Scam in ItalyOn the street
Free pigeon-feed pressure in Italy
How it works
Someone puts corn into your hands and says it is free. Pigeons gather around you. The person then follows you and demands money.
Warning signs
- A stranger tries to put corn into your hands.
- They insist the pigeon feed is free.
How to avoid it
- Do not accept the corn.
- Keep your hands away from the person.
- Walk on without joining the feeding.
If it happens to you
Refuse the demand and move towards other people. Seek help if you are being intimidated.
- 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/traveladvice2026Beware of Pigeon Scams in ItalyA commenter describes someone placing seeds in their hand at Milan's Duomo, making them feed pigeons and then demanding money.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/ItalyTravel2023Men approaching my family to sell junk at popular locations...A commenter reports that a friend was pressured into the pigeon-feed scam after someone put birdseed in his hand at the Duomo.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the free pigeon-feed pressure scam in Italy?
Someone puts corn into your hands and says it is free. Pigeons gather around you. The person then follows you and demands money.
How can I spot it early?
A stranger tries to put corn into your hands. They insist the pigeon feed is free.
How do I avoid free pigeon-feed pressure in Italy?
Do not accept the corn. Keep your hands away from the person. Walk on without joining the feeding.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Refuse the demand and move towards other people. Seek help if you are being intimidated.
Where in Italy does this happen?
The square outside the Duomo. It has been reported in Milan.
How common is this scam in Italy?
Occasional. 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 friendship bracelet 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