A day out in London for many tourists now comes with an unfortunate warning: avoid Westminster Bridge unless you want to be scammed, shouted at, or worse—spat on.
The once-picturesque crossing by the Houses of Parliament is turning into a crime hotspot, and the latest viral video shows just how bad things have gotten.
TikToker Spat On While Filming Scammers
A social media user recently tried to expose a group of scammers playing the classic “cup and ball” game on the bridge—a setup that lures tourists with the illusion of easy winnings.
But things got ugly fast. The man was pushed, insulted, and spat on by the scammers after refusing to stop filming their setup.
The footage, titled “five minutes of unedited scammers,” went viral online, sparking outrage.
The Infamous “Cup and Ball” Con Game
This old trick involves a ball hidden under one of three cups.
Scammers use planted accomplices to pretend they’ve just won big, drawing in unsuspecting tourists who then lose their cash to what is essentially an unwinnable scam.
It’s not just a London issue either—this con has spread across Europe, with groups moving between major cities to target tourists.
Violence Isn’t Uncommon for Those Who Speak Up
People trying to intervene or expose the scammers often face threats or violence.
One notable example is TikToker @londonscammers, who filmed several groups in action.
Rather than backing off, the scammers—some in designer clothes—turned aggressive, demanding the footage be deleted and spitting at him when he stood his ground.
A Bridge Overrun with Crime
But the scams aren’t limited to gambling games.
Westminster Bridge has become a magnet for street-level lawbreaking—pickpocketing, bag snatching, unlicensed pedicab rides, and illegal street trading are now all common.
Even ice cream vans illegally park and block traffic to serve customers on what’s supposed to be a red route.
The Shocking Attack on Roald Dahl’s Grandson
One of the more disturbing incidents involved Ned Donovan, a volunteer police officer—and grandson of Roald Dahl.
Last summer, he tried to stop a man from pickpocketing a female tourist on the bridge.
Instead of backing off, the thief’s accomplices ganged up on Donovan, punching, kicking, and choking him in broad daylight.
Criminals Keep Coming Back Despite Arrests
Police efforts haven’t deterred all criminals. Romanian scammer Ionut Stoica was arrested for illegal gambling and deported—only to return and get caught again on the exact same bridge just weeks later.
These repeat offenders are part of highly organised groups, complete with spotters who keep an eye out for police and warn the others via text when officers are nearby.
Batman and Robin Go Undercover
In one creative move, two Metropolitan Police officers dressed up as Batman and Robin to catch scammers in the act.
They nabbed two men red-handed. One, Costica Barbu, was fined £925. The other, Eugen Stoica, fled the country but was still convicted in his absence.
Lawmakers and Locals Demand Action
Susan Hall, a senior Conservative figure in London politics, didn’t mince words.
She questioned how such blatant criminal activity could happen right under the nose of New Scotland Yard, which literally overlooks the bridge.
“These people are giving two fingers to the police,” she said, calling it a disgrace for the city’s image.
Street Traders and Pedicabs Face Crackdown
In response to growing complaints, Westminster Council recently fined illegal traders and rogue pedicab operators nearly £30,000 in total.
Some vendors were repeat offenders—selling hot dogs, nuts, and balloons without any licenses or paying taxes.
Nine pedicab drivers were fined for operating unsafe vehicles and overcharging tourists.
City Leaders Say Enough Is Enough
“This is Westminster, not the Wild West,” said Councillor Aicha Less, who’s overseeing the crackdown.
She confirmed that enforcement officers will continue targeting unlicensed traders, working closely with Transport for London and neighbouring boroughs.
The Met Police also said they’re increasing patrols across central London this summer in an effort to bring street crime, antisocial behaviour, and scams under control.
