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…

Read more…

Fake car crash in Italy

  7   4

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…

Read more…

Italian suit scam in Italy

  7   3

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…

Read more…

Street pickpockets in Italy

  7   2

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…

Read more…

Taxi scams in Italy

  7   7

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…

Read more…

String bracelet scam in Italy

  6   5

How it works: Version 1 (standard): tout asks if if you want a “friendship bracelet” or “friendship ring”. If you say yes, a string/bracelet will be tied so tightly around…

Read more…

Petition charity scam in Italy

  6   2

How it works: Opening: you may be approached to sign a petition such as for the deaf and mute charity (sham organization) or a petition against drugs. Set-up: if you…

Read more…

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,…

Read more…

Shopping scams in Italy

  6   2

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…

Read more…

Ticket touts in Italy

  6   0

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…

Read more…