Key Takeaways
• Airport scams targeting jewellery and watches rise over 35% in Spain, Italy, France, and Turkey during summer 2025.
• Distraction thefts, fake officials, luggage swaps, and QR code phishing are the most common 2025 airport scams.
• Travelers should keep valuables on person, verify officials, use insurance, and report thefts immediately for protection.
A sharp rise in airport scams is putting travelers’ jewellery and watches at risk in Spain 🇪🇸, Italy 🇮🇹, France 🇫🇷, and Turkey 🇹🇷. As of July 3, 2025, authorities and travel experts are warning that these scams are more common and sophisticated than ever, especially during the busy summer travel season. Major airports in Barcelona, Paris, Rome, and Istanbul have become hotspots for thieves and scammers who target tourists carrying high-value items. With tourist-targeted crimes up by more than 35% during peak months, travelers need to know how these scams work, who is at risk, and what steps they can take to protect their valuables.
What’s Happening: The Surge in Airport Scams
Travelers passing through airports in Spain 🇪🇸, Italy 🇮🇹, France 🇫🇷, and Turkey 🇹🇷 are facing a growing threat from organized crime rings and opportunistic thieves. According to recent data, more than 20% of international travelers reported being scammed at least once between 2024 and 2025. The most common targets are people carrying expensive jewellery and luxury watches, which are easy to steal and difficult to recover.
The problem is especially severe in major tourist cities. Barcelona, for example, saw 398 thefts per 100,000 residents in 2022, and those numbers have only gone up as more tourists visit in 2024 and 2025. Paris, Rome, and Istanbul also rank among the top cities for airport-related theft and scams. Travel insurance claims for stolen jewellery and watches have jumped by over 30% in the first half of 2025, showing just how widespread the problem has become.
How Scammers Operate: Common Tactics in 2025
Thieves and scammers use a variety of tricks to steal jewellery, watches, and other valuables from travelers. Here are the most common types of airport scams reported in 2025:
Distraction Thefts
Distraction thefts are one of the oldest and most effective tricks. Thieves create a diversion—like dropping something, causing a commotion, or asking for help—while an accomplice steals your valuables. These scams often happen at security checkpoints or baggage claim, where people are distracted and their belongings are out in the open. In 2025, these thefts have become more sophisticated, with teams working together to spot and target travelers wearing or carrying expensive items.
Luggage Swapping and Theft
Some scammers swap luggage tags, tamper with bags, or even plant illegal items to create confusion. In many cases, they simply steal bags that look valuable, especially if they spot jewellery or watches inside. The use of GPS luggage trackers is on the rise, but thieves are also getting better at spotting and removing these devices. Spain 🇪🇸, Italy 🇮🇹, France 🇫🇷, and Turkey 🇹🇷 have all reported an increase in this type of scam.
Fake Security or Police
Impostors posing as airport security or police officers are becoming more common, especially in Istanbul, Paris, and Rome. These scammers ask to inspect your bag or valuables, then either steal them or demand a bribe. In 2025, reports of fake officials have increased, with some travelers losing thousands of euros’ worth of jewellery and watches.
Forced Purchases and Bracelet Scams
Aggressive vendors sometimes place jewellery or trinkets on travelers as they exit customs or arrivals, then demand payment. This scam is still common in Paris, Rome, and Barcelona, especially near airport exits. Victims often feel pressured or intimidated into paying for items they never wanted.
QR Code Phishing (“Quishing”)
A newer scam involves fake QR codes placed on airport signs, payment kiosks, or flyers. When travelers scan these codes, they are taken to fraudulent websites that steal payment information or personal data. This type of digital scam has increased sharply in 2025, affecting all major airports in the region.
ATM Skimming
High-tech devices are attached to ATMs to steal card data. Sometimes, accomplices distract travelers while they use the machine. Spain 🇪🇸, Turkey 🇹🇷, and France 🇫🇷 have all reported cases of ATM skimming, with thieves using more advanced technology to avoid detection.
