Italy’s ancient ruins, Renaissance art, and irresistible cuisine make it one of the most beloved travel destinations in the world. Unfortunately, where there are tourists, there are also scammers ready to take advantage of them. While you’re taking a picture of Florence’s Duomo, taking a selfie at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, or enjoying a stroll through a Roman piazza, you may fall prey to a scam artist who’s trying to separate you from your money. Fortunately, knowing what to watch for can help you sidestep them and enjoy Italy without any added drama. Here are common tourist scams in Italy—and how to avoid them.
1. The “Friendship Bracelet” Scam
This classic hustle happens in busy squares and near famous landmarks. Someone—often smiling and friendly—approaches offering a “free gift,” like a bracelet. They will try to catch your attention first, by greeting you friendly in English, “hey, where you from?” If you answer they might come over and try to give you a high five or shake your hand while placing the bracelet (or a rose or some small trinket) in your hand or tying it on your wrist.
The catch? Once you accept it, they demand payment, sometimes aggressively. Many travelers have complained of feeling threatened by the act.
How to avoid it:
Politely decline any “free” items offered by strangers, no matter how charming the gesture seems. A firm “No, grazie” while you walk away is good. Don’t tell them where you’re from or engage in banter. It may seem against your nature to ignore someone, but there is no good intent on their part, so just pretend you’re caught up in the scenery and ignore them.
2. The “Helpful” Stranger at ATMs or Train Stations
At train stations or ATMs, someone might offer to “help” you buy a ticket or withdraw money. They might give advice (that you didn’t ask for) or even press buttons before you can react. They might either demand a tip or, worse, distract you while an accomplice takes your belongings. I’m leery of anyone in my personal bubble at a train station kiosk or ATM machine and if someone comes near me then I stop what I’m doing immediately and guard my card and other valuables.
How to avoid it:
Only accept assistance from uniformed staff. Cover your PIN, and if someone gets too close, cancel your transaction and walk away. Decline unsolicited help and, as always in Italy, keep your belongings secure at all times.
Tip: If you’re traveling by train, buy tickets ahead of time from official sites, like Trenitalia or Italo.
3. Overpriced Taxis and “No Meter” Rides
While most Italian taxi drivers are honest professionals, some prey on tourists unfamiliar with rates. They may claim their meter is “broken” or quote an inflated flat fare. I’ve been taken advantage of by drivers who took me way out of the way to increase the meter.
How to avoid it:
While you can’t do much about a driver taking the “scenic route” to where you’re going, it is good to know how much they expect it to cost beforehand. Let the driver know where you want to go and ask the suspected cost. Always ensure the meter is running before you start the trip. At airports, train stations, and in cities, head to official taxi ranks and only use official taxis. Many times, there is a fixed rate for a trip from the airport to the city center, so check the official posted rates (often on side of vehicle) to ensure that you don’t pay more than is fair (pun intended). You can also use a reputable ride app like Free Now or ItTaxi to get an upfront estimate.
4. The Fake Petition Scam
This one’s especially common in bigger cities. Someone—often a young person—asks you to sign a petition “for charity” or to help people who are drug addicted, homeless, etc. Frequently, they might ask, “are you American?” If you answer yes, then they start in on their spiel begging you to sign their petition to change the system (whatever “issue” they’re addressing).
First, why would your signature in a foreign country matter? It wouldn’t.
What you will likely find is that they’re going to think that the fact you signed the petition makes you sympathetic, so they’ll tell you a sad story and then hit you up for a donation. Especially aggressive people might actually demand it or say that the document you signed requires you to give money. In a worst-case situation, someone might pick your pocket while you’re distracted.
How to avoid it:
Never sign anything from strangers on the street. Politely say “No” and keep walking.
5. The “Spilled” Item Distraction
A person might “accidentally” spill something on you, or say a bird made a mess on you, and then rush in to help clean up. While they fuss over you, their partner lifts your wallet or phone.
How to avoid it:
Step back immediately and handle any “accident” yourself. Secure your bag and politely refuse assistance.
6. Fake Tickets and Tours
Outside top attractions, scammers sometimes sell fake or overpriced “skip-the-line” tickets or guided tours. These may look official but often aren’t valid or are vastly overpriced. You might even find scam websites selling tickets on the internet before you leave.
How to avoid it:
Buy tickets only through official websites or trusted partners. (I recommend LivTours or The Tour Guy. Viator also has good options but check the reviews.
LivTours (semi-private/private tours): https://livtours.com?af_code=E1DDN61
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TourGuy (small group/private tours): https://tidd.ly/3J78sNi
Viator (small to medium size groups/private): https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector
7. Restaurant Overcharging
Some restaurants in tourist areas may pad the bill with mystery charges or inflated prices.
How to Avoid It:
Check if the menu lists a coperto (cover charge) or servizio (service fee) before ordering. These are normal charges but you generally will see one or the other. Coperto won’t be more than a few euro per person. If there is servizio, which I see more often at tourist traps than regular restaurants, it should be a small percentage…nothing like 15% or 18%. The menu must have it printed in order to charge it. Review the bill carefully and ask politely if something seems off.
Tip: Check out my guide on Picking the Best Restaurants in Italy or my video on Finding Italy’s Best Restaurants: a Foodie’s Dream
8. The Florence “Street Art” Scam
In Florence, especially around Piazza del Duomo or near the Uffizi, you may see prints laid out on the road or sidewalk. There will be several of them making a large rectangle which are difficult to get around. If you step on them, the owners will demand you pay for destroying the “art.”
How to Avoid It:
Watch where you are walking. If you want to buy one of the prints, they are for sale, but I would not pay much for a printed copy of real paintings that are laid out on dirty cobblestones. If someone confronts you, walk away without engaging.
9. The “Find the Ball Under the Cups” Game
You’ll spot this fast-paced street game in popular tourist areas—often near train stations or major piazzas. A crowd gathers as someone shuffles a ball under three cups or boxes, daring spectators to guess where it lands. It looks like harmless fun, but it’s a well-rehearsed con. Accomplices pretend to win, luring real tourists into betting money they’ll never see again. Just when you think you know where the ball is, one of the accomplices will step in your line of sight and in that split second, they will move the mark.
How to Avoid It:
Never join or bet on street games. They’re rigged, and the operators usually have lookouts ready to vanish if police appear. Keep walking and, as always, hold your bag securely—pickpockets often work these crowds.
Stay Savvy While Exploring Italy
Italy’s beauty far outweighs the bad apples—but a little awareness goes a long way. Most scams rely on distraction and politeness. They expect that your sense of “not being rude” will make you pay attention to them so they can hustle you. Stay alert, trust your instincts, and keep your valuables secure.
I hope you enjoy a scam-free trip to Italy.
Amy French, Ph.D., is the voice behind Roaming Historian. A professional historian and seasoned traveler, she shares stories that blend history and travel to give readers a deeper understanding of the places they explore.
Traveling soon? You will love our tour partners at LivTours, Tour Guy, and Viator. Check them out:
LivTours (semi-private/private tours): https://livtours.com?af_code=E1DDN61
**You can save 10% on LivTours tours with the code AMYRH10 (good on two or more tours)
TourGuy (small group/private tours): https://tidd.ly/3J78sNi
Viator (small to medium size groups/private): https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector
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