Unwanted ticket-machine or ATM help in Italy

Railway stations, metro ticket machines and ATMs.

How it works

A stranger offers help with a machine or another task. After helping, they follow you and demand as much money as possible.

Warning signs

A stranger offers help you did not request.
They stay close while you use a ticket machine or ATM.

How to avoid it

Decline help from strangers hanging around machines.
Ask station staff for help instead.
Keep control of your cash, card and machine transaction.

If it happens to you

Stop engaging and move towards staff or other people. Seek police help if the person threatens you or will not leave.

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.

Where it happensRailway stations, metro ticket machines and ATMs.Milan

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in ItalyTicket-machine cash-return theft: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the unwanted ticket-machine or ATM help scam in Italy?

A stranger offers help with a machine or another task. After helping, they follow you and demand as much money as possible.

How can I spot it early?

A stranger offers help you did not request. They stay close while you use a ticket machine or ATM.

How do I avoid unwanted ticket-machine or ATM help in Italy?

Decline help from strangers hanging around machines. Ask station staff for help instead. Keep control of your cash, card and machine transaction.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Stop engaging and move towards staff or other people. Seek police help if the person threatens you or will not leave.

Where in Italy does this happen?

Railway stations, metro ticket machines and ATMs. 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.

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