November 18, 2025, 11:29 am | Read time: 2 minutes
By posing as tourists in distress, scammers try to get money. The scheme is known worldwide and is now spreading more and more in Germany. The police warn of the “Stranded Traveller Scam.”
Money gone, ID gone, bank card gone–it’s unimaginable if this happens to you during a trip. Not only is your vacation at risk, but also your return journey. Hearing such a story likely evokes sympathy. But that’s exactly what brazen scammers exploit worldwide–and now here as well. The “Stranded Traveller Scam” is becoming increasingly common, with recent incidents reported in several German states.
Fake Tourists Exploit Willingness to Help
While tourists are often scammed on vacation, criminals with the “Stranded Traveller Scam” operate in reverse. They don’t scam tourists; they pose as them. They tell their victims they’re in a bind because their wallet or papers were stolen or lost.
Also of interest: Scammers Rip Off Tourists with Fake Tickets
According to the NRW Police, scammers operate alone or in groups. In the latter case, they often pose as relatives, such as father and son or brothers. They ask their victims to lend them cash, promising to repay it via instant transfer. They usually open a banking app–but it’s either fake or the transaction is quietly canceled.
Victims often realize too late that they’ve been duped. The fake tourists are long gone. In one case in Kaiserslautern, the victim and the scammer even exchanged phone numbers because the money didn’t appear in the account. But after a few days, there was no further contact from the unknown scammer.
How to Protect Yourself from Scammers
The police warn against these supposed tourists and offer tips to protect yourself from such con artists. The Police Crime Prevention advises staying alert and keeping your distance if approached on the street. Never give cash to a stranger, and don’t share personal information. It’s also important not to engage with these supposed tourists, even if they offer to transfer the money back immediately–even if you’re familiar with the platform.
If you feel uncomfortable or pressured, you should ask other passersby for help or, if in doubt, inform the police.