Browse 10 verified travel scam reports from Italy, submitted by real travelers. Learn about the most common scams and stay one step ahead before you go.
🗓️ Scam date: 19 October 2024
📝 Reported: 22 September 2026
We found an apartment through a Facebook group, met the "landlord", paid two months' deposit in cash. On move-in day the phone was dead and the real owner knew nothing about a rental. Never pay deposits in cash without a proper contract.
🗓️ Scam date: 9 March 2025
📝 Reported: 17 September 2026
A booth near the Vatican labeled "Tourist Information" sold Vatican Museum "skip the line" tours for €75. The official price is €17–25. The booth gets commission per tourist. Real tourist info offices don't sell tours.
🗓️ Scam date: 6 August 2025
📝 Reported: 11 September 2026
We sat at a table in St Mark's Square with the live orchestra. Two cappuccinos: €42. The menu board outside showed €6.50 — in tiny print: "price applies at the counter only". Sitting down can multiply the price by five.
🗓️ Scam date: 27 September 2025
📝 Reported: 10 September 2026
The sign at the official taxi stand clearly said fixed fare €48 to the center. Our driver insisted his meter said €95 because of "night time and luggage". We paid €60 after arguing. Take a photo of the fixed-fare board before you get in.
🗓️ Scam date: 18 April 2026
📝 Reported: 8 September 2026
Two "gladiators" outside the Colosseum pulled me into a photo. After two shots they demanded €50 — "€25 each". They physically blocked us when we offered €10. Take your own photos from a distance; any pose costs money.
🗓️ Scam date: 15 June 2025
📝 Reported: 3 September 2026
Two espressos at a café next to the Pantheon: €16, plus a 20% "service charge" added to the bill, plus a €4 "table fee" for sitting outside. The espresso at the counter is €1.50. Check for coperto and servizio before you sit.
🗓️ Scam date: 14 May 2026
📝 Reported: 23 August 2026
At the Duomo, a man "gave" me a friendship bracelet and my girlfriend got one too. He then demanded €20 "per gift" and got loud when we refused. The "gift" cost him 20 cents. Walk away with your hands at your sides.
🗓️ Scam date: 30 May 2025
📝 Reported: 22 August 2026
At Termini, a man "accidentally" smeared mustard on my jacket, then a very helpful stranger offered tissues and started dabbing. When he left, my wallet was gone from my front pocket. If someone spills something on you, refuse all help.
🗓️ Scam date: 19 July 2025
📝 Reported: 18 August 2026
We agreed €80 for a gondola ride. After 30 minutes the gondolier demanded €240: "it's €80 per person plus music". There had been no mention of "per person". Agree on a total price in writing, or at least in front of witnesses.
🗓️ Scam date: 19 November 2025
📝 Reported: 15 August 2026
A reseller outside the Colosseum metro sold us two "skip the line" tickets with QR codes for €80. The QR codes were screenshots of someone else's tickets and the scanner rejected them. Buy only from the official CoopCulture site.