Strip Club Scams
Strip club scams are one of the most common ways tourists get ripped off in nightlife districts around the world. These scams usually involve aggressive promoters, overpriced drinks and fake strip clubs designed to trap visitors into paying extremely high bills.
Travelers looking for nightlife or prostitutes sometimes end up in these places without realizing it until the bill arrives.
Strip club scams have been widely reported in cities such as Istanbul, Bangkok, Prague, Budapest and Moscow. Similar scams can also happen in tourist nightlife areas around the world.
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How the scam works
The scam usually begins with a promoter approaching tourists on the street. The promoter may say there is a bar with girls, a strip club or a private party nearby.
Typical phrases include: Come have a drink with girls, first drink is free, beautiful sexy girls inside or cheap drinks. Tourists are then taken to a small bar or club. Once inside the situation quickly changes.
Women sit with the visitor and order drinks. The drinks are extremely expensive and sometimes the customer does not even see the prices.
When the bill arrives it can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Common strip club scam tricks
These clubs use several tricks to pressure customers into paying.
- extremely overpriced drinks
- fake drink menus with hidden prices
- women ordering expensive champagne without permission
- aggressive security blocking the exit
- fake credit card machines charging higher amounts
- threats or intimidation
Some clubs also charge huge fees for private dances or simply sitting with the women.
If the customer refuses to pay, security staff may become aggressive or threaten to call the police.
Cities known for strip club scams
Strip club scams have been reported in many major tourist destinations including:
- Istanbul nightlife districts
- Bangkok tourist bars
- Prague old town strip clubs
- Budapest nightlife areas
- Moscow tourist districts
Many of these scams operate near famous tourist areas where visitors are easier to target.
Warning signs
Several warning signs often indicate a scam strip club.
- promoters approaching tourists on the street
- offers of free drinks or cheap girls
- no visible price list
- pressure to order expensive drinks
- security blocking the exit
If something feels wrong it usually is.
How to avoid strip club scams
The easiest way to avoid these scams is to never follow street promoters.
Stick to bars or clubs you choose yourself. Check reviews online before entering a club.
Avoid places where the prices are unclear or where staff pressure you to order drinks.
If the situation becomes uncomfortable, leave immediately before ordering anything.
For more information see Common scams and Escort and Sex scams.
See Also
- North America | South America | Europe | Africa | Asia | Oceania
