confirmed its authenticity and can verify the finder's identity.

Unlicensed guides might offer poor quality services or overcharge.

Official Tourist Information Center: Book tours through the official Dortmund Tourist Information Center.
Check Credentials: Ask for credentials and verify their legitimacy before hiring a guide.
Read Reviews: Read reviews from other customers to ensure a positive experience.

Some vending machines might not give change or dispense counterfeit coins.

Reputable Vending Machines: Choose reputable vending machines in busy areas.
Check Coins: Check your coins for authenticity before inserting them into another machine.
Ask Locals: Ask locals about which vending machines to avoid.

Fake Wi-Fi hotspots might be set up to steal your personal information.

Secure Connections: Use secure connections provided by hotels or reputable establishments.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks in parks or other unsecured areas.
Use a VPN: Consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to secure your online activities.

Pickpockets might target tourists in crowded areas.

Awareness: Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places.
Zipped Pockets: Keep valuables in zipped pockets or a bag with a secure zipper.
Safety Precautions: Consider using a money belt or a hidden pocket for your valuables.

Some car rental companies might overcharge or provide faulty vehicles.

Reputable Companies: Choose a reputable car rental company with good reviews.
Check the Vehicle: Thoroughly inspect the vehicle before signing any documents.
Read the Contract: Carefully read the contract and ask questions if anything is unclear.

Individuals posing as charity collectors might be scam artists.

Official Charities: Donate to official charities with a legitimate presence in Dortmund.
Check the Collection Box: Check if the collection box bears the charity's name and logo.
Ask for Identification: Ask collectors for identification to ensure they represent a legitimate organization.