Scam in ItalyShopping
Counterfeit designer goods in Italy
How it works
Sellers offer imitation luxury bags, watches, sunglasses and other goods. Quality may be poor, and an unwary buyer can pay too much. Buying counterfeit branded goods can also lead to a fine.
Warning signs
- Luxury-branded goods are offered very cheaply on the street.
- The item has poor materials or uneven quality.
How to avoid it
- Avoid counterfeit branded goods.
- Buy from an established shop.
- Do not assume a low purchase price means a low overall risk.
If it happens to you
- Move to a safe, staffed place. If you are threatened or need urgent help, call 112.
- If a card or card details were stolen, contact your card issuer immediately. Freeze or cancel the card and flag unauthorised payments.
- Write down what happened, the time and the location. Save receipts, journey details and any other evidence.
- Report the incident at a police station and ask for a copy of the report. In Rome, go to the Carabinieri station nearest where the theft happened.
- Contact your insurer. A police report helps support an insurance claim. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate.
- Secure any affected accounts and arrange replacement cards or documents. Do not chase a thief or put yourself at risk to recover property.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- News2025Compra borsa falsa a Forte dei Marmi, 600 euro multa a turistaANSA reports that a tourist received a €600 fine after buying a €50 straw bag bearing a counterfeit Yves Saint Laurent logo.Read on News
- News2010Fake Vuitton purse costs tourist in Italy €1,000 – in fineA tourist was fined €1,000 after purchasing a counterfeit Louis Vuitton purse from a beach vendor.Read on News
- Government adviceItalyNew Zealand's travel advice warns visitors that purchasing counterfeit goods, including fashion accessories, is illegal in Italy.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the counterfeit designer goods scam in Italy?
Sellers offer imitation luxury bags, watches, sunglasses and other goods. Quality may be poor, and an unwary buyer can pay too much. Buying counterfeit branded goods can also lead to a fine.
How can I spot it early?
Luxury-branded goods are offered very cheaply on the street. The item has poor materials or uneven quality.
How do I avoid counterfeit designer goods in Italy?
Avoid counterfeit branded goods. Buy from an established shop. Do not assume a low purchase price means a low overall risk.
Where in Italy does this happen?
Street stalls and sellers in tourist and shopping areas. It has been reported in Rome, Florence, Milan.
How much can it cost me?
Rome: buyers have paid up to €60 for fake bags, and fines up to €1,000 have been reported. Florence: buying counterfeit branded goods can bring a fine up to €10,000.
How common is this scam in Italy?
Common. Italy is generally safe, but tourist scams and petty theft are common in busy visitor areas. The main risks are pickpockets, taxi tricks, pushy street sellers and people offering unwanted help at ticket machines.
Who can I report it to?
Polizia di Stato or Carabinieri: go to a police station to report a scam or theft. You can ask any police officer for help. Request a copy of the report for insurance and replacement documents. Carabinieri in Rome: for theft, generally visit the station nearest where it happened. Ask people nearby where to go. Emergency services: call 112 for urgent help or when unsure which service you need. The WhereAreU app can also call 112 and share your phone's GPS position, including when you cannot speak. Card issuer or bank: use its official app or contact number to freeze a stolen or compromised card and dispute unauthorised transactions. Travel insurer: contact its claims service and provide the police report, receipts and other evidence. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport or travel documents are stolen.
What number do I call in an emergency in Italy?
General emergency help: 112, Polizia di Stato — State Police: 113, Guardia di Finanza — Financial Police: 117, Fire Department: 115, Medical Rescue: 118, Coast Guard: 1530, State Forestry Department: 1515.
Reviewed by @snuck