iLoveSafety
The Athens Bar Scam: The Friendly Stranger and the €400 Bill
How the well-known Athens bar scam works, how to spot it and what to do if it happens.
By the iLoveGreece editorial team · Last reviewed 2026-11
Quick answer
A friendly older man starts chatting near Plaka, Syntagma or Monastiraki and invites you for an ouzo or 'traditional music' at a bar he knows. Inside, staff order drinks you didn't ask for and you get a bill of hundreds of euros, with pressure to pay. Politely refuse any invitation from a stranger to a bar.
What to know
- Warning signs: an unprompted chat, compliments about your country, and an invitation to 'his' bar.
- Never enter a bar you didn't choose yourself, and check prices before ordering.
- If you're inside and feel unsafe, prioritise your safety; leave as soon as you can.
- Call the police on 100 or 112, or the Tourist Police on 1571, and write down the bar's address.
- Contact your card provider immediately to report the charge.
FAQ
Is Athens unsafe because of this?
No. Athens is generally safe; this is a specific, well-known trick. Simply declining invitations from strangers avoids it.
Can I get my money back?
Sometimes, if you report it quickly to the police and your bank. Cash payments are harder to recover.
Related guides
Updated 2026-11. General planning guidance. Check with operators and local authorities.