Question 1

What is the "Posteggiatori abusivi (illegal parking attendants)" scam in Catania?

Accepted Answer

Unofficial 'attendants' wave you into a free or public street space, sometimes slapping a meaningless blank ticket on the windscreen, then demand 2-5 euro cash to 'watch' the car. Local police repeatedly run blitzes against them around Via Etnea and nearby piazzas, and tourists who refuse fear their car may be keyed or broken into. Park in a signed paid garage or pay the official meter; you are not legally obliged to pay these men. If pressed, pay a small coin only if you feel unsafe, photograph the area, and report aggressive ones to the Polizia Locale.

Question 2

What is the "Pickpockets in the airport car-rental hut and markets" scam in Catania?

Accepted Answer

In the hot, crowded open-air car-rental building across from Fontanarossa, and in the packed market lanes, thieves work the crush, with travellers reporting an older man openly pickpocketing multiple people while they filled out rental paperwork. Crowds let a hand slip into an open bag while attention is on documents or stalls. Wear a money belt or cross-body bag in front, keep wallet and phone zipped and out of back pockets, and stay alert while distracted with rental forms or browsing stalls. Travel light through these chokepoints.

Question 3

What is the "Moped and street bag-snatching" scam in Catania?

Accepted Answer

Bag-snatching is documented as a real risk in Catania and Palermo specifically, with thieves on foot or scooter grabbing handbags, phones and shoulder bags that hang loosely or sit on cafe tables. Snatches happen fast on busier streets and near nightlife. Carry a cross-body bag worn in front and on the building side of the pavement away from the road, never leave a phone or bag on an outdoor table, and avoid walking with a phone held out near traffic.

Question 4

What is the "Free rosemary / 'gift' then payment demand" scam in Catania?

Accepted Answer

A friendly person presses a sprig of rosemary, a bracelet or a small 'handmade' trinket into your hand as a gift, then aggressively demands several euros once you have taken it, sometimes grabbing your wrist. Refusing causes a loud scene designed to pressure tourists into paying. Keep your hands down and decline firmly, do not accept anything placed in your hand, and walk on without engaging. If something is forced on you, hand it straight back and keep moving.

Street Scams in Catania

Posteggiatori abusivi (illegal parking attendants)

Pickpockets in the airport car-rental hut and markets

Moped and street bag-snatching

Free rosemary / 'gift' then payment demand

Experienced a scam here?