Several major U.S. cities have been identified as significant global hotspots for pickpocketing and scams, according to research from the price comparison website Compare the Market. The study, which analyzed various tourist destinations worldwide, placed Las Vegas second and New York City third on its list of cities where visitors are most at risk.
Paris, France, was identified as the leading city for pickpocketing. However, U.S. destinations also featured prominently. Las Vegas received a score of 47.69 out of 100 for concerns about being mugged or robbed, indicating a significant level of traveler anxiety. New York City followed, with a rating of 49.68 out of 100 for worries about mugging or robbery, though the study noted that international tourists there expressed greater concern about scams and the potential loss or theft of belongings.
Los Angeles was also featured in the top five, ranking fifth globally. The city scored 15.2 out of 100 on the pickpocketing and scam index. The report highlights that areas known for nightlife and crowded tourist spots, such as Hollywood Boulevard, are places where visitors should exercise caution.
Other U.S. cities appearing in the broader top 30 list include Orlando in 15th place and Miami in 26th place.
Internationally, Rome, Italy, ranked fourth, with key tourist attractions like the Colosseum and Spanish Steps identified as high-risk areas. London, UK, was the only UK city to make the top ten, securing the sixth position. Athens, Greece, placed seventh, with the Acropolis noted as a particular area of concern. Sofia, Bulgaria, was eighth, with particular warnings about taxi overcharging and currency exchange scams around its central stations. Barcelona, Spain, came in ninth, and Amsterdam, Netherlands, rounded out the top ten.
The research underscores that popular tourist destinations, while offering significant attractions, often grapple with issues of petty theft and scams, affecting both locals and visitors.