Destinations › Russia › Moscow › Scams
Moscow, Russia
10 reported scam patterns travellers run into in Moscow, what they look like, and how to sidestep them.
Dating-app contacts steering matches to specific venues where an enormous bill is produced and staff prevent leaving.
Bars and clubs in the nightlife districts adding undisclosed table, hostess and service charges, with departure obstructed until settlement.
Unlicensed exchange points advertising strong rates and shortchanging during the count, or applying commissions disclosed only afterwards.
Individuals presenting identification and demanding document checks and on-the-spot fines from foreign visitors. Genuine officers do not collect cash.
Unlicensed drivers touting at airports and stations quoting fares many times the app rate, and refusing to release luggage until paid.
Touts selling theatre and event tickets outside venues that are counterfeit or already used.
Short-let listings taking deposits for properties unavailable or materially different on arrival.
Counterfeit branded goods and 'antique' souvenirs sold as genuine at market stalls.
Fake charity collectors and clipboard petitioners working the central pedestrian streets.
Pickpocketing on crowded metro lines and around major transport interchanges at peak hours.
