Rome Scams to Avoid in 2026 (Italy)
Rome's tourist areas — the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Vatican — see gladiator costume photo scams, fake petitions, overpriced cafés, and highly organized pickpocket gangs.
Compare with nearby destinations
Last updated: April 2, 2026
Pickpockets on Bus 40 and 64
Buses 40 and 64, which run from Termini Station to the Vatican, are notorious for organized pickpocket gangs. The buses get very crowded and thieves work in teams — one distracts while another steals.
📍Bus routes 40 and 64 running from Roma Termini westward along Corso Vittorio Emanuele II toward the Vatican. The buses are most crowded — and theft most common — at the Termini boarding stop and at the stops near Largo di Torre Argentina and Piazza Navona.
How to avoid: Take the Metro (Line A to Ottaviano) instead of buses 40/64 when going to the Vatican. Keep bags zipped and in front of you. Be especially alert when the bus is crowded or when someone creates a distraction.
4
High Risk
5
Medium Risk
1
Low Risk
Rome · Italy · Europe
Open map →📍Where These Scams Are Most Active in Rome
Specific areas and landmarks with the highest concentration of documented incidents.
Pickpockets on Bus 40 and 64
Bus routes 40 and 64 running from Roma Termini westward along Corso Vittorio Emanuele II toward the Vatican. The buses are most crowded — and theft most common — at the Termini boarding stop and at the stops near Largo di Torre Argentina and Piazza Navona.
Fake Petition at Major Sights
Outside the Colosseum's main entrance on Piazza del Colosseo, and along the Via dei Fori Imperiali walkway toward the Roman Forum. Groups also operate near the Arch of Constantine where tourists slow down to photograph.
Taxi from Termini Without Meter
Outside Roma Termini's main exits on Piazza dei Cinquecento, where unlicensed drivers solicit passengers on the pavement before they reach the official white taxi queue. Also active on the Via Giovanni Giolitti side exit.
Colosseum Fake Ticket and Guide Touts
Along the queue outside the Colosseum's main entrance on Piazza del Colosseo, and on the Via Sacra path between the Colosseum and the Arch of Titus. Touts also redirect tourists toward a separate paid entry point on Via dei Fori Imperiali.
Gladiator Photo Scam
Directly outside the Colosseum's main entrance on the Via Sacra side, and along the Via dei Fori Imperiali between the Colosseum metro stop (Line B) and the Arch of Constantine. A secondary cluster operates near the Roman Forum's Via Sacra entrance.
Restaurant Cover Charge Ambush
Restaurants lining the Via della Conciliazione leading to St Peter's Square, the streets immediately surrounding the Trevi Fountain (Via delle Muratte, Via dei Crociferi), and the blocks around Piazza di Spagna at the Spanish Steps.
These areas are safe to visit — knowing the setups in advance makes them far easier to recognize and avoid.
Street-level scams are most common in Rome
3 documented street scams target tourists near major attractions. Unsolicited approaches, "free" gifts, and distraction techniques are the main patterns — confidence and pace help.
How it works
Buses 40 and 64, which run from Termini Station to the Vatican, are notorious for organized pickpocket gangs. The buses get very crowded and thieves work in teams — one distracts while another steals.
How it works
Groups of children or young people approach tourists near the Colosseum and Roman Forum with clipboards, asking for signatures for deaf rights or similar causes. While tourists' attention is on the board, wallets and phones are stolen.
How it works
Taxis outside Roma Termini use negotiated "flat rates" that can be €25–50 to destinations with an official metered fare of €8–12. Drivers target tourists with luggage unfamiliar with correct fares.
How it works
Touts near the Colosseum's entrance sell guided tours or "skip-the-line" entries at inflated prices. Some sell entirely fake tickets while others redirect tourists to separate, non-affiliated paid entry points.
How it works
Men dressed as Roman gladiators near the Colosseum invite tourists for a photo. Once taken, they demand $20–50 per person. If tourists refuse or try to leave, they may become aggressive or grab cameras.
How it works
Restaurants in the tourist belt around the Vatican, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps add "coperto" (cover charge) and "servizio" (service charge) not visible on the displayed menu. Bills can be €5–15 per person higher than expected.
How it works
Restaurants within 200 metres of St Peter's Square routinely charge €30–50 per main course plus cover charges for food that would cost €10–15 two streets away in Prati neighbourhood.
How it works
The classic shell game is operated by gangs near the Colosseum and Forum area. Shills win visibly to attract bets. Any tourist who bets loses; the ball is palmed between movements.
How it works
Street sellers spread counterfeit handbags and sunglasses on sheets near the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. In Italy, buying counterfeit goods can result in fines for the buyer of €1,000–10,000.
How it works
Men near the Trevi Fountain offer single roses to couples, then demand $20–30 once the photo is taken. If refused, they make a scene and may follow couples aggressively to embarrass them into paying.
Rome Safety — Frequently Asked Questions
What scams target tourists in Rome?
Are taxis safe in Rome?
Is Rome safe at night for tourists?
Which areas of Rome should tourists be most careful in?
How can I avoid being scammed in Rome?
Browse by scam type
Filter scams in Rome by category, or read our worldwide guides for each scam type — taxi scams, street scams, restaurant scams, and more.
If you're visiting more than one destination
Similar scam patterns are active across the Europe region. Before visiting Krakow, Berlin, and Prague, review each city's guide — tactics vary and local setups differ even for the same scam type.
Editorial note: Scam warnings for Rome are compiled from government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT), verified news sources, travel community reports, and traveler-submitted incidents. All entries are reviewed for accuracy and local specificity before publication. Read our full methodology →