Taxi and Limo Scams
Unlicensed drivers may overcharge, take longer routes, or even hold luggage (sometimes containing jewellery or watches) hostage for extra fees. These scams are more organized in 2025, with rings operating at all major airports.
Why Jewellery and Watches Are Prime Targets
Jewellery and watches are small, valuable, and easy to resell, making them attractive targets for thieves. Many travelers wear their best items on vacation or carry them as gifts, not realizing how much attention they attract. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the rise in travel after pandemic restrictions has led to more people carrying high-value items, which in turn has fueled the increase in airport scams.
Travel insurance companies have noticed the trend as well. Claims for stolen jewellery and watches have risen by more than 30% in early 2025, especially among travelers to Southern Europe and Turkey. Insurers warn that many policies have strict requirements for documenting and reporting theft, so travelers need to be prepared.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Anyone traveling through airports in Spain 🇪🇸, Italy 🇮🇹, France 🇫🇷, or Turkey 🇹🇷 can be a target, but some groups are at higher risk:
- Tourists carrying visible jewellery or luxury watches
- Business travelers with expensive accessories
- Elderly travelers or those unfamiliar with local customs
- Families distracted by children or large amounts of luggage
Scammers often watch for people who seem distracted, confused, or unfamiliar with airport procedures. They may also target travelers who are alone or appear wealthy.
What Authorities Are Doing
Airport authorities in these countries have responded by increasing surveillance and deploying more plainclothes security officers. In 2025, airports are rolling out advanced monitoring systems, including AI-driven cameras, to spot suspicious behavior. However, officials warn that the sheer number of travelers and the evolving tactics of scammers mean that personal vigilance is still the best defense.
Local police advise travelers to report any suspicious activity immediately. In Turkey 🇹🇷, for example, you can dial 155 for police assistance. The U.S. State Department and European consulates also urge travelers to use the same precautions they would in the United States 🇺🇸, avoid public Wi-Fi, and keep valuables secured at all times.
How to Protect Your Jewellery and Watches
Travelers can take several steps to reduce their risk of falling victim to airport scams. Here’s what experts recommend for 2025:
Before You Travel
- Leave Irreplaceable Items at Home: Only bring jewellery or watches that are essential. If possible, travel with replicas instead of originals.
- Get Insurance: Buy comprehensive travel insurance that covers theft or loss of high-value items. Keep both digital and paper copies of appraisals and receipts.
- Photograph Your Valuables: Take clear photos of each item. This will help with identification and insurance claims if something is stolen.
At the Airport
- Keep Valuables on Your Person: Never put jewellery or watches in checked luggage. Use a secure, discreet pouch or money belt.
- Use TSA-Approved Locks: Secure all bags with approved locks. Consider using GPS luggage trackers for checked bags.
- Stay Alert at Security: Wait until the person ahead of you has cleared security before placing your valuables on the conveyor belt. Watch your tray at all times.
- Avoid Distractions: Be wary of anyone causing a commotion or offering unsolicited help, especially near security or baggage claim.
- Verify Officials: If someone claims to be airport security or police, ask to see official ID and insist on resolving any issues at an official checkpoint.
- Beware of QR Codes: Only scan codes from official airport sources. Avoid codes on stickers, flyers, or random signs.
- Use Licensed Transport: Only use official taxi stands or reputable ride-share apps. Confirm the fare before you leave and track your route with GPS.
If You Are Scammed or Robbed
- Report Immediately: Notify airport security and local police. Get a police report for your insurance claim.
- Contact Your Embassy: If you are a foreign national, reach out to your embassy or consulate for help.
- File Insurance Claims Promptly: Provide all documentation, including photos and police reports, to your insurer as soon as possible.
Expert Perspectives: Why Scams Are Increasing
Security experts say that distraction-based thefts and digital scams like QR code phishing and ATM skimming are the fastest-growing threats in 2025. Organized crime rings are using more advanced technology and working in teams to target travelers. Even as airports improve security, the sheer volume of people and the constant flow of new travelers make it hard to stop every scam.
Travel insurers point out that many travelers don’t realize how strict insurance policies can be. If you don’t document your valuables or report thefts quickly, you may not be able to recover your losses. Airport authorities stress that while surveillance has improved, personal vigilance is still the most important factor in staying safe.
