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Stockholm, Sweden

Common scams in Stockholm

10 reported scam patterns travellers run into in Stockholm, what they look like, and how to sidestep them.

Last updated 2026-08-09

Gamla Stan, Stockholm
Photo: jimg944 · CC BY 2.0 · source

Pictured: Gamla Stan, Stockholm.

high1. Distraction theft

Pickpocketing in the old-town lanes and on the airport express and metro during peak periods, often using a staged bottleneck.

high2. Taxi meter fraud

Unregulated taxi pricing: fares are not fixed by law, and some operators post extremely high rates on the window while waiting at the airport and stations. Check the posted comparison price before entering.

medium3. Other

The spilled-drink routine in busy bars, where a stranger helps clean your jacket while a phone leaves your pocket.

medium4. Rental overbooking

Short-let apartment listings taking deposits for properties that are sublet illegally and unavailable on arrival.

medium5. Menu / bill switching

Bars in the nightlife districts applying undisclosed cover and table charges not shown on the menu.

medium6. Other

Fake charity collectors with clipboards working the main shopping streets and transport hubs.

medium7. Currency shortchange

Dynamic currency conversion offered at card terminals and independent cash machines at unfavourable rates.

low8. Other

Unofficial luggage-storage services near the central station charging well above locker rates.

low9. Fake tickets

Resold event and attraction tickets that are already used or non-transferable.

low10. Counterfeit goods

Counterfeit branded goods sold at market stalls and pop-up shops as genuine.

Every entry above describes a pattern reported in an area of Stockholm, not an accusation against a specific business. Sources are labelled on each entry.

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