Question 1

What is the "Fake Metro and Bus Ticket Sales" scam in Rome?

Accepted Answer

Unofficial sellers in the corridors of Termini, Ottaviano, and Colosseo metro stations offer transit tickets or day passes at face value or slight discounts, claiming the official machines are broken or sold out. The tickets they sell are either invalid, expired, or already-used. Buyers discover the problem only at turnstiles, where they may face fines from transit inspectors. The scam also occurs near bus stops with printed fake single-ride bus tickets. Buy all transit tickets only from official yellow Atac vending machines or authorised tobacconists (tabacchi) displaying the Atac sign. Never purchase tickets from individuals in station corridors regardless of what they tell you about machine availability. Validate every ticket immediately upon boarding.

Question 2

What is the "ATM Card Skimmer" scam in Rome?

Accepted Answer

Criminals install skimming devices over the card slot of ATMs in tourist areas, combined with a hidden pin-hole camera or fake keypad overlay to capture PINs. The skimmer reads card magnetic stripe data, which is then used to clone cards or drain accounts. Machines at freestanding ATMs in high-traffic tourist zones are the most frequently targeted; police have documented multiple seizures of such devices in Rome in recent years. Use ATMs located inside bank branches during opening hours rather than freestanding street machines. Run a finger along the card slot before inserting — skimmers usually feel loose or protrude slightly. Cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN. If the machine looks unusual or retains your card, contact your bank immediately.

Money & ATM Scams in Rome

Fake Metro and Bus Ticket Sales

ATM Card Skimmer

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