Scam in ItalyOn the street
Free friendship bracelet pressure in Italy
How it works
A seller calls a bracelet a free gift. They may tie it onto your wrist or place it on your shoulder. They then demand money and follow you.
Warning signs
- A stranger offers a free bracelet or gift.
- They reach for your wrist or put string on your shoulder.
- An approach starts with "Where are you from?" and turns into a bracelet offer.
How to avoid it
- Do not accept the bracelet.
- Keep your hands away and keep walking.
- Ignore the sales approach.
- Move towards other people if the seller persists.
If it happens to you
Clearly refuse payment for the unwanted item. Seek help if the seller blocks, follows or threatens 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.
- Redditr/travel2025Got chased in rome for refusing to buy a braceletA traveller reports being chased in Rome after refusing a bracelet, while commenters recount similar pressure in Italian cities.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/rome2026Friendship bracelet scam in actionCommenters describe sellers presenting bracelets as gifts, attaching them to wrists and then using personal stories to request money.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/ItalyTravel2024Scam braceletParticipants describe people placing bracelets on visitors and subsequently asking for payment.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the free friendship bracelet pressure scam in Italy?
A seller calls a bracelet a free gift. They may tie it onto your wrist or place it on your shoulder. They then demand money and follow you.
How can I spot it early?
A stranger offers a free bracelet or gift. They reach for your wrist or put string on your shoulder. An approach starts with "Where are you from?" and turns into a bracelet offer.
How do I avoid free friendship bracelet pressure in Italy?
Do not accept the bracelet. Keep your hands away and keep walking. Ignore the sales approach. Move towards other people if the seller persists.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Clearly refuse payment for the unwanted item. Seek help if the seller blocks, follows or threatens you.
Where in Italy does this happen?
Tourist areas around the Duomo and Castello Sforzesco. It has been reported in Milan.
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.
Are there similar scams in Italy?
Yes: free pigeon-feed pressure.
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