How to Avoid Common Tourist Scams & Pickpockets in Italy
Last Updated on 19th July 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
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When going on your travels, the last thing you want to think about is the worst things that can happen, but sometimes the best way to be prepared for these situations is to consider at least, that travelling doesn’t always go to plan. Being deceived and manipulated through fraudulent means is one of the worst and most impactful things that can happen to you, and for it to happen while far from home is even worse.
That being said, it’s always better to be safe than sorry! In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the most common tourist scams in Italy and how to avoid them, so you can be in the know before you go!
The truth is that whenever you visit a touristy place (London, Barcelona, Paris, and NYC all spring to mind), amongst the kind, generous and lovely people you can meet, there are also unfortunately some who are looking to take advantage of those who don’t know the city well and want to profit from the crowds in any way possible.
Of course, while fear of travel and these Italian scams should by no means put you off visiting or talking to people, it’s just important to bear them in mind so that you don’t fall prey to some of the most common tourist scams when visiting.
Italy is one of the most visited countries in the world, each year millions of tourists flock to explore its beauty and many landscapes, so it will come as no surprise that you may come across the odd scammer.
Some of the most touristic areas include Italy’s capital, Rome, Florence, Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Venice, Cinque Terre and Milan, as a result, this is also where the highest concentration of scammers tend to be.
Another thing to note is, that I would always opt for travel insurance when travelling to another country. Although an extra cost can feel like a lot, it’s always worth getting yourself covered with extra protection as it will save you so much hassle in the unfortunate case that your travels don’t go to plan.
(As a UK resident, I recommend buying travel insurance through the Post Office online as their rates are pretty competitive and this is who I personally go for).
Common tourist scams
“You stood on my painting!” – The Oil Painting Scam
This scam most commonly occurs in bigger cities like Rome, Florence and Milan and is where sellers will spread out large prints/ fake oil paintings on the floor and, when an unsuspecting tourist passes by, they will accuse them of “stepping on their paintings” and then demand payment for the ‘damages’.
Some sellers will purposefully place the paintings so you accidentally step on them, and some even go as far as staining the prints just to further fuel the evidence. In any case, if someone accuses you and demands payment, don’t be scared to walk away from the situation no matter how much they kick up a fuss.
‘Mime Artists’ (especially around Florence)
Especially on the main piazza of Florence, it’s common to see ‘mime artists’ walking around in full dress, usually in pairs or groups.
In reality, these are people posing as mimes and they tend to target families, usually people with young kids, where they will put on a show and distract the innocent spectators, all the while someone else in the group is pickpocketing and stealing the spectator’s valuables.
The ‘Paper Move’ Scam
Unfortunately, this scam started as a legitimate way for people with impaired hearing or communication difficulties to be able to ask for assistance. However, it’s since been reported that scammers have taken advantage of this and used it as a method of deception.
Reported around bars and restaurants in Milan, particularly around the Milan Duomo, this scam is known in Italian as ‘La ‘mossa del foglietto‘ (‘the paper move’) and is when someone walks up to a tourist and leaves a note, requesting a small contribution, they may also try to distract and pickpocket them.
Unofficial Tour Guides
You’ll find unofficial tour guides lurking around the main historical and religious attractions of Italy, reaching out to tourists in a friendly manner and offering a guided tour, usually for an extortionate price!
Moreover, some will never even follow through and take you on a tour! The best bet for taking (and actually going) on a legitimate tour is to book through an official tour guide company.
Some of the best telltale signs to note, certified guides are required to wear a badge (unfortunately some are skilled at creating false badges) but also, a red flag to look out for is when you are approached by a ‘fake tour guide’ offering specialised sightseeing experiences.
If unsure, one of the best things to do is ask the hospitality staff at your hostel or hotel as they will likely know the best tours to take and offer advice further on spotting out fake tours. Alternatively, you can look online too.
Fake Tickets
Getting a good or discounted deal on tickets for anything is always desirable, but it’s important to be careful of unauthorised ticket sellers as they will be selling tickets that can’t be used, and as a result, you will lose money.
It’s recommended to only purchase tickets through trusted websites or at the official attraction/show, this will avoid running into any issues.
