Beware of the 'Bracelet Scam' Targeting Tourists in Europe

British tourists have been advised to stay vigilant against a prevalent "bracelet scam" affecting major European cities such as Barcelona, Rome, and Paris. This scam, which has become increasingly common, specifically targets unsuspecting tourists.

The scam typically involves a scammer approaching a tourist and attempting to place a bracelet around their wrist. The tourist is then pressured to pay for the bracelet, often at an inflated price. Travel expert Jessica Dante, founder of Love and London, has shared advice on recognizing and avoiding this scam.

Jessica explained that this scam operates similarly to the well-known "rose or flower scam," where a scammer uses a gift as a distraction to pickpocket the victim. In the bracelet scam, the scammer plays on romantic emotions, making one partner feel obligated to accept the bracelet to avoid hurting their partner's feelings. This tactic makes it harder for the victim to refuse, allowing the scammer to steal their belongings while they are distracted.

Experts from The Points Guy have listed the "friendship bracelet scam" as one of the most common scams in Europe, particularly in cities like Paris and Milan. Tourists are advised to be cautious and decline any unsolicited offers immediately to avoid falling victim to this scam.

Although the bracelet scam is widespread today, it has been around for years. Travelers have shared their experiences on social media platforms like Reddit, recounting incidents where they were approached and pressured by scammers to accept bracelets and then demanded to pay for them.

One traveler described an encounter at the base of Sacré-Cœur in Paris, where they were grabbed by three men attempting to put a bracelet on them. Another traveler recounted a similar experience near Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome, where a scammer aggressively demanded money after placing bracelets on them and their spouse.

Jessica Dante recommends researching your destination before traveling to be aware of local scams. Social media platforms like TikTok can be valuable resources for learning about common scams in specific cities, as users often share their experiences and tips for avoiding them.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, tourists are encouraged to stay informed, be cautious of unsolicited offers, and trust their instincts when navigating busy tourist areas.