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Some scams

Southern Europe

Tourist scams in Italy

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.
  1. 1 TheftCommonPickpockets and distraction teamsThieves take valuables from pockets or bags. They may work in pairs or teams. One person distracts you while another steals. Street vendors or an insistent beggar may act as the distraction.Rome, Naples, Florence, Genoa, Milan 3Read
  2. 2 TaxisCommonTaxi banknote switchYou hand over a €50 note. The driver switches it for a €10 note and claims you paid only €10.Rome 3Read
  3. 3 TaxisCommonPrevious taxi fare left on the meterThe driver leaves the previous passenger's fare running. The taxi arrives with a large amount already on the meter. Phone-booked taxis do legitimately charge for the journey to collect you, which can make this trick harder to spot.Rome 1Read
  4. 4 TaxisOccasionalTaxi route paddingA driver takes a longer route, increasing the metered fare.Rome 2Read
  5. 5 TaxisOccasionalFake taxis and costly limousine referralsPrivate drivers make their cars look like taxis. You may also be directed to a supposed taxi that turns out to be an expensive limousine. Once your luggage is locked in the boot, leaving becomes harder.Rome 2Read
  6. 6 ShoppingCommonCounterfeit designer goodsSellers 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.Rome, Florence, Milan 3Read
  7. 7 Buses and trainsOccasionalUnwanted ticket-machine or ATM helpA stranger offers help with a machine or another task. After helping, they follow you and demand as much money as possible.Milan 2Read
  8. 8 TheftOccasionalTicket-machine cash-return theftA supposed helper tells you to use a banknote instead of coins. When the machine returns the note, the helper points you towards the ticket outlet while an accomplice distracts you by begging. The accomplice takes the returned cash.Milan 1Read
  9. 9 On the streetCommonFree friendship bracelet pressureA 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.Milan 3Read
  10. 10 On the streetOccasionalFree pigeon-feed pressureSomeone puts corn into your hands and says it is free. Pigeons gather around you. The person then follows you and demands money.Milan 2Read
  11. 11 TheftOccasionalPurse and bag snatchingA thief grabs a purse or bag and leaves with it.Florence 2Read
  12. 12 TheftOccasionalFriendly drunk distractionA thief pretends to be drunk and friendly. Once you relax or become distracted, they snatch your belongings.Florence 1Read
  13. 13 Cards and ATMsOccasionalATM card skimmingCriminals fit a skimming device over the card slot. It copies card details so they can clone your card.ATMs across the country. 2Read
  14. 14 NightlifeOccasionalTargeting drunk or disoriented bar visitorsPetty criminals hang around bars popular with foreign visitors. They look for people who are drunk or disoriented and easier to take advantage of.Tourist-focused bars, including places with American or Irish themes. 2Read

Where to stay alert

  • Colosseum, RomeA major historical monument where extra care against tourist crime is advised.
  • Campo de' Fiori, RomeA popular tourist gathering place linked to increased tourist-crime risk.
  • Roma Termini, RomeStation surroundings need extra care, especially at night. Railway stations also attract thieves.
  • Airports and railway stations, RomeFake taxi drivers wait for arriving travellers.
  • Firenze Santa Maria Novella railway station, FlorencePickpockets and purse-snatchers operate in crowds around the station.
  • Ponte Vecchio, FlorenceAt night, thieves may pretend to be drunk and friendly before snatching belongings.
  • Milano CentraleBe wary of strangers offering help with machines. The surrounding area also needs care at night.
  • Metro stations and trains, MilanTicket-machine tricks and pickpocketing occur here.
  • Duomo and the square outside, MilanBracelet sellers and people offering supposedly free pigeon feed demand money afterwards.
  • Castello Sforzesco, MilanThe surrounding tourist area attracts sellers using the free-bracelet trick.
  • Via San Lorenzo, Via San Bernardo and Via San Donato, GenoaThis crowded nightlife area attracts pickpockets.
  • Historical-centre alleys north of Piazza Caricamento, Via Banchi and Via Luccoli, GenoaSome side alleys have petty-crime risks. Stay on main, well-used routes.
  • Via Pré and Stazione Principe area, GenoaExtra caution is advised around petty crime and darker, deserted side alleys.
  • Railway stationsStations across Italy attract petty criminals. Avoid lingering unnecessarily at night.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • In Rome, use authorised white taxis with a taximeter and driver ID.
  • Check the meter and fare arrangement before setting off.
  • Follow your route on a map and question unexplained detours.
  • In Rome, taxi apps with in-app payment can reduce scam risk.
  • A phone-booked taxi can legitimately arrive with collection charges already on the meter.

