Rome Emergency Card

Tourist Police / 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

First 10 minutes if something happens

1. 1.Get to a safe, public spot (café, hotel lobby, shop) and call All emergencies on 112 if anyone is hurt or in immediate danger.
2. 2.Freeze cards immediately in your bank app (do this before calling the bank — it's faster). Revoke Apple Pay / Google Pay from a trusted device if your phone was taken.
3. 3.Change the password on your primary email from a trusted device, then sign out of every other session. Email is the master key to everything else.
4. 4.Contact Polizia di Stato — Tourist Help on +39 06 46861 to file a report — you'll need the reference number for insurance, banks, and your embassy.

Full 8-step checklist at gacs.app/safe-traveller/rome

Top 5 scams to watch for

1. 1. Bus 64 & 40 pickpockets
   Coordinated teams work the standing-room-only buses to Vatican City and pick every accessible pocket.
   Avoid: Use the Metro Line A instead if possible — safer than the 64/40.
   If it happens: Shout 'Ladro!' (thief) — Italians will help you corner the group.
2. 2. Gladiator photo shakedown
   Men in Roman costumes pose for photos, then demand €10–€20 per person and per photo.
   Avoid: Do not stop or make eye contact — a smile is treated as a yes.
   If it happens: Pay only the price you agreed. If they refuse, walk toward the nearest Polizia Municipale.
3. 3. Rose or 'friendship bracelet'
   A man puts a rose in your partner's hand or ties a bracelet on you, then demands payment.
   Avoid: Refuse anything handed to you. Keep walking.
   If it happens: Give the rose back to the ground. Do not hand it back to the scammer — they will refuse it and shout.
4. 4. Fake taxi from Termini / Fiumicino
   Unlicensed 'taxi' drivers charge €80–€120 for the €50 fixed airport fare.
   Avoid: Only use white taxis with 'Comune di Roma' shield and licence number on the door.
   If it happens: Photograph the door licence plate and the driver's ID card.
5. 5. Restaurant menu switch (coperto trap)
   Tourist-trap restaurants near landmarks quote one price and bill triple with hidden charges.
   Avoid: Only sit down after seeing a menu with clear prices and coperto listed.
   If it happens: Ask for an itemised receipt (scontrino fiscale) — it is legally required.