Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Naples, Italy

All Topics about Naples All Cities in Italy

1. Taxis from Airport Scam

Avoid fixed-price taxis at Naples airport; use official taxi rank or pre-book with reliable companies.

Price Fixing: Official taxis have meters; avoid 'fixed' prices.
Reliable Companies: Pre-book with reputable taxi services for peace of mind.
Official Ranks: Avoid unofficial taxis; use official taxi stands to ensure safety.

Be cautious at famous pizzerias, some may overcharge tourists due to reputation.

Overpriced Menus: Compare menu prices with local prices; avoid paying more for the same meal.
Reputation: Famous pizzerias do not necessarily guarantee fair pricing.
Locally-priced Options: Find affordable, authentic options nearby for a genuine Neapolitan pizza experience.

Avoid guides approaching you spontaneously; opt for pre-booked and reputable tour companies.

Spontaneous Guides: Ignore unsolicited offers from strangers posing as guides.
Pre-booked Tours: Book tours through reliable tour operators to ensure quality service.
Reputable Tour Companies: Choose companies with positive reviews and verifiable information.

Be aware of counterfeit goods sold in street markets; buy only from authorized vendors.

Counterfeits: Check for poor quality, misspellings or incorrect logos on merchandise.
Authorized Vendors: Look for authorized vendors with clear signage and verifiable credentials.
Official Stores: Purchase items from official stores or online for authentic merchandise.

Be cautious when exchanging money on the street; use reputable exchange offices or banks.

Street Exchanges: Avoid unofficial money exchangers on the street.
Reputable Exchange Offices: Choose licensed and regulated exchange offices for safety.
Bank Exchanges: Use banks to exchange money, as they offer secure and reliable services.

Keep a close eye on personal belongings in crowded areas like the historic center and transport.

Crowded Areas: Increased risk of pickpocketing in bustling tourist spots.
Personal Belongings: Use anti-theft bags, wallets and pouches to safeguard valuables.
Vigilance: Remain aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying valuable items unnecessarily.

Beware of overly helpful locals offering assistance; they might lead you to scammers or overpriced shops.

Overhelpful Locals: Some locals may offer help with the intention to mislead you.
Scammers: Be cautious when accepting assistance from strangers, especially in unfamiliar areas.
Price Checks: Always check prices before agreeing to purchases to avoid being overcharged.

Ignore fake emergencies like 'stolen wallets' or 'broken phones'; they are often scams to take advantage of your kindness.

Fake Emergencies: Scammers might stage fake emergencies to get money or personal information from you.
Personal Information: Never share sensitive information with strangers.
Money Requests: Do not give money to strangers, no matter the situation.

Be cautious of magic tricks in the street; they might be a distraction for pickpockets or scams.

Distractions: Street performances can sometimes serve as a distraction for theft.
Pickpocketing: Keep an eye on your belongings during street performances to avoid theft.
Scams: Be aware of tricks intended to extract money or personal information from you.

Check your restaurant bills carefully; some restaurants might add extra charges without explanation.

Extra Charges: Be vigilant for hidden fees or unexplained charges on your bill.
Clearly Marked Prices: Ensure that all menu prices are clearly marked and easy to understand.
Pre-check Prices: Ask for the final price before you order, especially if it's a large meal or group.

Some charity collectors might not be legitimate; research charities before giving donations.

Legitimate Charities: Research charities to ensure they are reputable and provide genuine assistance.
Donation Boxes: Use official donation boxes rather than giving money directly to collectors.
Caution with Collectors: Be cautious when approached by collectors, as some might not be legitimate.

Use secure Wi-Fi networks for online transactions to avoid identity theft.

Secure Wi-Fi Networks: Stick to trusted networks like hotels, cafes or public libraries for online activities.
Identity Theft Risk: Shady internet cafes might have malware on their computers that can steal your personal information.
Password Security: Use strong and unique passwords for online accounts to prevent unauthorized access.

Some tourist attractions might be fake or overpriced; research the attractions before visiting.

Fake Attractions: Some attractions might not be authentic, or have inflated prices.
Reputable Attractions: Research the legitimacy and affordability of each attraction before visiting.
Official Tickets: Purchase tickets from official sources to avoid scams and ensure access.

Be cautious when buying street food; some vendors might use expired or low-quality ingredients.

Expired Ingredients: Street food vendors might use outdated or poor-quality ingredients.
Hygiene Practices: Ensure that street food vendors follow proper hygiene practices to avoid illness.
Locally Recommended Vendors: Ask locals for recommendations on safe and delicious street food options.

Beware of locals offering accommodation; they might be part of a scam or low-quality properties.

Accommodation Scams: Some offers for accommodation might be part of a scam or substandard properties.
Reputable Accommodations: Research and book accommodations from reputable sources to ensure quality.
Trusted Reviews: Look for accommodations with positive reviews and verifiable information online.