GACS Safe TravellerAmsterdam tourist scams: what to watch for, how to react
Amsterdam is safe but pickpocketing on trams 2 and 5, bike-rental damage scams, and fake drugs sold in the Red Light District cost tourists thousands each week.
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Top 5 scams in Amsterdam
Fake cocaine / MDMA in the Red Light District
Street dealers sell aspirin, laxatives, or worse — some doses have hospitalised tourists.
How it works
Dealers in alleys off the Red Light District approach tourists with 'coke, MDMA, xtc?' — the product is fake at best (crushed painkillers) and lethal at worst (fentanyl-contaminated white heroin sold as cocaine has killed multiple tourists since 2014). Selling drugs on the street is illegal; coffee shops sell only cannabis.
How to avoid it
- Never buy drugs from street dealers — Dutch police warn this constantly.
- Only cannabis is legal, and only from licensed coffee shops.
- If you use, test kits are available free at Jellinek drug clinic.
If it happens: do this now
- If someone collapses after use, call 112 immediately — no legal risk to callers.
- Tell paramedics exactly what was taken; honesty saves lives.
- Report the dealer's location to police at 0900-8844.
Bike-rental damage claim
You return the bike fine; the shop invents €200 in 'damage' and charges your card.
How it works
Sketchy rental shops near Centraal Station charge a €50–€200 damage fee weeks after your trip for scratches that were already on the bike, or claim it was 'stolen' while you rented it.
How to avoid it
- Rent from established chains: MacBike, Yellow Bike, A-Bike, Black Bikes.
- Photograph the bike (all sides + serial number) before and after your rental.
- Read the contract — some shops require you to insure against theft (€3/day).
If it happens: do this now
- Dispute unrecognised charges with your card issuer within 60 days; send your photos as evidence.
- File a complaint at ACM ConsuWijzer (consuwijzer.nl).
- Report the shop to Politie via 0900-8844 for consumer fraud.
Tram 2 & 5 pickpockets
Coordinated teams work the tourist trams from Centraal to Museumplein.
How it works
Groups of 2–3 board at Centraal, position around you as the tram fills, and lift phones and wallets during the crush at Dam Square. They exit at the next stop before you notice.
How to avoid it
- Bag zipper against your chest, hand on it.
- Phone in front zipped pocket, never in your back pocket or in your hand near a door.
- Wear a money belt for cards and cash if you're carrying much.
If it happens: do this now
- Shout 'Zakkenroller!' (pickpocket) — Dutch commuters will help.
- File a report online at politie.nl/aangifte within 24h for insurance.
- Freeze cards in your banking app before doing anything else.
Wallet-drop / gold-ring find
Someone 'drops' a wallet then accuses you of theft, or 'finds' a gold ring and demands cash.
How it works
Classic distraction scam. One person drops a wallet near you; when you pick it up (or step past it), an accomplice appears, accuses you of stealing, and demands to see your wallet 'to verify.' Common on Damrak and around the Bloemenmarkt.
How to avoid it
- Never pick up 'dropped' items — leave them for the owner to return.
- If confronted, say 'Politie' loudly and walk toward the nearest café.
- Never open your wallet to strangers claiming to be police.
If it happens: do this now
- Walk into a shop or hotel and ask staff to call 112.
- Real Dutch police wear uniforms and carry ID; plainclothes officers will accept your request to call the station.
- Report to politie.nl afterwards for insurance.
Restaurant bill padding on Damrak
Tourist-strip cafés add mystery 'service' fees, 'bread' you didn't ask for, and double-billed drinks.
How it works
Damrak and Leidseplein tourist restaurants routinely add 'couvert', 'brood', or 15% 'service' to the bill. Some print two menus — one with lower prices for locals. Dutch service is included by law; extras must be itemised.
How to avoid it
- Eat one street off the main tourist drags (Jordaan, De Pijp).
- Ask for the menu with prices before ordering, including bread and water.
- Service is included in Netherlands — extra tip is voluntary, 5–10% max.
If it happens: do this now
- Ask for an itemised bill; refuse to pay unlisted extras.
- Pay with card only — you can dispute later.
- Report predatory pricing to ACM ConsuWijzer.
Emergency numbers in Netherlands
Local police & anti-fraud authorities
Politie Amsterdam-Centrum (Beursstraat)
0900-8844
Beursstraat 33 — 24/7, English-speaking staff
Fraudehelpdesk (fraud helpline)
088 786 7372
fraudehelpdesk.nl
Most embassies are in The Hague (45 min by train). Consulates in Amsterdam are limited — check gov.uk/world or your foreign ministry.
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GACS Safe Traveller — Amsterdam, Netherlands. Updated 2026-07-14. Source: https://gacs.app/safe-traveller/amsterdam
© 2026 GACS — Global Anti-Crime & Safety. Published as a public safety guide. Content updated monthly from government advisories, local police guidance, and verified traveler reports.
Sources: US State Department, UK FCDO Foreign Travel Advice, Australian Smartraveller, local police advisories, and reports verified by GACS. Content updated monthly.
