Brits warned to 'steer clear' of 'bracelet scam sweeping Europe' - signs to look out for
The scam typically happens in big cities such as Barcelona, Rome or Paris.
From the bustling Las Ramblas to Rome's Collussem, these major hotspots draw in millions of tourists every year. However, with that comes the risk of sneaky scammers, who specifically target tourists.
From charging for fake services to pickpocketing, Europe is home to numerous scams by opportunists, but there is one that a travel expert has warned is extremely popular at the moment.
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Speaking to Express.co.uk, Jessica Dante, travel expert and founder of Love and London shared some signs for holidaymakers to make them aware of the "bracelet scam sweeping Europe". While bracelet swaps have become something of a phenomenon recently, in part thanks to the Taylor Swift global tour, you don't want to get caught up in a bracelet scam.
Jessica explained: "We’ve all heard about the rose or flower scam where you can be interrupted at a restaurant by a scammer who will hand you or your loved one a flower all while using it as a distraction to pickpocket you.
"But another scam popular in European cities uses the same principle but the scammer will try and put a bracelet around your wrist."
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Experts from The Points Guy recently listed the "friendship bracelet scam" as one of the most common in Europe, particularly in cities like Paris and Milan.
Jessica continued: "Couples need to be more cautious as the scammer plays on romantic emotions by making one partner feel obliged to engage and not dismiss the romantic gesture out of hurting their partner's feelings.
"But the bracelet scam is just another rogue to distract and steal your belongings, as people are wise to the rose scam tactic.
"So, it's best to steer clear and decline on the spot. If you want to validate your relationship, do it on your own accord and terms by going into a shop and picking out a bracelet together."
Though the scam may be common today, it's actually been around for years in cities such as Paris. Taking to Reddit, an anonymous traveller shared their experience. They said: "At the base of Sacre Coeur, I was accosted and grabbed by three men attempting to put a bracelet on me in spring 2012. I had to wriggle out of it and I ran from them as fast as I could.
"I said no three times thinking they were normal sellers and I was being respectful and on the third time they grabbed me." [SIC]
Another holidaymaker who visited Rome last year shared a similar anecdote on Reddit. They explained: "Today I visited the Castel Sant'Angelo and got caught by one of the many salespeople on the bridge just outside the castle.
"He was a very nice man, very chatty and offered me and my wife a “free” bracelet. I kindly refused but he ended up getting a bracelet on both our wrists and then demanded (quite aggressively) €10 euros, €5 per bracelet." [SIC]
Some scams are more common than others in select cities, which is why researching your destination before you go is so important. Luckily, it couldn't be easier in the age of social media.
"[You can] see what scams are popular by searching on TikTok as people will often share scams to look out for in their city," advised Jessica.
