Berlin Emergency Card

Tourist Police / Authorities

• Polizei Berlin (main HQ)
  030 4664-4664
  Platz der Luftbrücke 6 — 24/7
• Zentrale Anlaufstelle für Touristen
  030 4664-923444
  Tourist crime unit, English-speaking
• Online police report
  internetwache-polizei-berlin.de

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 Polizei Berlin (main HQ) on 030 4664-4664 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/berlin

Top 5 scams to watch for

1. 1. Fake BVG 'ticket inspector'
   Plainclothes 'inspectors' demand an on-the-spot €60 fine and refuse to show ID.
   Avoid: Always buy and validate a ticket before boarding — inspectors are frequent.
   If it happens: Ask to see the photo ID with hologram; refuse to pay cash.
2. 2. Bar tab padding on Warschauer / Simon-Dach-Str
   You order 4 drinks, the tab shows 8; music is loud and the bill comes at 3am.
   Avoid: Pay per drink in cash, not a running tab.
   If it happens: Ask for an itemised receipt; refuse to sign inflated bills.
3. 3. S-Bahn pickpockets to Alexanderplatz
   Groups work the tourist route from Hauptbahnhof to Alex during rush hour.
   Avoid: Wear your bag cross-body, zipper in front, hand on top.
   If it happens: Shout 'Taschendieb!' (pickpocket) — Berliners will help block them.
4. 4. Fake charity petition at Brandenburg Gate
   'Deaf-mute' clipboards distract you while a partner picks your pocket.
   Avoid: Say 'Nein danke' and keep walking without touching the clipboard.
   If it happens: Check bag and pockets immediately.
5. 5. Currency exchange short-change (Bahnhof Zoo)
   The rate on the sign is real; the rate on your receipt is 25% worse.
   Avoid: Use ATMs (Sparkasse, Deutsche Bank, Postbank) — they give near-interbank rates.
   If it happens: Refuse the transaction if the final amount is different from what you agreed.