12 Common Pickpocket Scams and How to Avoid Them While Travelling

From the sandwich and bottleneck to the friendship bracelet scam, pickpockets use clever distractions to target travellers around the world. Learn how these scams work and discover simple ways to keep your valuables safe overseas. 

Whether you're exploring Barcelona, catching the London Underground, wandering through a Bali market or enjoying a coffee in Rome, opportunistic thieves often look for distracted tourists carrying phones, wallets, passports and cash. 

The good news? Most pickpocket scams follow familiar patterns. Once you know what to look for, you're far less likely to become a target. 

Here are 12 of the most common pickpocket scams travellers encounter overseas and practical tips to help avoid them. 

 

Quick pickpocket prevention tips 

Before diving into specific scams, these simple precautions can help reduce your risk almost anywhere: 

• Keep your phone, wallet and passport secured and out of sight. 
• Wear bags across your body and keep zips closed. 
• Avoid storing valuables in back pockets. 
• Stay alert in crowded tourist attractions, train stations and public transport. 
• Leave unnecessary valuables locked in your hotel safe. 
• Be cautious when strangers try to distract you or ask for help unexpectedly. 
• Consider using a money belt or anti-theft travel bag.  

 

1. The Drive-By Bag or Phone Snatch

Picture yourself strolling along a London street when a moped speeds past and snatches your handbag or phone in seconds. 

Known as "moped mugging", this type of theft has become increasingly common in major cities where thieves target pedestrians nearest the road. 

How to avoid it 

• Walk facing oncoming traffic where possible. 
• Carry your handbag or phone on the side furthest from the road. 
• Stay on busy, well-lit streets. 
• Avoid using your phone while walking near traffic. 
• If your bag or phone is grabbed, don't resist, as doing so may result in injury.  

2. The "Here, Let Me Help" Scam 

Train stations and transport hubs are prime hunting grounds for thieves posing as helpful strangers. 

While you're struggling with luggage, someone offers assistance, takes your suitcase, and disappears into the crowd. 

How to avoid it 

• Politely decline help from strangers. 
• Never hand over your bags or backpack. 
• Use official station staff if assistance is required. 

3. The Sandwich

One person blocks your path while another quietly targets your pockets or bag from behind. 

This scam is frequently reported in airports, shopping centres, train stations and crowded tourist attractions. 

How to avoid it

• Keep bags positioned in front of your body. 
• Stay aware of people standing unusually close. 
• Move away from crowds where possible.  

4. The Bottleneck

Pickpockets love confined spaces where travellers are distracted by crowds and limited movement. 

This commonly happens at train doors, escalators and busy station entrances. 

How to avoid it

• Keep valuables in front pockets or internal compartments. 
• Avoid carrying wallets in back pockets. 
• Secure zips before entering crowded areas.  

5. The Actor

A seemingly friendly tourist asks for directions, a photo or a recommendation. While you're helping, an accomplice targets your belongings. 

Diversion tactics remain one of the most effective tools used by organised pickpocket groups. 

How to avoid:

• Keep your belongings within sight at all times. 
• Be extra cautious when approached unexpectedly. 
• Avoid leaving bags unattended while helping strangers. 

6. The Young Assassin

Groups of children may create distractions while working alongside adult thieves nearby. 

Travellers often lower their guard around children, making this technique particularly effective. 

How to avoid it

• Stay alert in crowded tourist areas. 
• Keep valuables securely fastened and close to your body. 
• Don't allow distractions to pull your focus away from your belongings.  

7. The Bump and Lift

A thief deliberately bumps into you, apologises and walks away with your phone, sunglasses or wallet. 

It's simple, quick and still widely used in busy destinations across Europe.  

How to avoid it

• Avoid displaying expensive valuables. 
• Keep phones and wallets secured. 
• Store non-essential valuables in your hotel safe. 

8. The Slash, Grab and Run

Not all pickpocketing involves sleight of hand. 

Some thieves use knives or scissors to cut through bags before grabbing valuables and fleeing.

How to avoid it

• Consider using anti-theft travel bags. 
• Carry valuables in multiple locations. 
• Use a money belt for important items such as passports and spare cash. 

9. The Friendship Bracelet Scam

Popular near major European attractions, a stranger grabs your wrist and begins tying a bracelet onto it while demanding payment. 

The distraction often allows an accomplice to steal from your bag. 

How to avoid it

• Keep moving. 
• Politely but firmly say no. 
• Avoid allowing strangers to touch you or your belongings. 

10. The Petition Scam 

A person approaches you with a clipboard, asking you to sign a petition or donate to a cause. 

While your attention is focused on paperwork, someone else may target your pockets or bag. 

How to avoid it 

• Don't stop to engage. 
• Keep walking. 
• Hold your bag securely in front of your body. 

11. The Café Phone Snatch 

You're enjoying a coffee when your phone is left on the table for just a moment. That's often all it takes. 

Thieves commonly target outdoor cafés in tourist hotspots because phones contain valuable personal information, banking apps and identification. 

How to avoid it

• Keep your phone in your pocket or bag when not using it. 
• Avoid placing phones on café tables. 
• Sit away from busy footpaths and roads where practical. 

12. The Dropped Ring Scam

A stranger claims you've dropped a ring or spots jewellery on the ground and asks if it belongs to you. 

The real goal is to stop you walking and distract you while an accomplice targets your valuables. 

How to avoid it

• Continue walking.
• Don't engage with unexpected offers or discoveries. 
• Stay focused on your surroundings. 

Pickpocket FAQs 

What are the most common pickpocket scams? 

Some of the most common pickpocket scams include the bump and lift, sandwich technique, friendship bracelet scam, petition scam, phone snatching and luggage theft. Most rely on distraction, crowding or creating confusion. 

Which cities are known for pickpocketing? 

Pickpocketing can occur anywhere, but travellers should exercise extra caution in busy tourist destinations including Barcelona, Paris, Rome, Prague, Athens, Bangkok and London. 

Do pickpockets target tourists? 

Yes. Tourists are often targeted because they're carrying valuables, are unfamiliar with their surroundings and may be distracted while sightseeing, navigating or taking photos. 

How can I protect my phone from theft overseas? 

Keep your phone secured in a zipped pocket or bag, avoid displaying it unnecessarily in crowded areas and never leave it unattended on café tables or public transport. 

Are anti-theft bags worth it? 

Anti-theft bags can add an extra layer of protection through features like slash-resistant materials, lockable zips and hidden compartments. They can be particularly useful in busy tourist destinations. 

What should I do if I'm pickpocketed while travelling? 

Report the theft to local police, contact your bank to freeze cards, secure your online accounts and notify your travel insurer as soon as possible. If your passport is stolen, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate. 

How do you avoid pickpockets while travelling? 

To avoid pickpockets while travelling, keep valuables secured and out of sight, avoid carrying wallets in back pockets, use bags with zipped compartments, stay alert in crowded places and be cautious of strangers creating distractions. Most pickpocket scams rely on confusion and divided attention, so staying aware of your surroundings is your best defence.