The World’s Worst Cities for Pickpockets and Scams, Ranked
A new study reveals where tourists are most likely to get targeted — and the results might surprise you.
It’s every traveler’s nightmare: you’re admiring a landmark one second, and the next, your wallet’s gone. A new 2025 study from Compare the Market analyzed reviews and safety data from 50 of the world’s biggest tourist cities — and the results reveal which destinations travelers say are most prone to pickpocketing and scams.
Researchers ranked each city based on traveler reviews mentioning theft or scams, along with how worried people were about being mugged or robbed, using data from TripAdvisor and Numbeo. The results were then normalized and scored out of 100, with higher scores reflecting higher risk. As Adrian Taylor, Executive General Manager at Compare the Market, put it: “While exploring iconic destinations is part of the adventure, travelers must also be prepared for the risks that come with these popular attractions. Staying vigilant and securing your belongings is key to enjoying a safe and memorable trip.”
And to be clear, none of this means you should skip these places. You just need to stay alert in crowded spots and trust your instincts. Now, here are the top 10 cities for pickpockets and scams.
10. Mumbai, India
Mumbai closes out the top ten with a total score of 36.86. While this bustling city is a cultural and culinary hub, tourists reported around 3.5 theft or scam mentions per 1,000 reviews — not alarming, but enough to merit caution in crowded markets like Colaba Causeway and near major train stations.
9. Phuket, Thailand
Known for its beaches and nightlife, Phuket tallied 4.14 scam or pickpocket mentions per 1,000 reviews and a 40.52 total score. The study notes that scams are more common than physical theft here, particularly those involving overcharging or “helpful” strangers offering unsolicited tours.
8. Pattaya, Thailand
Pattaya’s lively party scene also attracts opportunists. With a total score of 44.43, visitors reported higher scam activity than pickpocketing — around 3.1 scam mentions per 1,000 reviews. Street vendors and nightlife districts are where travelers need to keep an extra eye on their belongings.
7. Rome, Italy
The Eternal City earned a total score of 45.53, with 4.5 mentions per 1,000 reviews. While it’s still one of the most-visited destinations in the world, areas around Termini Station and the Colosseum remain prime spots for pickpockets targeting distracted tourists.
6. Shenzhen, China
Shenzhen, known for its tech industry and shopping, came in with a score of 39.51. Visitors cited both scams and pickpocketing, especially in commercial centers like Luohu Commercial City. Reviewers often mentioned counterfeit goods or inflated prices as common pitfalls.
5. Agra, India
Home to the Taj Mahal, Agra scored 47.48. While incidents aren’t rampant, the study found 4.77 theft or scam mentions per 1,000 reviews. Petty thefts and small-time scams tend to cluster around major tourist attractions — a reminder that even world wonders have their risks.
4. Shanghai, China
Shanghai landed fourth with 51.83 points. It’s one of Asia’s safest-feeling cities, but travelers still reported 6.28 incidents per 1,000 reviews, mostly scams. Popular sites like Nanjing Road and Yu Garden were the main hotspots, where “tea ceremony” scams and fake art sellers remain common.
3. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague might be postcard-perfect, but it’s also the third most scam- and pickpocket-prone city in the world. Scoring 52.16 overall, the Czech capital recorded 6.5 mentions per 1,000 reviews — most tied to pickpocketing near the Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock or Charles Bridge. Locals say crowded tourist areas are where thieves blend right in with the crowd.
2. Paris, France
The City of Love has another reputation: the City of Pickpockets. Paris scored 68.81, with 6.81 theft or scam mentions per 1,000 reviews. Visitors most often reported thefts at Montmartre and the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, where large crowds and distracted sightseers create easy opportunities for quick hands.
1. Bangkok, Thailand
Taking the top spot is Bangkok, Thailand, with a total score of 83.45 and a whopping 9.82 theft or scam mentions per 1,000 reviews. The Grand Palace was the single most frequently flagged attraction in the world for these incidents. The city’s scammers tend to rely more on deception than stealth; overcharging, fake tours, and “closed temple” tricks are still common.
Even in higher-risk destinations, most visits go smoothly… You just have to travel smart. Keep valuables zipped and close to your body, avoid engaging with overly friendly strangers near major attractions, and consider travel insurance that covers theft or lost belongings.
If you’re curious about other travel studies, check out the world’s most dangerous tourist cities ranked and these rude countries, according to travelers.
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