The Subtle Gesture That Means You're About To Get Scammed In Europe, Per Rick Steves

When you travel around the world as much as Rick Steves does, you start to not only learn the spoken and written languages of the countries you are visiting, but what goes unsaid and communicated through body language. Steves has warned European travelers about withdrawing money from certain ATMs across the continent, as well as which types of restaurants to avoid in order to not waste money while abroad.

Now Steves is sounding the alarm about a dangerous practice happening in Europe that could put visitors in jeopardy. According to Rick Steves' Europe blog article entitled "Understanding European Gestures" there is a movement that is hard to catch, but one that could end up leading to you getting scammed out of money and personal effects: the eyelid pull. This subtle gesture has different variations and meanings depending on what country you are in, so it is important to keep an eye out for it when traveling in Europe and know how the context is different depending on where you are.

Rick Steves describes the eyelid pull as when someone puts their extended forefinger under the center of the eye. From that point, the person will tug the skin in a downward motion. The way Steves described the gesture's interpretation in Spain and Italy is actually a somewhat friendly caution sign like "Stay alert because this person is tricky." This is different from Greece and France where the eyelid pulls can be read as "I'm on high alert. I see everything. You do not have the upperhand when it comes to me."

Just like Steves detailed how certain scams at hotels are becoming more commonplace, thieves, pickpockets, and criminals are using all kinds of tools and communication methods to scam unsuspecting travelers. Escape.com noted that in 2025, Europe is seeing a rise in all kinds of scams, including the use of everything from fake flat tires on the road to real babies used as distractions.

If you are not used to visiting new places or are unfamiliar with the hustle and bustle of big cities, it is important to prepare yourself ahead of your trip so you avoid getting scammed while in your destination. You should not only keep track of your money, valuables, and information while aboard, but also research the place you will be visiting ahead of time to understand what tactics scammers are using in an attempt to rob you.

Unlike when you are home and can try to get your money back after being scammed, visiting another country comes with additional complications that you do not want to have to deal with. Therefore, it's important to make sure you are always aware of your surroundings, as well as paying attention to where you keep items like wallets, purses, cell phones, jewelry, and passports. Never give out personal information to strangers you do not trust and be wary of following anyone somewhere private, away from others who might be able to help you. Most importantly, always trust your instincts: if a situation feels off and you are worried about being scammed, walk away and try to find assistance as soon as possible.