GACS Safe TravellerRome tourist scams: what to watch for, how to react
Rome's biggest travel risk is pickpocketing on buses 40, 64, 60, and the Metro Line A between Termini and Vatican. Violent crime is very rare; distraction thefts and taxi overcharging are the main scams.
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Top 5 scams in Rome
Bus 64 & 40 pickpockets
Coordinated teams work the standing-room-only buses to Vatican City and pick every accessible pocket.
How it works
Groups of 3–5 board at Termini, jostle passengers as the doors close, and lift phones and wallets during the crush. They exit at the next stop before victims notice. Common on the 64 (Termini–Vatican) and 40 (Termini–Castel Sant'Angelo).
How to avoid it
- Use the Metro Line A instead if possible — safer than the 64/40.
- Bag zipper against your chest, one hand on it at all times.
- Nothing in back pockets, ever. Phone on a lanyard or in front zipped pocket.
If it happens: do this now
- Shout 'Ladro!' (thief) — Italians will help you corner the group.
- File denuncia at any Carabinieri or Polizia station within 24 hours for insurance.
- Contact your bank immediately — pickpockets test cards within minutes.
Gladiator photo shakedown
Men in Roman costumes pose for photos, then demand €10–€20 per person and per photo.
How it works
Around the Colosseum and Roman Forum, men dressed as centurions wave you over for a 'free' photo. Once you or the friend has the picture, they demand cash — often surrounding you and quoting a higher fee than agreed.
How to avoid it
- Do not stop or make eye contact — a smile is treated as a yes.
- If you want the photo, agree a price in writing before posing (usually €5 total is fair).
- The city has banned them but enforcement is patchy.
If it happens: do this now
- Pay only the price you agreed. If they refuse, walk toward the nearest Polizia Municipale.
- Report aggressive demands to 112.
Rose or 'friendship bracelet'
A man puts a rose in your partner's hand or ties a bracelet on you, then demands payment.
How it works
Near Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, men press a rose into a woman's hand as a 'gift' or tie a bracelet on a man's wrist. Once accepted, they demand €5–€20 from the male partner.
How to avoid it
- Refuse anything handed to you. Keep walking.
- Warn your partner in advance — the scam relies on politeness.
If it happens: do this now
- Give the rose back to the ground. Do not hand it back to the scammer — they will refuse it and shout.
- Walk into a shop or café; they will not follow.
Fake taxi from Termini / Fiumicino
Unlicensed 'taxi' drivers charge €80–€120 for the €50 fixed airport fare.
How it works
Touts inside Termini and Fiumicino arrivals offer taxis. Their cars have no meter or a rigged one, and they refuse to honour the fixed €50 airport-to-centre fare set by Rome city law.
How to avoid it
- Only use white taxis with 'Comune di Roma' shield and licence number on the door.
- The fixed fare from Fiumicino to inside the Aurelian walls is €50 — displayed on every legal taxi.
- From Ciampino it is €31. Insist on the fixed fare before entering.
If it happens: do this now
- Photograph the door licence plate and the driver's ID card.
- Refuse to pay more than the fixed fare — call 112 if threatened.
- Report the taxi number to +39 06 06 08 (Rome city helpline).
Restaurant menu switch (coperto trap)
Tourist-trap restaurants near landmarks quote one price and bill triple with hidden charges.
How it works
Waiters bring a menu without prices, or a different menu than the one displayed outside. The bill includes a €10–€15 per-person coperto (cover), 20% service, and 'seasonal' surcharges. Common on streets around the Trevi, Piazza Navona, and Vatican.
How to avoid it
- Only sit down after seeing a menu with clear prices and coperto listed.
- Coperto is legally allowed but must be posted; €2–€3 is normal, €10 is a scam.
- Check TripAdvisor or Google reviews for 'bill scam' warnings before ordering.
If it happens: do this now
- Ask for an itemised receipt (scontrino fiscale) — it is legally required.
- Refuse to pay undisclosed charges. Call 112 if they detain you.
- Report to the Guardia di Finanza (tax police, 117) — they act on tourist-trap complaints.
Emergency numbers in Italy
Local police & anti-fraud authorities
Polizia di Stato — Tourist Help
+39 06 46861
Via San Vitale 15, Rome — English-speaking tourist unit
Guardia di Finanza (bill/tax fraud)
117
Report restaurant and taxi overcharging
Find your embassy in Rome at https://embassies.info/rome or your foreign ministry's travel site.
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GACS Safe Traveller — Rome, Italy. Updated 2026-07-14. Source: https://gacs.app/safe-traveller/rome
© 2026 GACS — Global Anti-Crime & Safety. Published as a public safety guide. Content updated monthly from government advisories, local police guidance, and verified traveler reports.
Sources: US State Department, UK FCDO Foreign Travel Advice, Australian Smartraveller, local police advisories, and reports verified by GACS. Content updated monthly.