What’s Changing: The Future of Airport Security
Looking ahead, airports in Spain 🇪🇸, Italy 🇮🇹, France 🇫🇷, and Turkey 🇹🇷 are investing in even more advanced surveillance and monitoring systems. By the end of 2025, many airports will use AI-driven cameras and software to spot suspicious behavior and track known criminals. There is also more cooperation between airport authorities and police across the European Union and Turkey 🇹🇷 to share information about organized crime rings.
Travelers can also expect to see more public awareness campaigns in airports, with signs and announcements warning about common scams. These efforts aim to educate travelers and reduce the number of victims.
Practical Tips: What Travelers Should Do
To sum up, here are the most important steps travelers should take to protect their jewellery and watches from airport scams in 2025:
- Stay alert at all times, especially at security and baggage claim.
- Keep jewellery and watches on your person, not in checked bags.
- Use travel insurance, document your valuables, and know how to report theft.
- Be cautious of distractions, fake officials, QR codes, and unlicensed taxis.
- Monitor official airport and government advisories for the latest updates.
If you need to report a theft or scam, contact local police right away. Here are the emergency numbers and official websites for each country:
- Spain 🇪🇸: Policía Nacional – 091, official website
- France 🇫🇷: Police Nationale – 17, official website
- Italy 🇮🇹: Polizia di Stato – 113, official website
- Turkey 🇹🇷: Police – 155, official website
- United States 🇺🇸 travelers: U.S. State Department for country-specific updates and embassy contacts
Implications for Different Groups
For Immigrants and International Travelers
Immigrants and international travelers may be especially vulnerable if they are unfamiliar with local customs or language. It’s important to learn about common scams before you travel and to keep emergency contact information handy. If you are traveling with family, make sure everyone knows what to do if something goes wrong.
For Business Travelers
Business travelers often carry expensive watches, jewellery, or electronics. They should take extra care to secure these items and avoid discussing their valuables in public. Using discreet travel accessories and keeping valuables out of sight can help reduce risk.
For Families
Families with children or large amounts of luggage can be easy targets for distraction thefts. Assign one adult to watch over valuables at all times, and teach children not to accept items or help from strangers.
For Airport and Security Staff
Airport and security staff are under pressure to keep up with new scam tactics. Ongoing training and better cooperation with police are essential. Staff should also be ready to help travelers who report theft or suspicious activity.
Final Thoughts: Staying Safe in 2025
The rise in airport scams in Spain 🇪🇸, Italy 🇮🇹, France 🇫🇷, and Turkey 🇹🇷 is a serious concern for anyone traveling with jewellery or watches. While authorities are working hard to improve security, the best protection is still personal vigilance and preparation. By following the steps outlined above, travelers can greatly reduce their risk and enjoy a safer journey.
For more information on travel safety and official updates, visit the U.S. State Department’s travel website. For detailed analysis and ongoing updates about airport scams and how to protect your valuables, VisaVerge.com reports that staying informed and prepared is the most effective way to avoid becoming a victim.
Remember: Stay alert, keep your valuables close, and don’t let scammers ruin your trip.
Learn Today
Distraction Thefts → Crimes where thieves create diversions to steal valuables from distracted travelers in busy airport areas.
QR Code Phishing → A scam using fake QR codes to direct travelers to fraudulent websites stealing personal or payment data.
ATM Skimming → The illegal attachment of devices to ATMs that steal users’ card data during transactions.
Luggage Swapping → Scammers replacing luggage tags or stealing bags to steal valuables like jewellery or watches.
Fake Security Officials → Impostors posing as police or airport security who steal or extort valuables from travelers.
This Article in a Nutshell
Airport scams are surging in Spain, Italy, France, and Turkey, threatening travellers’ jewellery and watches. With sophisticated tactics like distraction thefts and fake officials, personal vigilance and travel insurance are crucial in 2025. Authorities increase surveillance, but travelers must protect valuables and know reporting procedures.
— By VisaVerge.com
