Common Europe Travel Scams, Italy, Travel tips
Europe, Read About Can't Miss Places, Travel Tips

Common Scams in Italy (and Europe) + How to Avoid Them

Amy French the Roaming Historian

You might have noticed that I often sign off with “happy travels” instead of the more common “safe travels.”

That’s intentional.

Because the truth is…travel in Europe is generally pretty darn safe, especially compared to many parts of the world. Violent crime is rare, and most visits go off without a hitch.

That said, there is one category of crime that travelers should be aware of: petty theft and scams. Pickpockets and opportunistic thieves are incredibly skilled, especially in high-traffic tourist areas. Their goal isn’t to threaten you—it’s to separate you from your belongings before you even realize what’s happened.

The good news? Once you understand how these scams work, they become much easier to avoid. Here’s what to watch for and how to protect yourself.

The Most Common Scams in Italy and Europe

1. The Distraction Scam (The Classic)

This a common tactic and very effective. It usually looks like:

  • Someone asking for help with a map.
  • A clipboard petition asking you to sign something.
  • Someone “accidentally” spilling something on you or pretending a bird pooed on you.
  • A staged stumble or bump.

While your attention is diverted, someone else is unzipping your bag, taking your wallet, and/or grabbing your phone.

How to avoid it: Be cautious of unsolicited interactions. Keep moving if something feels off. Understand that these interactions are often a scripted ploy designed to exploit the polite nature of tourists. It’s not rude to just ignore the person and keep moving. As soon as someone gets in your personal bubble, secure your belongings and get away. Don’t let your guard down, even when someone is being overly friendly or appears to need help.

2. Pickpocketing in Crowded Areas

Pickpockets thrive in crowded areas, like stations, on public transportation at popular landmarks, and in boarding areas. They often work in teams and rely on close physical contact, sudden crowding, and confusion during movement.

How to avoid it: Carry bags in front of you, keep a hand on your belongings at all times (including those in your pocket like a man’s wallet), and use zippers that are clipped or locked.

3. The Scooter or Walk-By Phone or Purse Snatch

This is growing more common, sadly. Someone on a scooter—or even just walking quickly—grabs your phone out of your hand and disappears, or they snatch your purse off your shoulder either by pulling it off or cutting the strap.

How to avoid it: Don’t stand near the edge of sidewalks while using your phone or getting something out of your bag. Keep your purse cross body with the body of it away from the road; make sure your phone is also not easily accessible to someone on the road. Step against a wall or solid barrier when using it to prevent someone from grabbing it as they ride or walk by. Use a phone tether or lanyard to further secure your phone. I used to carry one that affixed to my wrist but now I’m using a lanyard that helps me be more hands-free and that I can cover with my purse and my arm over both.  

4. The “Friendly Local” or Overly Helpful Stranger

Not everyone who approaches you is a scammer…but some are. Watch for overly eager people who are trying to help with luggage or tickets. Someone insisting on assisting you at machines. People creating urgency.

How to avoid it: Politely decline help unless you asked for it. Go directly to official staff if needed.

5. Digital Scams (Before and During Your Trip)

Digital scams are growing increasingly common. You might receive a fake email or text saying that your flight or hotel is cancelled. A message might ask you to “confirm” booking details or your payment method. A person can walk by you and skim personal information off your credit cards. Or, you might innocently plug your phone into a public USB charging station and have all your data stolen. None of these scenarios would make for a pleasant vacation!

How to avoid it: Never click links in unsolicited messages. If someone asks you to confirm travel details, go directly to the official website and inquire through their legitimate customer service. Avoid public USB charging ports…instead plug your USB into a wall adapter and use the plug instead.

How to Protect Your Valuables

Secure Your Valuables. Use crossbody bags with secured zippers. Always carry your bag in front of you with your arm across it. Keep eyes on your goods, especially your phone. Use a RFID blocking wallet or put credit cards in RFID blocking sleeves.

Keep 360-Degree Awareness. This doesn’t mean being paranoid, it means being aware. Notice who’s around you. Be cautious in crowded transitions (boarding trains, etc.). Trust your instincts.

Layer Your Money and Cards (This Is Critical). This is one of the most important habits we’ve developed. I never carry everything in one place. Instead, we split resources between me and my husband. I carry at least two credit cards (from separate accounts) and two debit cards (from separate accounts) and divide them between my husband and me. If one of us is robbed, we can shut down access to the stolen accounts and carry on with our vacation. And on travel days, we keep our funds secured by using money belts.

Personally:

  • I carry only what I need for the day.
  • I leave extra cards secured at the hotel.
  • If I’m not planning to spend a lot of money, I don’t bring credit cards just a little cash.
  • If I’m not using an ATM, I leave my debit card in a secured location.

Yes, it sometimes means going back to the hotel—but it’s worth it. If something is stolen, my trip doesn’t come to a halt or having to beg someone to wire me money.

Protect Your Phone. Your phone is one of your most valuable travel tools. Use a tether or lanyard. Keep it secured when not in use. Be mindful when taking photos in crowded areas.

Be Smart About What You Wear. Consider minimizing jewelry and keeping valuables discreet. Turn rings inward toward your palm when in crowded places to avoid unwanted attention. Utilize clothes with hidden interior pockets for passports and valuables.

