Reported scams include: Common scams — string bracelet, gladiator photos, unmetered taxis. Not a complete list — stay alert.

Common scams in Rome

Street-level scams reported by travelers in Rome, each with the counter-move that defuses it.

Not a complete list — new scams appear all the time. Stay alert.

Common scams — string bracelet, gladiator photos, unmetered taxis
Don't let anyone tie a bracelet on your wrist
The 'friendship' string-bracelet tie-on around the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps is Rome's most routine con: a man grabs your wrist, knots a bracelet, then demands cash and follows you — keep hands in pockets and don't engage. Costumed 'gladiators' outside the Colosseum charge for photos and turn hostile if you refuse. Take only licensed white taxis and insist on the meter (the Fiumicino–centre fare is a fixed flat rate); refuse unlicensed touts. Clipboard 'petition' signers and the crowded Metro Line A and Termini concourse are prime pickpocket ground.
Checked August 2026View sourceopens in a new tab

Every Farovia trip carries intel like this — dated, sourced, and ready offline at the border.