Money

  • Carry only the cash you need for the day.
  • Keep spare cash separate from your main wallet.
  • Check prices before buying and count your change.
  • Avoid counterfeit branded goods, even when they seem cheap.
  • Keep receipts after purchases and restaurant meals.

Cards and ATMs

  • Inspect the card slot before using an ATM.
  • Use a different machine if anything looks altered.
  • Cover your PIN and decline help from strangers.
  • Check account activity and keep your card issuer's contact details accessible.

Your belongings

  • Keep bags closed and in front of you in crowds.
  • Keep valuables out of easy-to-reach pockets.
  • Watch your belongings when approached by vendors, beggars or unusually friendly strangers.
  • Guard luggage left on a train's middle platform.
  • Use station staff for ticket-machine help.

Nights out

  • Go out with others when practical.
  • Avoid getting drunk when alone.
  • Keep your belongings close in crowded bars and nightlife streets.
  • Stay on well-used routes and avoid dark, deserted alleys.

Police and officials

  • Ask any police officer for help or directions to report a crime.
  • Polizia di Stato and Carabinieri can both handle crime reports.
  • A Guardia di Finanza request to see your receipt and documents after a purchase can be legitimate.
  • Question demands to hand money to an officer. The stated exception concerns fines after being stopped in a foreign vehicle.
  • For an emergency when unsure whom to call, call 112.

What travellers say about Italy

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

Is Italy safe for a first visit?

Generally, yes. Serious violence against travellers is uncommon. Petty theft and scams need more attention, especially in crowds, at stations and around tourist sights.

How do I avoid a fake taxi in Rome?

Use an authorised white taxi with a taximeter and driver ID. Go to the taxi area outside arrivals. Check the fare arrangement before your luggage is loaded.

Does money already on a taxi meter always mean a scam?

No. Phone-booked taxis can charge while coming to collect you. Starting charges and supplements also exist. In Rome, some drivers leave the previous fare running, so question an unexplained amount before boarding.

Should I accept help at a ticket machine?

Use station staff. In Milan, strangers may demand payment after helping or work with an accomplice to steal cash returned by the machine.

Are free bracelets and pigeon feed really free?

They may lead to demands for money. Around Milan's Duomo and Castello Sforzesco, sellers use supposedly free bracelets. Outside the Duomo, people also offer corn for pigeons and then demand payment.

Where should I be most alert for pickpockets?

Watch your belongings in crowded transport, railway stations and tourist areas. Named trouble spots include Florence's Santa Maria Novella station, Milan's metro and Genoa's busy nightlife streets.

How can I reduce the risk of ATM skimming?

Inspect the card slot for added parts or signs of tampering. Use another machine if unsure. Cover your PIN and refuse help from strangers.

Can buying a fake designer bag get me into trouble?

Yes. Buying counterfeit branded goods can bring a fine. Reported fines reach €1,000 in Rome, while the Florence warning gives a maximum of €10,000.

Is it suspicious if an officer asks to see my receipt?

Not necessarily. Guardia di Finanza agents may legitimately check your receipt and documents after a purchase. This differs from a demand to hand over money.

What should I do after a theft?

Get somewhere safe, block stolen cards and report the theft at a police station. Keep the report for insurance and replacement documents. In Rome, generally use the Carabinieri station nearest the theft. Call 112 if you need urgent help.

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