Top 10 Scams to Watch Out for in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Over 4 million visitors flock to Scotland’s capital city every year to enjoy its rich history and culture. Unfortunately, the city’s popularity also attracts scammers looking to take advantage of unsuspecting tourists. This article outlines the top 10 scams to watch out for in Edinburgh and provides tips on how to spot, react, avoid, and get help for each type of scam.

1. Fake Festival Tickets

During Edinburgh’s famous annual festivals, especially the Fringe Festival, scammers sell fake tickets to shows and events.

How to Spot: Avoid buying from unofficial ticket resellers. Only buy from the festival box office or official ticket partners. Examine tickets carefully for signs of forgery.
How to React: Politely walk away if you suspect a scammer. Do not hand over any money. Ask for a refund if you have already paid.
How to Avoid: Purchase tickets directly from trusted sources like the festival website. Register tickets in your name when possible.
How to Get Help: Report scammers to festival organizers and Police Scotland on 101.

2. Rigged Games

Scammers operate rigged games like three card monte on the Royal Mile and near festival venues. The games seem easy to win but are designed to cheat victims.

How to Spot: If games seem too good to be true, they usually are. The scammer often has accomplices pretending to play and win.
How to React: Do not engage with street gamblers at all. Walk away if they approach you.
How to Avoid: Ignore and steer clear of all games of chance offered on the street. They are almost always rigged.
How to Get Help: Warn others nearby about the scam. Report to Police Scotland on 101.

3. Fake Petitions

Scammers pretend to collect signatures and donations for fake causes or charities. They use posters, clipboards, and collection buckets to appear legitimate.

How to Spot: Ask for ID and verify the charity with the organizations mentioned. A vague cause or shady collector is a red flag.
How to React: Decline to sign or donate if you suspect a scam. Do not hand over any money without verifying credentials.
How to Avoid: Be wary of street solicitors for donations. Only give to trusted organizations that can provide legitimate paperwork.
How to Get Help: Report fake petitioners to Police Scotland on 101. Alert nearby pedestrians.

4. False Accusations

Criminals accuse tourists of things like littering, damage, or theft demanding compensation. Their goal is to intimidate victims into paying.

How to Spot: You are abruptly accused of breaking a law or offense without cause. Refusing to pay results in threats and intimidation.
How to React: Stay calm. Make it clear you will not pay anything without involving the police.
How to Avoid: Be wary of confrontation with aggressive strangers. Avoid isolated areas.
How to Get Help: Report to Police Scotland on 101 immediately. Get to a public place and call for help if needed.

5. Overpriced Tours

Scammers overcharge tourists for budget tours run by unlicensed guides. They target key sites like Edinburgh Castle.

How to Spot: Avoid tours advertised at heavily discounted prices. Research reputable tour companies online beforehand.
How to React: Politely decline and walk away if you suspect a scam. Ask for credentials if unsure.
How to Avoid: Book only with licensed tour companies. Check online reviews. Avoid tickets sold on the street.
How to Get Help: Verify tour provider credentials on Visit Scotland’s website. Report illegal tours to Police Scotland 101.

6. Pickpockets

Edinburgh’s crowded streets and festivals offer rich pickings for thieves and pickpockets. Backpacks, phones, wallets are prime targets.

How to Spot: Pickpockets often work in groups with one creating a distraction while others steal. Be wary in crowds.
How to React: Keep valuables secured in front pockets or bags. Check for missing items immediately if jostled or distracted by strangers.
How to Avoid: Avoid carrying valuables in back pockets or outer coat pockets. Be alert in crowds. Use anti-theft bags.
How to Get Help: Report pickpocketing immediately to Police Scotland on 101 and notify your bank if cards are stolen.

7. Fake Accommodations

Scammers list fake or non-existent rooms and flats on booking sites to steal deposits and rent.

How to Spot: Listings with too-good-to-be true prices, vague photos and details are red flags. So are demands to pay outside booking sites.
How to React: Never pay anything until you physically visit the rental. Report fake listings.
How to Avoid: Carefully vet accommodation listings. Check recent reviews. Book only through trusted platforms with guarantees.
How to Get Help: Report fake listings to rental sites, anti-fraud groups, and Police Scotland on 101. Dispute payments through your bank.

8. Money Exchange Scams

Black market money changers offer fake, unfair, or outdated exchange rates to rip off tourists with foreign cash.

How to Spot: Avoid changers outside banks, malls, and transport hubs. Reject very high or low quoted rates. Do not change large amounts at once.
How to React: Politely decline. Find a legitimate currency exchange inside a bank to compare rates.
How to Avoid: Get foreign currency only from reputable banks or ATMs. Research current exchange rates online beforehand.
How to Get Help: Report to Police Scotland on 101. Notify your bank if scammed. Register the incident with your embassy.

9. Bogus Tradespeople

Criminals pose as workmen to gain access and rob holiday flats. Common pretexts are boiler, plumbing, or electrical issues.

How to Spot: Unexpected “workers” show up claiming emergency repairs are needed and demand cash. Legitimate tradespeople make appointments.
How to React: Do not let strangers into your rental without verifying their identity. Say you must consult the property manager first.
How to Avoid: Always check with the rental manager before allowing access. Schedule repairs in advance when possible.
How to Get Help: Contact the real property manager. Call 999 if threatened. Report incidents to Police Scotland on 101.

10. Automated Phone Scams

Robocallers impersonate banks, tech support, police, etc. to steal personal information through social engineering.

How to Spot: Recorded messages ask for sensitive info like account details to “resolve issues.” Scammers spoof real business numbers.
How to React: Hang up immediately. Do not press any buttons or provide personal or financial details.
How to Avoid: Let unknown numbers go to voicemail. Check numbers online if suspicious. Never return robocalls.
How to Get Help: Report scam calls to Police Scotland via 101 and to the UK telecom regulator Ofcom. Check accounts for fraud.

Make sure to check out our other scam guides.

Stay vigilant for these common scams targeting Edinburgh visitors. Always use caution around strangers who approach you on the street. Protect your valuables in crowds. Verify tour companies, traders, accommodations, and callers before parting with money or personal information. Avoid isolated areas and resist pressure from aggressive scammers demanding payment. Report any suspicious incidents to the police promptly. By staying informed and alert, you can enjoy Edinburgh safely and avoid falling victim to criminal schemes.