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Bangkok first and Paris comes second, with Prague, Rome, and Shanghai following as the world’s most pickpocket cities and scam-prone tourist attractions, according to a new 2025 update that’s shaking the global travel and tourism industry.
These iconic cities, loved by millions of travellers, have now become hotspots for theft and scams, exposing how crime shadows even the brightest corners of global tourism. The research by Compare the Market Australia reveals that Bangkok, home to the Grand Palace, ranks number one for scams, while Paris trails closely with incidents at Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur. Prague, Rome, and Shanghai follow, all reporting alarming trends around their busiest tourist zones.
The findings serve as a wake-up call for international travellers and airlines like Qatar Airways, urging them to boost safety awareness and promote responsible travel. As global trips rebound post-pandemic, the tourism industry must now balance adventure with vigilance. Travel And Tour World urges readers to dive into this story that exposes the hidden risks behind the world’s most beautiful destinations.
Bangkok Takes The Crown As The World’s Scam Capital
New research has revealed that Bangkok has officially been ranked the world’s number one pickpocket and scam hotspot for 2025, highlighting growing safety concerns across the global travel and tourism industry. The study, conducted by Compare the Market Australia, analysed traveller reviews and safety reports from major destinations worldwide. Results showed that Bangkok recorded 9.82 scam and pickpocket mentions per 1,000 reviews, surpassing every other city. This means travellers visiting Thailand’s capital face the highest chance of encountering theft or scams, particularly around iconic tourist attractions such as The Grand Palace.
Asia And Europe Dominate Global Scam Hotspots
According to the research, Asia and Europe dominate the rankings, proving that even the most visited tourism destinations are not immune to scams. Alongside Bangkok, Paris and Prague emerged as the second and third most dangerous cities for pickpockets and scams. This trend exposes the challenges that the tourism industry continues to face as global travel rebounds. Despite the popularity of these destinations, tourists remain prime targets for opportunistic criminals. The findings remind international visitors and airlines like Qatar Airways that vigilance and awareness remain essential as global trips increase in frequency and scale.
Paris Ranked Second For Pickpockets And Tourist Scams
In second place, Paris recorded a total of 6.81 mentions per 1,000 reviews for pickpocketing and scams. Iconic landmarks such as Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, Montmartre, and Eiffel Tower have been repeatedly cited as high-risk locations. The romantic charm of the French capital attracts millions of travellers annually, yet its popularity also makes it fertile ground for petty theft. Tourists are often approached by street vendors, fake petitioners, and ticket sellers engaging in deceptive schemes. The tourism industry in France is responding with new awareness campaigns, but pickpocketing continues to tarnish one of the world’s most visited travel destinations.
Prague Faces Rising Tourist Theft Concerns
Prague, the Czech Republic’s fairytale city, ranked third on the list, with 6.51 combined mentions for scams and pickpockets per 1,000 reviews. The research highlights that Old Town Hall and the Astronomical Clock remain the most targeted areas, where large crowds allow thieves to operate unnoticed. The rise in incidents poses challenges for both the city’s tourism authorities and travel industry stakeholders, as Prague continues to attract millions of international visitors yearly. Local travel operators, hotels, and airlines are now collaborating with law enforcement to protect the city’s reputation as a top European destination for safe and memorable trips.
Shanghai And Agra Also Make The Top Five
Shanghai ranked fourth, followed closely by Agra, India — both emerging as major scam and theft hubs in Asia. Shanghai, known for attractions like Nanjing Road, recorded 6.28 mentions per 1,000 reviews, while Agra, home to the Taj Mahal, logged 4.77 mentions. In Shanghai, tourists report being approached by fake tea house operators or individuals offering counterfeit goods. In Agra, scams often involve overcharging tourists or selling fake tickets. Despite these issues, both cities remain pillars of the tourism industry, drawing millions of travel enthusiasts every year who contribute significantly to their national travel economies.
