Florence

Scams in Italy

Flat tire scam in Italy

  7   2

How it works: Version 1: while driving, a motorist asks you to pull over, indicating a flat tire. Once you get out and are distracted, an accomplice enters your car…

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Fake car crash in Italy

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How it works: Drivers of old cars intentionally bang into your car so as to claim damages. Places to beware: Naples Pisa What to do: Stay alert and make sure…

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Italian suit scam in Italy

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How it works: Opening: a well-dressed man who speaks English approaches you while in his car to ask for directions. He then asks where you from and claim to have…

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Street pickpockets in Italy

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How it works: Version 1: they work in a gang – one onlooker, one blocks, pushes, distracts, or engages you, one grabs and the final hides the loot under a…

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Taxi scams in Italy

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How it works: Tricks: charging a flat fare instead of using the meter (except when going to and from the airport); rigged meter; taking a longer route. Note: some charges…

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Unofficial tour guide touts in Italy

  6   1

How it works: Opening: you may encounter touts wearing “official tour guide” tags. They will make all sorts of claims to get you to join an overpriced tour. For instance,…

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Shopping scams in Italy

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How it works: You will find fake designer products peddled at markets and touts at tourist attractions. These aren’t unique to Italy, but if you are caught with one, you…

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Ticket touts in Italy

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How it works: Opening: a scammer posing as a tourist claims to have a skip the line ticket which starts in a few hours’ time. However, something cropped up and…

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Shell game scam in Italy

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How it works: Opening: To win, you bet which one of three cups contain a ball (or three shells containing a pea; or three cards containing a queen), after they…

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Rome gladiators photo scam in Italy

  6   1

How it works: Situation: despite bans in 2015 and 2017 and a law in 2017 fining anyone dressed as a historical figure for photos/video up to 400 euros, these charlatans…

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