Pickpocketing
Pickpocketing is universal and can happen anywhere. The number one tip is to not flash your valuables in plain sight as this will only mark you out as an easy target, and make sure your bag is always securely fastened when walking around.
Pickpockets often work in groups so be sure to be extra aware if someone stops to talk to you or block your path, even if they’re seemingly doing something innocuous like tying a shoelace.
Often, you won’t even realise you’ve been pickpocketed until some time later. One of the most common ways of ‘pickpocketing’ happens when someone ‘accidentally bumps‘ against you in a rush to catch a train or trying to pass down a busy street.
This seemingly innocent moment is the thief distracting you while simultaneously robbing you of your valuable possessions. More commonly, thieves will quite literally steal your smartphone from your hands and run off, so be sure to keep an eye on your phone at all times as well!
How to avoid pickpockets
Your best bet for avoiding pickpockets in Italy is to not open your bag in crowded places, like busy piazzas or train stations etc. If you’re simply carrying a wallet, then don’t leave it in your back pocket.
Always make sure that your bags are well fastened/ secured. If you’re travelling with a handbag, then make it a cross-body one or hold your rucksack to the side of you when going through particularly busy areas.
‘Friendship bracelets’ or a ‘free’ Rose
This scam is common practice all across Europe and is easily one of the most irritating, there’s nothing worse than being approached (in some cases even grabbed) by a stranger and “gifted” with a bracelet or rose only for them to then demand money from you.
Some of the worst cases are when someone will start to make a friendship bracelet on your wrist, without your permission, and then harass you until you pay. The best way to avoid this is if you see someone with lots of strings draped on their arms, try to keep a wide berth as they are most likely out to tie ‘friendship bracelets’ on unsuspecting individuals. It is not a nice or friendly thing they are trying to do.
In terms of the rose, couples and people dining in restaurants are the most usual targets. If someone offers you a rose, they are expecting money in return it’s not just a kind gesture, so if you don’t want one then be sure not to accept.
Offering Help at an ATM Machine
Be ultra cautious when someone approaches you while you’re using an ATM, posing as the friendly and helpful local is often how people get caught out by this scam. If someone’s acting a bit too helpful…be wary as they may be trying to steal or clone your card.
To be honest, the best way to avoid this is to always turn down help at the ATM. If the machine isn’t working, take a moment to find a different one or head to a tourist office to ask for advice, this will save you a lot in the long run.
Taxis Overcharging
Taxis are pretty regulated throughout Italy, however, as with most places across the globe there are ‘fake taxi drivers’ waiting for their moment to rip off tourists, particularly at airports or train stations when people are most vulnerable and tired, just looking for a mode of transport to their hotel.
Official taxis will be in the proper taxi bay and will not try to approach you for business. Metered taxis in Italy are usually white and have the ‘TAXI’ sign perched on top of the vehicle. Some particular warning signs to look out for include taxi drivers who claim the meter is not working or will only accept cash.
You can check the estimated price of your fare on this site here. If you are ever unsure, go directly to an official taxi rank when possible.
Kicking up a fuss/creating a scene
Though this is not a scam in itself, the reaction of kicking up a fuss or causing a scene when you don’t comply with giving a scammer money is pretty common and applies to many of the scams mentioned above.
When someone is creating a scene or making noise it can be very distressing and in some circumstances leads people to pay simply to avoid the direct conflict. Know that you can always walk away, although it feels intimidating and scary, if you try to ignore the situation and the person trying to scam you will likely leave you be and try their luck elsewhere.
What to do if you’ve been scammed?
Unfortunately, sometimes it’s unavoidable and the best outcome is that you are safe and still have the means to continue travelling or get home. It can feel invasive and embarrassing, but you should never feel shame in being deceived or conned.
Once in a safe place, check if you are covered with travel insurance and depending on the situation consider reporting to the police (which you may have to do to claim back on travel insurance), though it has to be said in a lot of instances you are not likely to get your belongings back.
Sadly these things happen, no matter where you go in the world there are scams, and each country has their own unique types of scams, so the only way to try and avoid them is to be aware and try to read up on them before you go.
Read our How to Avoid Common Tourist Paris Scams & Pickpockets guide if you’re visiting Paris soon!
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