Question 1

What is the "Pickpocketing in the caruggi and Mercato Orientale" scam in Genoa?

Accepted Answer

The narrow medieval caruggi and the crowded Mercato Orientale food market funnel tourists into tight, distracting spaces where pickpockets work in pairs or groups. One person blocks or jostles you in a doorway or stall while a partner lifts a phone or wallet. The disorienting alley layout means victims often don't notice until they have walked several lanes away. Carry your phone and wallet in a zipped front pocket or money belt, not a back pocket or open tote. Wear bags across your body and keep a hand on the zip in crowds. Stay alert when someone crowds you in a narrow lane or stall and step into an open space to check your pockets.

Question 2

What is the "Pickpockets in Stazione Principe underground passages" scam in Genoa?

Accepted Answer

Genoa's main station, Genova Piazza Principe, has underground passageways and platform crowds where thieves target arriving travellers weighed down by luggage. They exploit the press at ticket gates, escalators and the tunnels between platforms to bump you and extract valuables. Both Principe and Genova Brignole stations are flagged as hotspots, with the underground passages at Principe singled out. Keep bags zipped and in front of you on escalators and in tunnels, and loop a strap around your foot if you set luggage down. Keep your phone and tickets in a secure inner pocket, not loose in your hand. Be extra vigilant in the moments of boarding and alighting when crowds bunch up.

Question 3

What is the "Fake charity and petition 'signature' distraction" scam in Genoa?

Accepted Answer

People posing as charity collectors or carrying clipboards ask you to sign a petition or donate using an emotional story. While you read the clipboard or fumble for change, an accomplice moves in to pick your pocket or open your bag. The petition or donation itself is also fake, so any cash handed over simply disappears. Decline firmly and keep walking; legitimate charities rarely ambush tourists in the street with clipboards. Keep your bag closed and your hands on your valuables if approached, and never let a clipboard be held in front of you to obscure your view. Do not stop to read or sign anything.

Question 4

What is the "Friendship-bracelet and rose 'gift' hustle" scam in Genoa?

Accepted Answer

Around busy pedestrian draws, hawkers approach with a 'free' woven bracelet or a rose, tying the string onto your wrist or pressing the flower into a partner's hand, then aggressively demand payment. The trick preys on politeness and the reluctance to cause a scene, and the vendor may follow you loudly until you pay. It is a long-running Italian street scam that operates wherever tourist crowds gather. Keep your hands by your sides and don't let anyone touch your wrist; if a bracelet or flower is forced on you, let it drop and keep walking. Avoid eye contact and engagement, and give a firm 'no, grazie'. Walk toward visible police if a vendor becomes intimidating.

Street Scams in Genoa

Pickpocketing in the caruggi and Mercato Orientale

Pickpockets in Stazione Principe underground passages

Fake charity and petition 'signature' distraction

Friendship-bracelet and rose 'gift' hustle

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