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Athens, Greece
12 reported scam patterns travellers run into in Athens, what they look like, and how to sidestep them.
Plainclothes "officers" ask to inspect a wallet for counterfeit money, then swap genuine notes for fakes or palm cash during the "inspection."
"New friends" at a bar suggest moving to a second bar, where a heavily inflated bill is presented once drinks are ordered.
Tavernas near Plaka add a large unlisted "cover" or "view" charge to the bill, or charge for "complimentary" bread.
"Phone snatch": a stranger asks a tourist for the time, then grabs the phone the moment it's taken out.
Pickpocketing on crowded Metro Line 3 to/from the airport and around Monastiraki Square.
Drivers redirect to a restaurant or tour operator paying them a commission instead of the requested destination.
Taxis from the airport or Piraeus port refuse the meter, quote inflated flat fares, or take a long route — sometimes picking up an extra passenger en route.
Street vendors and small kiosks shortchanging tourists paying with large euro notes.
An item is pressed into a tourist's hand as a "free gift," followed by an aggressive demand for payment.
Unofficial vendors near the Acropolis entrance offering "skip the line" tickets at a markup.
A stranger hands over a camera for a photo, then deliberately drops it and demands payment for the "damage."
"Pigeon drop": fake bird droppings are thrown on a tourist from behind, and a "helpful" stranger who offers to assist with cleanup picks their pocket.
