10 Common Scams in Rome and How to Avoid Them

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Rome has its fair share of scammers seeking to cream money off its millions of visitors. And with some scams becoming more sophisticated, even the most experienced of travellers can fall prey and find themselves out of pocket. Staying informed is crucial to ensuring your visit is memorable for all the right reasons and that you get to spend more time enjoying aperitivo in a picturesque piazza rather than filling out forms in a bleak Italian police station. 

This guide was written by Alexander Meddings, a Rome-based travel writer and tourism expert. All the advice shared here draws from personal experience and practical insights. The intention is not to demonise or discriminate but to inform visitors clearly and honestly.

Most Common Rome Scams

1) The Bracelet Scam

The African bracelet scam is the most routine scam in Rome’s historic centre. Individuals will swiftly approach tourists and tie a string bracelet around their wrists, claiming it’s free or a friendly gesture. Moments later, however, they'll demand payment and pursue tourists until they give them some money.

While it can feel uncomfortable to ignore someone entirely, the best way to avoid this scam is to avoid engaging entirely. If you do engage or make eye contact, politely but firmly decline and walk away, and if you feel intimidated or threatened, walk towards police / military police. 

2) The Rose Scam

Couples enjoying drinks in piazzas or eating out at restaurants are the main targets of this scam. Vendors either lay roses on the table or thrust roses into your hand, pretending they are free and a gift for your beloved. Sometimes they demand payment immediately, sometimes they circle back after trying this trick on other tables. 

Unless you want to gift your significant other a significantly overpriced rose — and hey, who says romance is dead, sometimes it’s a lovely gesture — firmly refuse and cease to engage.

3) Fake or Exorbitant Colosseum Tickets

Given the Colosseum’s popularity (drawing almost 15 million visitors in 2024 alone), it’s no surprise it has become a hotbed of unofficial sellers and fake ticket touts. Some sell genuine skip-the-line tickets at inflated prices; others sell vouchers that need changing into tickets at the ticket office; some even sell fake tickets altogether — pieces of paper that entitle you to nothing. 

Always buy your Colosseum tickets in advance and only ever from a trusted tour company or official ticket supplier. A timed-entry adult Colosseum ticket costs €18 for the 24-hour ticket to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill and €24 for a ‘Full Experience’ ticket that grants access to areas like the Colosseum Arena and Colosseum Underground. 

Make sure to read our no-nonsense guide to visiting the Colosseum

Book your Colosseum Tour with a fluent, expert guide!

4) The Fake Petition Scam

Some scammers pose as charity workers, asking tourists to sign petitions before going on to demand donations. One common scam, often around the Trastevere district, involves asking passers-by to Sign Against Drugs, as if jotting down one’s personal details could help close cocaine factories in Colombia. So politely refuse to sign anything, and keep on walking. 

5) Taxi Scams

Taxi scams in Rome fall into two main categories: 1) licensed taxi drivers not turning on their metres, taking unnecessarily long routes, or insisting on cash payment, or 2) unlicensed taxi drivers ripping off tourists (and occasionally locals) in much the same way.

This is especially rife around Roma Fiumicino Airport, where scammers prey on tired, jet-lagged arrivals. The best way to avoid it is to take other (cheaper) means of transport when getting from the airport to Rome’s city centre or, if a taxi is your only option, ensure that it’s an official taxi and you pay the legally fixed fare of €55.

Check out this guide to the best taxi apps in Rome

Taxi traffic in Rome

Only ever take official white taxis in Rome, and even then be vigilant!

6) Pickpocketing

Busy sites like the historic centre and metro system often attract skilled pickpocket groups. Take the metro during the morning or afternoon rush hour, and you’ll find yourself packed into a carriage like sardines — the perfect conditions for pickpockets. 

Here are some common pickpocketing scams to look out for:

  • Staged arguments or overly distracting/attention-grabbing scenes. A common modus operandi of pickpocketing gangs is to cause a scene that distracts bystanders. While two or three of them play the scene out, others will make their way behind spectators, picking their pockets and ‘relieving’ them of their possessions.
  • Being greeted by complete strangers. Bumping into familiar faces is not unheard of on vacation. But in a city of 2.75 million residents (and many more tourists), it’s not going to be common either. If you don’t immediately recognise the person getting up close and personal and greeting you, either don’t engage or politely walk away.
  • ‘Accidental’ spills. One of the easiest ways for pickpockets to get their hands on you is to ‘accidentally’ spill something on you and then offer to clean it off. If somebody spills something on you, be polite, accept their apology, and clean yourself off when you’re away from them. Don’t let them clean you off, and don’t get into an altercation since it’s unlikely they’re operating alone. 
  • People asking for directions. This is the trickiest of the lot, since it’s not uncommon for strangers to ask others for directions. Just ask yourself (and be honest): do you look like a local? Does the person asking look genuine? Are they insisting, even after you’ve politely said no? 

