Amsterdam Emergency Card

Tourist Police / Authorities

• Politie Amsterdam-Centrum (Beursstraat)
  0900-8844
  Beursstraat 33 — 24/7, English-speaking staff
• Fraudehelpdesk (fraud helpline)
  088 786 7372
  fraudehelpdesk.nl

First 10 minutes if something happens

1. 1.Get to a safe, public spot (café, hotel lobby, shop) and call All emergencies on 112 if anyone is hurt or in immediate danger.
2. 2.Freeze cards immediately in your bank app (do this before calling the bank — it's faster). Revoke Apple Pay / Google Pay from a trusted device if your phone was taken.
3. 3.Change the password on your primary email from a trusted device, then sign out of every other session. Email is the master key to everything else.
4. 4.Contact Politie Amsterdam-Centrum (Beursstraat) on 0900-8844 to file a report — you'll need the reference number for insurance, banks, and your embassy.

Full 8-step checklist at gacs.app/safe-traveller/amsterdam

Top 5 scams to watch for

1. 1. Fake cocaine / MDMA in the Red Light District
   Street dealers sell aspirin, laxatives, or worse — some doses have hospitalised tourists.
   Avoid: Never buy drugs from street dealers — Dutch police warn this constantly.
   If it happens: If someone collapses after use, call 112 immediately — no legal risk to callers.
2. 2. Bike-rental damage claim
   You return the bike fine; the shop invents €200 in 'damage' and charges your card.
   Avoid: Rent from established chains: MacBike, Yellow Bike, A-Bike, Black Bikes.
   If it happens: Dispute unrecognised charges with your card issuer within 60 days; send your photos as evidence.
3. 3. Tram 2 & 5 pickpockets
   Coordinated teams work the tourist trams from Centraal to Museumplein.
   Avoid: Bag zipper against your chest, hand on it.
   If it happens: Shout 'Zakkenroller!' (pickpocket) — Dutch commuters will help.
4. 4. Wallet-drop / gold-ring find
   Someone 'drops' a wallet then accuses you of theft, or 'finds' a gold ring and demands cash.
   Avoid: Never pick up 'dropped' items — leave them for the owner to return.
   If it happens: Walk into a shop or hotel and ask staff to call 112.
5. 5. Restaurant bill padding on Damrak
   Tourist-strip cafés add mystery 'service' fees, 'bread' you didn't ask for, and double-billed drinks.
   Avoid: Eat one street off the main tourist drags (Jordaan, De Pijp).
   If it happens: Ask for an itemised bill; refuse to pay unlisted extras.