How to Avoid Common Tourist Scams in Italy (Rome, Florence, Venice)

Italy is one of the most-visited countries in the world, and its cities have well-rehearsed scam scripts that have been running for decades. Here's what's circulating in 2026 and how to dodge it.

Rome

1. The "gladiator photo" scam

A man dressed as a Roman gladiator approaches you, poses with you for a photo, then demands €20-50 for the "service." Common near the Colosseum and Roman Forum.

Defense: Don't pose. Walk past without engaging. If they put a prop on you (helmet, sword), refuse and hand it back.

2. The "free bracelet / rose"

A vendor ties a string bracelet on your wrist or hands you a rose, then demands payment. Very common near the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps.

Defense: Hands in pockets, walk past. If one is forced on you, hand it back and walk away firmly.

3. The "closed Metro station" scam

A "helpful" local tells you the Metro station you're heading to is closed and offers to direct you to a bus or taxi. The bus drops you at a partner restaurant where you're pressured to spend.

Defense: Check the Metro status on your phone before believing anyone. If the station is open, just walk in.

4. Pickpocket teams (Termini, Vatican Museums, Line 64 bus)

A team of 2-4 — children often included — creates a distraction while another lifts your wallet or phone. The Vatican Museums and the Line 64 bus to St. Peter's are notorious.

Defense: Front-pocket wallet, zipped. Phone in your front pocket. Never put your passport in a backpack. Wear your backpack on your front in crowds.

Florence

5. "Fake leather" sellers

Street vendors selling "Italian leather" goods that are actually cheap imports from elsewhere.

Defense: Real leather goods in Florence come from established shops, not street stalls. If the price seems too good, it is.

6. Survey for "free" gift

Someone asks you to sign a petition for deaf children, takes your phone to "show you a website," and runs off with it.

Defense: Don't sign anything. Don't hand over your phone. Politely decline and keep walking.

7. Carabiniere impersonation

A man in plain clothes flashes a "badge" and claims you're suspected of receiving counterfeit money. Demands to see your wallet, then swaps bills.

Defense: Real police don't operate this way. Ask for identification, then ask to go to the station. They'll disappear. Better: just walk away.

Venice

8. Pigeon-tricks

A vendor tosses birdseed on you, then demands money for "feeding the pigeons." Common in St. Mark's Square.

Defense: Keep your hands up when walking through. Don't let anyone approach with food in their hands.

9. "Wrong" gondola prices

The official gondola rates are posted. If a gondolier quotes something higher, they're scamming you.

Defense: Know the official rate. Confirm the price in writing before boarding.

10. "Free WiFi" QR code stickers

A small sticker with a QR code is placed over the real one at cafes. Scanning it takes you to a phishing site.

Defense: Don't scan QR codes from stickers. Type the venue's actual WiFi name from their menu.

The universal Italian rules

• Keep your phone in your front pocket. Always.
• Use only licensed taxis (white with "TAXI" sign) or app-based rides (FreeNow, appTaxi).
• Sit-down restaurants charge more for being near a landmark. Walk 3 blocks away for the same food at half the price.
• "Coperto" (cover charge) is normal and legal in Italy, usually €1.50-5 per person. It's listed on the menu.
• Tap water is technically drinkable in Italy but most restaurants charge for it. Ask for "acqua del rubinetto" if you want free.

TravelSafe's Scam Database has hundreds of city-specific entries submitted by travelers — worth a 5-minute read before your Italy trip.

See also

Country safety briefs:

• Italy