Luggage Safety on Trains and in Transit. Get luggage with TSA lucks integrated. When on trains, buses, etc., put your luggage directly in your line of sight or above you. If you cannot see it, then carry a train lock to affix it to the luggage area. Bring portable TSA locks to secure bags that don’t have them built in (I use these to connect zippers on totes and other non-suitcase luggage bags.

Protect Yourself If the Worst Happens: Travel Insurance

Even with the best preparation, things can still go wrong. That’s why we always travel with insurance. Travel insurance can cover: lost or stolen belongings, trip interruptions, and medical emergencies.

Our favorite way to purchase travel insurance is through Travel Insurance dot com. This awesome travel site  allows us to compare multiple policies side-by-side and choose what fits our needs best—without increasing the cost. Compare plans here: https://www.travelinsurance.com/?utm_source=pap&a_aid=65590b3a60c44

Travel Insurance dot com, affordable travel insurance

Book Smart: Our Favorite Travel Partners

One of the easiest ways to avoid scams is to book through trusted platforms and reputable companies. Instead of dealing with unknown vendors on the street, we book in advance with companies we trust:

Booking ahead removes uncertainty and significantly reduces your risk of being scammed on the ground. Europe is not a dangerous place to travel—but it is a place where being an informed traveler makes all the difference.

Stay alert, protect your belongs, and realize that most scams rely on distraction and assumptions about politeness. I hope this blog helps you feel less stressed, so you can go out and enjoy the history, the culture, and the experience.

Happy travels! Amy

FAQ: Scams and Safety in Italy & Europe

Is Italy safe for tourists?

Yes. Italy is generally very safe, but petty theft like pickpocketing is common in tourist areas.

Where do pickpockets operate the most?

Crowded places like metros, train stations, and major attractions.

What is the most common scam in Europe?

Distraction-based pickpocketing is the most common.

Should I use a money belt in Europe?

It can be helpful, especially for backup cash and documents.

Is it safe to use my phone in public?

Yes—but be aware of your surroundings and avoid using it near busy streets or crowds.

Amy French, Ph.D., is the voice behind Roaming Historian. A professional historian and seasoned traveler, she shares stories that blend history and travel to give readers a deeper understanding of the places they explore.

Book Your Next Hotel with Hotels.com

Hotels.com is great to find great stays in Europe and pretty much everywhere you roam. It’s easy to compare locations, read reviews, and find places with flexible cancellation. My biggest tip: prioritize location—you’ll enjoy Europe so much more when you can walk everywhere. Find your hotel: https://www.hotels.com/affiliate/8JExG2k

Going on a Cruise? Try Shore Excursions Group

If you’re visiting ports during a cruise, Shore Excursions Group is a reliable alternative to booking excursions through the cruise line. Their tours are often smaller, more affordable (sometimes up to 40% less than ship excursions), and led by knowledgeable local guides. They offer carefully designed shore excursions in ports around the world. Even better, they provide a guaranteed on-time return to the ship, giving cruisers peace of mind when exploring independently. Just plug in your cruise ship and sail date and your ports will automatically populate, so you can browse excursions for your cruise ports here:
https://www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/?id=1634209&data=roaminghistorian@gmail.com

Cruise Better with Shore Excursions Group

A Favorite Italy Tour Partner: LivTours

LivTours is a boutique, family-owned company specializing in high-quality, semi-private (maximum 6 people) and private tours, primarily in Italy, as well as Spain, France, England, Austria, and other parts of Europe. They are highly regarded for skip-the-line access to major sites, expert, English-speaking guides, and curated, immersive experiences designed to avoid “cookie-cutter” travel. We’ve had amazing experiences with them and enjoy that they hire local guides exclusively.

LivTours offers Roaming Historian readers 10% off two or more tours! Save on your next favorite European memory by using our coupon code “AMYRH10.” We highly recommend this company; they offer topnotch tours, tickets, and experiences and you can save money with Roaming Historian!

Book with LivTours here: https://livtours.com?af_code=E1DDN61

Liv Tours Tours Save Money with Roaming Historian, Europe Tours, Italy Tours

Tours, Tickets, & Experiences: Viator and Get Your Guide

If you’re planning tours, attraction tickets, or local experiences during your trip, Viator and Get Your Guide are two of the most widely used platforms for discovering and booking activities around the world. Both allow travelers to compare itineraries, prices, reviews, and ratings for thousands of experiences ranging from guided historical tours and museum tickets to day trips and unique local activities. Many listings on both platforms include free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which adds flexibility when travel plans change. Pro tip: because these platforms host experiences from many different tour operators, always check recent reviews and overall ratings before booking to ensure a high-quality experience.

Browse tours and experiences here:
Viator: https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector
GetYourGuide: https://www.getyourguide.com/?partner_id=CMSFGKK&utm_medium=online_publisher

Traveling Soon? Trusted Tour & Travel Partners

Planning your trip? Here are our trusted travel partners — thoughtfully chosen for quality, reliability, and exceptional experiences.

Affiliate Disclosure

Roaming Historian may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support the research and storytelling that go into every article. All opinions are always our own.

Leave a Reply