7) Restaurant Overcharging

Personal anecdote, here. I have two Northern Italian friends with typical northern features (blonde hair, blue eyes) who were recently visiting Rome. After finishing their breakfast in the centre of a cappuccino and cornetto, they received a bill of €20 for what should have cost no more than €6. When they queried their waitress, she replied, “Ah, scusa, pensavo che foste stranieri” (Sorry, I thought you were foreigners) and quickly came back with the correct bill. 

Unfortunately, too many bars and restaurants in the centre try this scam. But there is an easy solution. Whenever you enter a bar, look for a price list (which by law should be easily visible) and do bear in mind that in some coffee shops, especially in touristy areas, it may cost more to consume at the table. 

Also double-check the bill carefully before paying. A cover charge (coperto) is expected in Italy, but it should not be extortionate (more than a few Euros per person) and make sure you don’t have additional charges for items you did not order.

Steer clear of the tourist traps on this award-winning Rome Food Tour!

8) Gladiators Photo Scam

Despite being outlawed in 2023, you’ll still see people dressed as gladiators hanging around the Colosseum and Via dei Fori Imperiali offering to have their photos taken with unsuspecting tourists. If you’d like some gladiator photos as a souvenir, that’s fine. But bear in mind that you’ll be expected to pay handsomely (around €10 euros per person). 

Politely decline or confirm any fees before taking pictures.

9) Treading on Paintings Scam

Though more common in Florence, especially around the Piazza del Duomo, Rome also has scammers who leave prints on the ground of busy public areas in the hope of extracting money from tourists. In theory, they try to sell these prints but the real scam comes when they accuse passers-by of stepping on the print and ruining it, and demand payment for the damage done.

Do always be aware of your surroundings. (If you have indeed stepped on something, take that as a sign to be more vigilant). But don’t let yourself be harassed into shelling out for no reason. 

10) ATM Skimming Devices

Some tech-savvy scammers install card skimmers on ATMs which can steal your banking information and empty your account. As a rule of thumb, only use ATMs located inside reputable banks like BNL, UniCredit, IntesaSanPaolo and Crédit Agricole or in monitored areas with CCTV. 

How to Avoid Scams in Rome

  • Trust your instincts. Few things in life are free; if something feels off, walk away.
  • Carry minimal cash. Cash is great for tipping, but use credit cards or prepaid cards for bigger transactions (drinks, dinner, transport, tours).

Are Rome Scams Common?

While pickpocketing and petty crime in Rome is unfortunately, especially on the metro and around the historic centre, Rome is generally very safe. Despite Italy’s mafioso reputation, organised and violent crime is rare. Compared to other countries, the 2024 Global Peace Index Report ranks Italy as the 33rd safest country in the world, ahead of the UK (34th) and USA (132nd).

What to Do If You've Been Scammed

Being scammed sucks, but it doesn’t have to ruin your vacation. If you find yourself a victim of a scam, follow these steps:

  • Immediately report the incident to local police or authorities. They will ask you to fill out a report (denuncia) which will be fundamental for insurance purposes. 
  • Inform your bank or credit card company if financial details have been compromised.
  • Contact your embassy if you have lost important documents like your passport.

Emergency Contacts

  • National Emergency Number (Police, Ambulances, Firefighters): 112
  • Police: 113
  • Medical Emergencies: 118
  • US embassy: (+39) 06 46741

Make the Most of Your Trip to Rome! 

By following these simple precautions, you can confidently explore Italy’s capital while protecting yourself against common Rome scams. To ensure a safe, enjoyable experience, book your experiences with Carpe Diem Tours, trusted experts who provide unforgettable experiences across Rome and Europe!

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Alexander Meddings
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Alexander Meddings is a professional copywriter and postgraduate in Roman history from the University of Oxford. After graduating with his MPhil, he moved to Florence and then Rome to carry out his research on the ground and pursue his passion at the source. He now works in travel, as a writer and content consultant, and in education as a university lecturer and translator.
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