Rick Steves Warns Of The Dangers Of Seemingly Innocent 'Commotions' While Traveling

You're happily strolling by the Trevi Fountain in Rome when you see someone drop their wallet ahead of you. You helpfully bend down to retrieve it, and as you straighten up, you feel a little lighter. No, it's not the joy of helping someone. You literally feel lighter because your own wallet has been removed from your pocket.

Does this kind of thing really happen? According to travel guru Rick Steves, it does. Writing on his website, Steves warns travelers about a litany of scams they should be aware of while in Europe. In a section called "Oops," Steves writes, "Treat any commotion (a scuffle breaking out, a beggar in your face) as fake — designed to distract unknowing victims." So-called commotions include seeing someone drop an item, having something spilled on you — including fake pigeon poop! — in a crowded place, a fight starting nearby, or even being handed a baby to hold.

Steves writes that things like this are designed to distract unsuspecting tourists. So, as you coo over the world's cutest baby or try to wipe ice cream off your shirt, you're gently being relieved of your wallet. Unexpected interactions with locals are often the start of a scam or theft. Even Steves himself has been pickpocketed! Whether you're approached randomly by a beggar or an incredibly attractive person (or a disarming combination of the two), trust your instincts and secure your valuables.

Unfortunately, Rick Steves is not the only one warning about this. One user in Reddit's r/travel forum writes of being hugged and then tripped as someone took his iPhone while in Barcelona. Another traveler in Reddit's r/solotravel forum detailed an incident where a man asked her for directions, and as she turned to face him, his accomplice moved in to swipe her bag. Another European vacationer in the same forum wrote about being approached by people holding a map as a distraction.

So, what's the moral of the story? It's not, "don't travel to Europe, because it's way too scary." Being aware of scams like these can help you keep an eye out for them. And you do need to keep your wits about you when traveling in Europe (and all over the world, we'd argue). To keep your personal items safe, you can follow Rick Steves' simple tips for avoiding pickpockets in Europe, which include using a money belt. You also shouldn't let stories like these put you off interacting with friendly locals. Just do it on your terms: Go to the pub and strike up a conversation, chat with the people working in your hotel, or hire a local guide for a real insight into the culture.