All About the Clear Cup Scam You've Seen on TikTok

Keep your eyes peeled for this common scheme in large European cities

Co-authored by Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: March 9, 2023 References

What exactly is the clear cup scam?

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How to Avoid the Clear Cup Scam

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Is it actually a scam?

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Other Common Travel Scams

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Tips

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Warnings

During your latest TikTok binge, you’ve scrolled past some videos with #clearcupscam in the description, but you aren’t totally sure what’s going on. What exactly is happening in these videos—and more importantly, how can you stay when you’re traveling in a busy city? We’re here to break everything down for you, so you can stay informed and know how to avoid this scam during your international travels.

Things You Should Know

The scam involves an individual placing a clear, coin-filled cup in an area with a lot of foot traffic. The hope is that someone will trip over the cup and offer a pity donation.
Avoid this situation by leaving the area quickly and not giving the individual any time or attention aside from a brief apology.
People are undecided whether this is actually a “scam” or not. Regardless, it’s a pretty scummy way to ask someone for money.

Section 1 of 4:

What exactly is the clear cup scam?

An individual uses a clear cup to get cash from strangers. In large cities, beggars sit alongside busy sidewalks and place a clear, coin-filled cup out on the street where someone can easily kick it over. The goal actually is for someone to kick it over, so the beggar can guilt-trip that random stranger into giving them money as they help pick up the change.^{[1]
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- In some cases, beggars may even scoot the cup further out while people are walking by. They might also try to pick the stranger’s pockets when they bend down to help collect the spare change.
- The viral TikTok that first brought attention to the “clear cup scam” was based in Paris, but people visiting other big cities (like Athens and Brussels) have reported seeing this scheme in action.

Section 2 of 4:

How to Avoid the Clear Cup Scam

Apologize and walk quickly away from the individual. The real trick of this “scam” is guilt-tripping strangers—the hope is that the “offending” stranger will feel bad about kicking over the cup and give the beggar money to make up for it.^{[2]
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Research source} If you do accidentally kick over someone’s change, simply apologize and keep on walking. The less time you spend around them, the less opportunity they’ll have to speak with you (or even pickpocket you).
- It may feel cold to just walk away from someone after accidentally kicking over their change cup, but just remember—the cup was likely placed there intentionally.

Section 3 of 4:

Is it actually a scam?

Some people don’t think it’s a scam, but the topic is up for debate. By definition, a scam is a fraudulent and illegal means of taking someone’s money.^{[3]
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Research source} With this in mind, some people on TikTok argue that the beggar isn’t technically scamming anyone since the stranger donates money of their own volition. Others argue that the manipulative tactics behind the scheme qualify it as a scam. No matter how you spin it, though, the ploy is a pretty vile way to get money from someone.
- Assuming that the beggar isn’t threatening or pickpocketing anyone, the legality of the situation ultimately depends on the panhandling laws of where they live. For instance, in France, people can ask for money as long as they aren’t being aggressive, utilizing children, or causing disruptions.^{[4]
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  Research source} Since the “clear cup scam” involves disrupting public order, law enforcement in that area may consider it illegal.

Section 4 of 4:

Other Common Travel Scams

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A random stranger asks you for the time. Scammers use the friendly “What time is it?” question to lure you into a relaxed conversation, only to get you on the hook for something else. They might try to sell you something, or even give their partner an opportunity to steal from you—regardless, almost nothing good comes from engaging with a friendly stranger who doesn’t know the time.^{[5]
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- How to stay safe: Excuse yourself and keep walking if someone tries to strike up a conversation. If you don’t give them any attention, they won’t have a chance to grift you.
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A stranger (or group of strangers) pickpockets you. Pickpocketing groups have a variety of different schemes and tricks used to catch you by surprise and steal your valuables—they might stumble into you, distract you by pointing out a stain, or catch you off-guard with friendly conversation.^{[6]
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- How to stay safe: Prevent being pickpocketed by taking as few valuables with you as possible whenever you travel on foot. If you do bring important items with you (like a wallet), stash them in a secure bag so pickpockets don’t have easy access.
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A stranger tricks you into paying for something you didn’t want. Some scammers target tourists by securing a bracelet to your wrist as a “gift,” or by handing you a trinket for free. Afterwards, they’ll expect you to pay for the item they just forced upon you.^{[7]
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- How to stay safe: Set clear boundaries with strangers while you’re traveling. Don’t be afraid to say “no” if someone tries to touch you or force something on you.
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Unmetered taxi drivers overcharge you for their services. Unofficial, unlicensed “taxi drivers” hang around busy locations where people are most likely to need a lift. They’ll pretend that their fares are cheap, but will actually overcharge you (and not use a meter). These drivers might also try to sell you an inexpensive tour, only to stop at locations that give them commissions.^{[8]
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- How to stay safe: Double-check that the taxi is licensed with the country that you’re traveling in. Get a basic run-down of what transportation services are available at the airport, or keep an eye out for helpful signs when you’re out and about.
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Scammers rent out equipment and claim that you damaged it. Be wary of who you rent any cars, motorbikes, or other equipment from while you’re traveling. Some scammers rent out previously-damaged equipment, only to claim that you damaged it. In retribution, they’ll hold onto your passport in exchange for you financing the repairs.^{[9]
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- How to stay safe: Read online reviews before committing to any rental service. Also, don’t provide any important documents (like a passport) to the renter as collateral.
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A random stranger tries to get you to play a guessing game. Some scammers like to hustle opportunistic tourist with a betting game involving 3 cards (or 3 cups and a ball). These games are always rigged to favor the house, and are a guaranteed way to lose your money.^{[10]
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- How to stay safe: Keep walking if you see someone inviting you to play a simple game.

Warnings

In countries all around the globe, children are trafficked and forced to beg strangers for money. As tempting as it may be to help a child beggar, there’s a good chance that you could be helping a criminal organization instead.^{[11]
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Research source} Plus, in some places (like France), it’s actually illegal for children to be begging.^{[12]
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