Shenzhen, Rome, And Pattaya Join The Risk List
The study also placed Shenzhen (rank 6), Rome (rank 7), and Pattaya (rank 8) among the world’s most concerning destinations for tourist scams and theft. Shenzhen, a thriving Chinese metropolis, reported 4.69 mentions per 1,000 reviews, while Rome scored 4.52. Italy’s capital, known for its ancient wonders like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain, continues to struggle with street pickpockets and fake tour operators. Similarly, Pattaya, one of Thailand’s top seaside cities, faces ongoing challenges with deceptive taxi services and counterfeit product sellers. Despite these concerns, travel demand remains high, underscoring the resilience of the tourism industry across Asia and Europe.
Phuket And Mumbai Round Out the Top Ten
Phuket and Mumbai complete the global top ten list, representing key tourist hubs in Southeast and South Asia. Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, recorded 4.14 mentions per 1,000 reviews, mostly related to jet ski scams and overcharging at tourist spots. Mumbai, India’s financial capital, followed with 3.52 mentions, reflecting issues around street theft and taxi fare manipulation. Both destinations are vital to their countries’ tourism sectors, attracting millions of international travellers on trips each year. Local authorities are intensifying efforts to raise awareness and improve safety to maintain confidence in their respective travel industries.
Safety Fears Challenge The Tourism Industry
The report highlights how even world-class travel destinations face reputational risks due to petty crime. The rise in pickpocket and scam reports impacts not just tourists but the wider tourism economy — from hotels and restaurants to local guides and airlines. Safety perceptions influence travellers’ decisions on where to visit next. Experts in the travel industry warn that these issues can undermine trust and reduce bookings if not addressed effectively. As competition among tourism destinations grows, maintaining safety becomes as critical as offering scenic beauty or cultural attractions.
The Role Of Travel Insurance And Awareness
Industry experts recommend that travellers purchase comprehensive travel insurance and stay vigilant when exploring popular attractions. Many travellers underestimate the financial losses caused by petty crime during trips. Airlines, including Qatar Airways, and tour operators now actively share safety advisories through digital channels, encouraging tourists to plan responsibly. The tourism industry is also pushing for enhanced digital awareness campaigns that help travellers identify scam-prone areas. With proactive collaboration between governments and travel companies, destinations can reduce risks and rebuild tourist confidence in the global travel and tourism network.
How Airlines And Governments Can Help
The fight against tourist scams requires cooperation between airlines, governments, and tourism boards. Airlines such as Qatar Airways, British Airways, and United already support travellers by sharing destination safety updates and offering flexible rebooking options for disrupted trips. Governments are investing in surveillance, multilingual signage, and tourist police units at major attractions. These steps enhance security and reflect a shared commitment to protecting the value of the travel industry. The global collaboration between carriers and public authorities demonstrates how the tourism industry can innovate to protect travellers and sustain growth.
Global Tourism Recovery Faces New Challenges
The findings come at a time when global travel and tourism are rebounding strongly after pandemic-related slowdowns. However, the increase in international trips also raises new challenges in managing visitor safety and expectations. Tourism boards, airlines, and industry leaders must ensure that safety infrastructure keeps pace with traveller demand. The report serves as a wake-up call for destinations that rely heavily on foreign visitors. Protecting tourists from scams is not only about safety — it’s also about preserving the long-term reputation and resilience of the global travel industry.
Awareness Is The Key To Safer Travel
The 2025 report by Compare the Market Australia paints a vivid picture of the world’s most scam-prone destinations, from Bangkok and Paris to Prague and Shanghai. Despite these risks, the global tourism industry continues to thrive, driven by travellers’ passion for exploration and adventure. The challenge lies in balancing excitement with awareness. Airlines like Qatar Airways and tourism agencies worldwide are stepping up to make travel safer, smarter, and more rewarding. As the number of trips increases globally, vigilance and preparation remain the best tools for every traveller in the ever-evolving world of travel and tourism.
Input: Compare the Market
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