Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Leipzig, Saxony, Germany

All Topics about Leipzig All Cities in Germany

1. Marktplatz Scam Alert

Stay vigilant at the bustling Market Square. Avoid strangers offering 'help' or selling fake goods.

Busy Location: Scammers choose crowded places to blend in
Fake Goods: Counterfeit items are often offered at too-good-to-be-true prices
Strangers Offering Help: Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited assistance

Avoid taking taxis from unmarked vehicles near Park Avenue. Use official taxi stands for safety.

Unlicensed Taxis: Unmarked taxis can overcharge or not follow the route agreed
Official Taxi Stands: These ensure that the taxi is licensed and regulated
Overcharging: Unlicensed taxis can overcharge unsuspecting passengers

Museum navigators may ask for payments after providing directions. Stick to official museum information.

Unofficial Guides: Unofficial guides can lead you off-course and request payment
Museum Information: Official museum information is always free and reliable
Asking for Payment: Be wary if someone asks you for payment after providing directions

Don't exchange coins in the vicinity of St. Thomas Church. Use authorized exchange kiosks instead.

Unauthorized Exchangers: These scammers may provide counterfeit or low-value coins
Authorized Exchange Kiosks: Kiosks can be found throughout the city and are trustworthy
Counterfeit Coins: Unauthorized exchangers may provide counterfeit coins that look authentic

Ignore anyone claiming to be a city worker near the Monument of the Battle of the Nations. Contact local authorities instead.

Pretending to be City Workers: These scammers may ask for your belongings or money
Contact Local Authorities: The local authorities will address any issues at the monument
Asking for Belongings or Money: Scammers may ask for personal belongings or money, often under false pretenses

Choose well-lit ATMs in secure locations. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

Poorly Lit or Insecure Locations: Scammers can install skimming devices on these machines
Cover the Keypad: Prevent others from seeing your PIN when you enter it
Skimming Devices: These devices can read your card information for fraudulent use

Avoid eating and drinking at restaurants near popular tourist spots. Look for local eateries instead.

Tourist Areas: Restaurants in these areas often overcharge tourists
Local Eateries: These establishments offer affordable and authentic meals
Overpriced Food and Drinks: Restaurants near tourist areas often charge excessively for food and drinks

Purchase tickets only from authorized outlets or the opera house's official website.

Authorized Outlets: These sell authentic and valid tickets
Official Website: The opera house's website guarantees the ticket's validity
Falsified Tickets: Scammers may sell invalid or counterfeit tickets

Keep your belongings close and be aware of crowded areas at the main train station.

Crowded Areas: Pickpockets often target crowded locations
Keep Belongings Close: Prevent easy access to your belongings by keeping them close
Pickpocketing: Unsuspecting travelers can be targeted for pickpocketing at crowded locations

Stick to reputable bars and clubs in the nightlife district. Be cautious of strangers buying your drinks.

Reputable Bars and Clubs: These establishments are trustworthy and follow fair practices
Strangers Buying Drinks: Scammers may buy your drinks with the expectation of a favor in return
Favor in Return: Be cautious if someone offers to buy your drink, expecting something in return

Avoid any guides offering services at Augustusplatz. Use pre-arranged or official tour guides instead.

Augustusplatz: Scammers may approach tourists seeking guide services
Pre-arranged Guides: These guides are reliable and trustworthy
Official Tour Guides: Guides licensed by the city are your best choice for accurate information

Appreciate performances but only donate to licensed street performers near Thomaskirche.

Licensed Street Performers: These performers have a license and are authorized to collect donations
Thomaskirche Area: Scammers may pose as street performers in this area
Donating to the Wrong Performers: Be cautious of donating to unlicensed performers, who may not be entitled to collect money

Enjoy Leipzig's street art but don't pay unofficial artists. Report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

Unofficial Artists: These artists may charge for their work or ask for donations
Reporting Suspicious Activities: Inform the local authorities of any suspicious activities related to street art scams
Suspicious Activities: Be cautious if someone approaches you asking for money for their street art

Use password-protected Wi-Fi networks in hotels or cafes. Avoid unsecured public hotspots.

Unsecured Public Hotspots: These hotspots can be used for data theft and other malicious activities
Password-Protected Networks: Secure networks require a password for access, making them safer to use
Data Theft: Unsecured hotspots can be used by scammers to steal your data

Rent bikes only from reputable companies. Inspect the bike before riding and return it on time.

Reputable Companies: These companies provide reliable rental services
Inspect Before Riding: Check the bike for any damage or issues before riding
Return on Time: Late returns can lead to additional charges or other complications