Athens Emergency Card

Tourist Police / Authorities

• Tourist Police Athens
  +30 210 920 0724
  Veikou 43-45, Koukaki — 24/7, English/multilingual
• Hellenic Police HQ
  +30 210 770 5711

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 Tourist Police Athens on +30 210 920 0724 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/athens

Top 5 scams to watch for

1. 1. Tea-house / bar 'friendly local' honey trap
   A 'friendly local' takes you for a drink; the bill is €500+ and bouncers block the door.
   Avoid: Do not follow strangers to bars — pick your own.
   If it happens: Pay only what's on a printed menu; refuse verbal 'special prices.'
2. 2. Taxi meter switch from ATH airport
   Driver runs meter on Tariff 2 (double) in daytime or claims meter is broken and quotes €80.
   Avoid: The flat fare from ATH to central Athens is €40 daytime / €55 night — official and posted at the rank.
   If it happens: Refuse to pay more than the flat rate; photograph the licence plate on the roof and inside.
3. 3. Metro pickpockets on Line 1 to Piraeus
   Coordinated teams work the tourist line from Monastiraki to the cruise port.
   Avoid: Bag cross-body, zipper against chest, hand on top.
   If it happens: Shout to draw attention; the group scatters.
4. 4. Acropolis 'bracelet' / photo scam
   Men tie a woven bracelet to your wrist then demand €10–€20 per person.
   Avoid: Hands in pockets on the approach to the Acropolis and around Plaka.
   If it happens: Cut the bracelet off; it has no value.
5. 5. Petition / distraction at Syntagma
   'Deaf & mute' clipboards work Syntagma and Plaka in coordinated teams.
   Avoid: Say 'Ohi' (no) firmly and keep walking.
   If it happens: Check pockets and bag immediately.