4 Scams To Watch Out For In Berlin

Last Updated on September 30, 2024

Berlin is a vibrant city with a lot to offer, but like any major metropolis, it also has its share of scams and things to watch out for.

Fortunately, Berlin is still very safe. For the most part, just being aware of your surroundings will do the trick.

But to ensure you enjoy your trip without any unpleasant surprises, it’s essential to be aware of common scams targeting tourists.

Here are four scams to watch out for (for tourists and locals alike!):

1. Deaf/Mute Charity Scam

Typically this scam consists of young girls with clipboards hanging out near Bernauer Straße or Museumsinsel (I’ve also seen them around Potsdamer Platz). They approach you with a clipboard asking you for your signature to support a charity. After you sign, they will harass you for money. (I’ve heard of them pushing you to go to an ATM.)

Of course, the charity is fake and they are not deaf/mute! Politely refuse their requests and warn others if you can!

2. The Shell Game Scam

The shell game is another popular scam that specifically targets tourist. (“Hütchenspiel” for the Germans). I’ve typically seen this one around the East Side Gallery but it happens all over town.

Basically, an interesting-looking game is happening on the ground. People are getting very excited and placing bets. They will try to rope you into placing a bet too! However, the catch is that the people watching the games are part of it. Someone else will inevitably “win” and take your money for the group.

3. Rental Flat/Landlord Scam

This one mostly affects long-term residents of Berlin. But if you’re planning to stay in Berlin for a while, it might affect you too. The scam usually goes something like this: the owner is very eager to rent out their flat. But they live outside the country. They pressure you to give the deposit in exchange for the keys right away. But if you do, of course they vanish without a trace.

Housing is hard to come by in Berlin and these scammers know this. You might have sent out a ton of emails trying to get a room and only had this one person respond.

During my flat search, I always asked to tour the flat as a way to weed out these type of people. Even touring a flat isn’t a guarantee these days (as some scammers rent AirBnB’s to “show” as their own). But in any case, when it comes to renting a flat, when it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

4. The Telekom Scam

These people show up at your flat and try to get you to sign up for a new internet plan–even if you’re subletting or the contract isn’t in your name, etc. They can be very pushy.

There is confusion here because sometimes there are legit workers doing this. Other times, the whole thing is a scam. Needless to say, if anyone shows up at your door pressuring you to change a contract or buy something, don’t! If it’s legit, you’ll be able to sign up yourself later on.

Scams In Berlin: Additional Tips

• Always trust your instincts! If something feels off, it probably is.
• Move away from any stranger who tries to touch you ASAP.
• Don’t buy tickets from anyone except official ticket offices or reliable online retailers. (That includes event tickets, transit tickets, etc.)
• Most cabs are safe. But book Uber ahead of time and/or keep your map open to make sure you’re going to the right destination.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye on your belongings and avoid displaying valuables openly.
• Don’t walk away from your purse in a bar or club! I can’t tell you how many friends have had their stuff stolen.
• Keep an eye out for pickpockets in common tourist areas and especially Warschauer Str in the evenings!

By being aware of these common scams, you can enjoy your trip to Berlin without falling victim to fraud. Stay safe and have fun!

Planning your trip to Berlin? Check out our two-day itinerary to Berlin right here or our everything you need to know for your trip to Berlin guide here!

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