Scam in ItalyNightlife
Targeting drunk or disoriented bar visitors in Italy
How it works
Petty criminals hang around bars popular with foreign visitors. They look for people who are drunk or disoriented and easier to take advantage of.
Warning signs
- You are becoming too drunk to keep track of your surroundings.
- Someone lingers around you while you are disoriented.
How to avoid it
- Go out with other people when possible.
- Avoid getting drunk if you are alone.
- Keep your belongings close throughout the evening.
If it happens to you
Move to a staffed place and ask for help. Report any theft or threats to police.
- 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.
- Government advice2026Italy Travel Advice & Safety | SmartravellerAustralian authorities report tourists being robbed or assaulted after consuming spiked drinks, including incidents in Italian bars, nightclubs and other late-night venues.Read on Government advice
- Government adviceSafety and security - Italy travel advice - GOV.UKBritish travel advice reports robbery and assault following drink spiking and warns that alcohol can reduce visitors' vigilance.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the targeting drunk or disoriented bar visitors scam in Italy?
Petty criminals hang around bars popular with foreign visitors. They look for people who are drunk or disoriented and easier to take advantage of.
How can I spot it early?
You are becoming too drunk to keep track of your surroundings. Someone lingers around you while you are disoriented.
How do I avoid targeting drunk or disoriented bar visitors in Italy?
Go out with other people when possible. Avoid getting drunk if you are alone. Keep your belongings close throughout the evening.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Move to a staffed place and ask for help. Report any theft or threats to police.
Where in Italy does this happen?
Tourist-focused bars, including places with American or Irish themes.
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.
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