Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Rome, Italy

1. Trevi Fountain Scam

Be wary of strangers offering to help take photos, they may ask for money after. Throw coins only into the fountain, not to strangers.

Photo Scam: Strangers asking to take your photo and then demand payment afterwards.
Coin Theft: Coins thrown outside the fountain may be stolen.
Crowded Area: Popular tourist spot, making it a prime target for scams.

Some taxis may use a faulty meter or refuse to use one, demanding an inflated fare. Always agree on the price before starting your journey.

Faulty Meters: Taxis using meters that don't work properly.
Inflated Fares: Drivers demanding excessive fares without agreement.
Unlicensed Taxis: Some unofficial taxis may overcharge or refuse to use meters.

Be cautious when shopping for luxury goods at street vendors. They may be counterfeit and of poor quality.

Street Vendors: Purchasing goods from unauthorized street sellers.
Counterfeit Goods: Goods are not genuine and may be of poor quality.
Pricing: Prices for luxury goods in Rome are significantly lower than the original price.

Some rickshaws may refuse to use a meter and demand an inflated fare. Be sure to agree on the price before starting your journey.

Faulty Meters: Rickshaws using meters that don't work properly.
Inflated Fares: Drivers demanding excessive fares without agreement.
Unlicensed Rickshaws: Some unofficial rickshaws may overcharge or refuse to use meters.

Be wary of strangers offering to help take photos, they may ask for money after. Coins thrown into bridges or fountains do not grant any wishes.

Photo Scam: Strangers asking to take your photo and then demand payment afterwards.
Wishing Well Myth: Misconception that throwing coins into bridges or fountains grants wishes.
Coin Theft: Coins thrown outside the structure may be stolen.

Be cautious when interacting with overly friendly locals who offer help or assistance. They may be trying to scam you.

Scam Artist Pretending as Local: Individuals posing as locals to gain your trust.
Distraction Techniques: Diversion tactics used to steal from or deceive tourists.
Money Demands: Demanding money for services not rendered, help not given, or items not purchased.

Some restaurants and bars may overprice their food and drinks. Always check the menu before ordering.

Inflated Prices: Prices for food and drink significantly higher than normal.
Tourist Trap Restaurants: Restaurants targeting tourists with inflated prices.
Menu Misleading: Menu does not clearly list prices or offers hidden charges.

Be wary of individuals claiming to be police officers. They may demand money for false infractions or ask you to withdraw cash from an ATM.

False Identification: Individuals using fake IDs or uniforms.
Extortion: Demanding money for false infractions or fines.
ATM Theft: Asking victims to withdraw cash from an ATM, which is then stolen or skimmed.

Some street performers may demand payment for their performance without having asked for it first. Only give if you've enjoyed the performance.

Unsolicited Demands: Performers demanding payment without asking for it first.
Counterfeit Money: Counterfeit money being passed as real.
Distraction Techniques: Diversion tactics used to steal from or deceive tourists while the performance is happening.

Be cautious when hiring tour guides. Always ensure they are licensed and reputable.

Licensed or Unlicensed: Guide may not be properly licensed to guide tours.
Quality of Service: Quality and reliability of the tour service may be poor.
Safety Concerns: Guide may lead to unsafe or unauthorized areas, putting tourists at risk.

Public Wi-Fi networks may be fake and used for data theft. Only use secured, reliable networks.

Data Theft: Information stolen through unsecured Wi-Fi connections.
Malware Infections: Devices may become infected with malware through the network.
Unencrypted Connections: Data transmitted over unsecured networks can be easily intercepted.

Be cautious when purchasing Rome city passes. Some may be counterfeit or offer fewer benefits than advertised.

Counterfeit Passes: Passes that are not genuine and do not grant access to attractions.
Fewer Benefits Than Advertised: Benefits offered on the pass may be fewer or different than what was advertised.
Overpriced Passes: Passes are significantly more expensive than normal passes.

Be cautious when using ATMs. Avoid ATMs that appear damaged or unofficial. Cover the keypad with your hand to prevent keylogging.

Damaged or Unofficial ATMs: ATMs that are damaged, unsecured, or not affiliated with a bank.
Skimming Devices: Devices installed on the card reader to steal your card information.
Keypad Keylogging: Keystrokes recorded through hidden cameras or keyloggers to steal your PIN.

Some hotels may overprice their rooms. Always compare prices with other reputable hotels before booking.

Inflated Prices: Prices for hotel rooms significantly higher than normal.
Reputation of Hotel: Hotel may have a poor reputation or offer subpar service.
Location of the Hotel: Hotel located in an inconvenient or dangerous area.

Be cautious when shopping at flea markets. Some sellers may offer counterfeit goods or use weight tricks to cheat customers.

Counterfeit Goods: Goods are not genuine and may be of poor quality.
Weight Tricks: Sellers using weight tricks to cheat customers, such as filling goods with sand or lighter materials.
Misleading Pricing: Prices for items are misleading, either too high or hidden charges applied.