Wandering through a city where you don’t speak the language or understand the local customs can be a challenging experience. This is especially true if you’re unfamiliar with the local authorities and cultural norms. While many savvy travelers know how to avoid common scams, travel expert Rick Steves has issued a warning about a specific type of fraud involving “tourist police.” He advises tourists to never trust these individuals with their wallets.
Tourist police may appear trustworthy, wearing neatly pressed uniforms and appearing to engage in normal conversations while patrolling old town streets. However, what many tourists fail to realize is that these individuals may be discussing their next target. Avoiding typical tourist traps, such as tuk-tuk tours that take you to shops instead of your desired destinations, might seem straightforward once it’s happening. However, if someone claiming to be “tourist police” approaches you and demands to see your wallet, it’s best to refuse.
On his blog, Steves discusses this common scam that preys on tourists who are too compliant or unaware of the risks. He explains, “Two thieves in uniform — posing as ‘Tourist Police’ — stop you on the street, flash bogus badges, and ask to check your wallet for counterfeit bills or ‘drug money’ or to establish your nationality. You won’t even notice some bills are missing until after they leave. Never give your wallet to anyone.”
Understanding the Scam
Fake badges and real scams: What tourists need to know about fake tourist police
While actual tourist police do exist, there are imposters who roam the streets without the average tourist realizing it. These scammers often approach tourists on the street and demand that they hand over their wallet, claiming they’re looking for counterfeit bills. Before complying, it’s important to stay calm, as placing too much trust in someone who may not be genuine can lead to serious consequences.
Scammers who pose as “the good guys” often make it seem like they want to help you, making you feel as though they’re on your side. Naive tourists may hand over their wallets thinking it’s a standard procedure, only to find out later that some of their money is missing. The fake officer will thumb through your bills, examine them, and then return them to you. As you put your wallet back into your bag and walk away, you remain unaware that your stack of Euros is slightly lighter.
These types of fake authorities are commonly found in busy areas that attract a lot of tourists. They can also be seen at train stations, hotels, or even roadblocks. I once encountered a situation where I was asked to hand over my passport as collateral. I simply stated that it was against the law in Canada to hand over my passport, and just like that, the request stopped. Just as you would never hand over your passport to anyone, you should never give your wallet or any personal documents to someone just because they’re in uniform.
Handling Fake Tourist Police Encounters
Confidence over fear: Handling fake tourist police encounters while traveling
Certain destinations in Europe are known for high rates of pickpocketing, but fake tourist police can be found in popular tourism areas around the world. These imposters have been known to intimidate timid tourists by threatening to impose a fine or ticket if they don’t comply with their requests to see their wallet. If you ever face this situation, it’s important to respond with confidence. Tell them to issue the fine and say you’ll deal with it at the local police station if necessary.
Keep in mind that real police officers will never ask to see your wallet while walking around any major city in the world. If a “tourist police” officer approaches you and asks for your wallet, stay calm, request their official ID, and politely decline to consent to a search. This shows the scammer that you’ve done your research and aren’t an easy target for their tricks.
Legitimate tourist police are genuinely there to assist travelers, but it’s always wise to remain alert. Just because someone wears a badge doesn’t mean you should hand over your wallet without question. The next time you’re traveling alone or with friends, understanding how to handle stressful encounters with fake tourist police can significantly impact your safety and peace of mind while abroad.
