Melbourne
The coastal capital of the southeastern Australian state of Victoria.
Police
000
Ambulance
000
Tourist Police
N/A
Risk Map & Attractions
Common Scams
The Broken Camera Ploy
A scammer, often a young person, approaches a tourist in a scenic area and asks them to take a photo with their camera or phone. They then deliberately drop the device and blame the tourist, demanding immediate cash compensation for the 'damage.'
Politely decline to handle strangers' personal property. If you agree, hold the device securely and return it immediately. Do not pay any money; insist on calling the police if they persist.
The Overly Friendly Local
A seemingly helpful local strikes up a conversation, offering directions or travel tips. This is a distraction technique to get close enough to pickpocket wallets, phones, or other valuables from bags or pockets while the tourist is engaged in conversation.
Be polite but firm in maintaining personal space. Keep all valuables secured in zipped inner pockets or a cross-body bag worn in front. Be wary of unsolicited help in crowded areas.
The Airport Taxi Cash Grab
An unlicensed or rogue taxi driver at the airport claims their card machine is broken and insists on driving the tourist to an ATM. Once the cash is withdrawn, the driver snatches the money and drives off, leaving the tourist stranded without their fare or destination.
Only use official taxi ranks or pre-booked ride-share services. Confirm the payment method *before* entering the vehicle. Never agree to go to an ATM with a driver.
The ATM Helper Skim
A scammer approaches a tourist using an ATM, offering to 'help' them with the transaction, often claiming to show them how to avoid a fee. This is a ruse to distract the victim while an accomplice installs a card-skimming device or to simply observe the PIN entry.
Always use ATMs in well-lit, secure locations, preferably inside a bank. Cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN. Never accept help from strangers at an ATM.
The Bar Tab Extortion
Friendly individuals (often attractive) invite a tourist to a bar they are affiliated with. After a few drinks, the tourist is presented with an outrageously inflated bill. Bar security then intimidates the tourist into paying, often forcing them to withdraw cash from an ATM.
Never accept invitations to unknown bars from strangers. Research venues beforehand. Always ask for a menu with prices before ordering and keep track of your own tab.
The Fake Plainclothes Police
Scammers pose as plainclothes police officers, flash a fake badge, and ask to see the tourist's ID and wallet for a 'drug check' or 'currency check.' This is a distraction to steal cash or credit cards while pretending to inspect the documents.
Legitimate police will be in uniform. Never hand over your wallet or passport. Insist on seeing their official ID and offer to walk to the nearest police station to resolve the issue.
The Public Wi-Fi Honeypot
Scammers set up unsecured, free Wi-Fi hotspots with official-sounding names (e.g., 'Melbourne Free Wi-Fi') in public areas. When tourists connect, the scammers intercept their data, including passwords and credit card information.
Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or your mobile data for all online transactions. Avoid connecting to any unsecured public Wi-Fi network, especially for banking or email.
The 'Spill' Distraction
A scammer 'accidentally' spills a liquid (or points out 'bird droppings') on the tourist's clothing. While the tourist is distracted and cleaning up, an accomplice pickpockets their valuables from an open bag or pocket.
Immediately move away from the area and check your belongings before cleaning up. Be suspicious of anyone offering overly helpful assistance in such a situation.
The Fake Event Ticket Seller
Individuals sell fake or heavily discounted tickets for popular Melbourne events like AFL games at the MCG, concerts, or even public transport Myki cards near venues. The tickets are either counterfeit or have already been used.
Only purchase tickets from official box offices, authorized vendors, or reputable online platforms. Be skeptical of deep discounts from street vendors.
The Shell Game/Three-Card Monte
A street gambling game where a ball is hidden under one of three cups or cards. An accomplice wins to lure in tourists. While the tourist is focused on the game, an accomplice pickpockets them or the game operator quickly cheats the tourist out of their money.
Ignore all street gambling games. They are rigged, and they are a common distraction for pickpockets. Do not stop or engage with the crowd.
Safe Attractions
Flinders Street Station
A railway station on the corner of Flinders and Swanston Streets.
Royal Botanic Gardens
A picturesque haven for recreation and an important resource for education.