Iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral might be on every traveller’s bucket list, but recent data suggests they might also be hotspots for tourist scams.
A comprehensive study by the experts at Quotezone.co.uk discovered alarming figures about scam complaints from European tourists. Leading the list? Paris. The Eiffel Tower alone garnered 537 mentions of scams in visitor reviews, making it Europe’s most notorious landmark for tricksters and fraudsters.
According to the European Scam Index, the picturesque streets surrounding Paris’s jewels teem with scam artists selling counterfeit tickets and providing subpar experiences. Stories of unsuspecting tourists feeling duped after buying fake tickets or receiving less-than-promised experiences are rife.
But the scams don’t stop there. Concerns about the blatant pickpocketing at the base of these attractions have also skyrocketed. Reviews have pinpointed France as the leader in tourist scams, clocking in 748 mentions, leaving Spain, its closest competitor, in the dust with a mere 91.
A breakdown of the scam complaints across top European destinations is as follows:
- France: 748 mentions
- Spain: 91 mentions
- Italy: 72 mentions
- Turkey: 67 mentions
- Greece: 64 mentions
- UK: 37 mentions
- Croatia: 26 mentions
- Poland: 26 mentions
- Portugal: 17 mentions
- Austria: 13 mentions
The UK and Austria emerge as safer destinations with far fewer scam complaints.
Greg Wilson, CEO of Quotezone.co.uk, shared insights from the study, stating that while hundreds are voicing their experiences online, thousands more could be suffering in silence. “Visitor hotspots are goldmines for those targeting tourist dollars, leading to a surge in scam complaints on review sites,” he noted.
Interestingly, France isn’t just home to the most complained-about attraction. Four out of the top five European tourist spots with the highest scam mentions are in France. A particular cause for concern is the Eiffel Tower, which alone attracted nearly half of the complaints registered for all 50 analyzed tourist hotspots across Europe.
Beyond France, Germany’s Brandenburg Gate also made the scam list with 56 mentions, a hotspot for tourists being hassled by con artists.
Quotezone.co.uk went beyond identifying the problem, offering travellers advice to protect themselves. They suggest vetting restaurants, ensuring taxi rides start with zeroed meters, renting storage lockers only from official sources, staying alert in crowded areas, and purchasing tickets from official, secure websites.
As Europe remains a preferred destination for global travellers, ensuring a scam-free experience is crucial. Quotezone.co.uk recommends adequate research and even comparing and saving on travel insurance to secure travel further.
Editor’s Note: This investigation provides insights into the scams infesting Europe’s most celebrated landmarks. With the proper knowledge and precautions, tourists can enjoy these destinations without falling victim to fraudulent activities. Safe travels!
Written by: Octavia Koo
