Rome is one of the friendliest cities Kim and I know, and we would never want to scare anyone away from it. But yes, there are scams, ripoffs, and pickpockets here, just like in any big city full of visitors. The good news is that most of them are easy to spot once you know what they look like. Here are the five I see most often, plus a few simple habits that keep your wallet where it belongs.
1. The Three Cup Scam (the Shell Game)
This is the old "hide the ball under the cup" game. It has been around about as long as Rome itself, yet I had not seen it in the city until roughly the last year. Lately I have seen it five or six times.
How it works
A small group sets up temporarily in an alleyway, on the Spanish Steps, near the Pantheon, anywhere tourists gather. Onlookers bet money on which cup hides the ball. The "players" who keep winning are part of the team, showing you how easy it looks. It is sleight of hand, and you cannot win unless they want you to.
The bigger danger is the distraction. While you watch the ball, you stop watching your wallet, purse, or bag, and pickpockets in the crowd go to work.
How to avoid it
Do not play, and do not stop to watch. The game is illegal, and I have seen police shut it down more than once, but it keeps popping back up. Simply walk past.
2. The "Free" Bracelet and Rose Scam
You will run into this one in nearly every touristy spot in Rome, and across Italy and Europe.
How it works
A street seller approaches, very friendly, asks where you are from, and finds a little common ground. Then he hands you, or ties on, a bracelet and says it is free. Once you take it, the requests for money start, sometimes with stories about his kids. That "free" bracelet ends up costing you 5 or 10 euros for something nearly worthless.
At the Spanish Steps you will also see men handing out "free" roses. Once you take one, you have more or less bought it.
How to avoid it
Keep your hands to yourself and keep walking. These sellers are not intimidating, and a friendly hello is fine, just know what you are getting into. A good rule for Rome: nothing handed to you on the street is free.
3. The Gladiator Photo Scam
You will find men dressed as gladiators mainly in front of the Colosseum and Castel Sant'Angelo.
How it works
They invite you to pose for a photo and nothing is said about money. Once the picture is taken, they ask for far more than you expected, often 20, 30, or even 40 euros for a single photo.
How to avoid it
If you really want that iconic shot, agree on the price before anyone takes a picture. Make sure it costs what you are prepared to pay.
4. The "Three Yes" Petition Scam
I call this one the three yes scam. If they can get you to say yes twice, the third yes usually costs you money.
How it works
Look for a table with a green tablecloth. Someone calls out, "Are you from America? England?" to start a conversation. Then: "Are you against drugs?" Yes. "Will you sign our petition?" Yes. "Then will you donate?" By now it feels awkward to say no.
I honestly do not know whether the organization is legitimate. I just do not like the way the petition is used to corner people into donating, and I have no idea where the money goes.
How to avoid it
If you want to donate to them, that is your choice. If not, smile and keep walking past the green tablecloth. Now you know what is coming.
5. The Skip the Line Ticket Scam
Nobody likes standing in line, and scammers know it. You will meet these sellers around Vatican City and the Colosseum.
How it works
As you approach, someone tells you how long the line is and offers special tickets to skip it, sometimes for upwards of 100 euros.
How to avoid it
Understand that at both the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums there are really two lines:
- The ticket line. You never need to stand in it. Buy your tickets in advance online.
- The security line. Everyone goes through it. With a timed ticket you arrive at your slot, and it usually moves fairly quickly.
St. Peter's Basilica works differently. Entry is free, so there is no ticket line, but everyone goes through security, and that line can take one to two hours or more. You have two good options:
- Arrive right at opening, 7:00, or later in the afternoon when lines die down. Hours are 7:00 to 19:00 from October 26, 2026 through March 28, 2027 (7:00 to 20:00 in the summer season), per the official Basilica site.
- Book the official 7 euro reservation on the Vatican's St. Peter's Basilica site. It includes a timed visit, the digital audio guide, and a dedicated entrance route. In our experience that gets you through security in about 5 to 10 minutes. Bring your own earphones, since the audio guide runs on your phone.
That is a fraction of what a third party seller asks. If you want a full plan for both sights, see our post on St. Peter's Basilica and the Colosseum in one day without burning out.
A Scam I Fell For in 1986
Back around 1985 or 1986, I passed a man in a dimly lit alley selling little figurines that danced to music. I asked if they were windup or battery powered. He said the instructions were included. I paid 5,000 lire, about 2 or 3 dollars today, and opened the package to find a ping pong ball with straw arms and legs and a piece of fishing line. You loop the line to your finger and wiggle it when the music plays.
About 40 years later, I am back in Rome and the very same trick is still being sold. Slightly improved, but the same trick.
Pickpockets: Simple Ways to Protect Yourself
Being pickpocketed can put a damper on a trip. It does happen, but not to most people. My rough guess is 2 to 3 percent of visitors, maybe fewer.
- Men: I picked up a pair of lightweight travel pants on Amazon, about $20, with small zippered pockets, including some lower on the leg. With your wallet zipped inside, it is nearly impossible for someone to get in without you noticing. Not the most fashionable, but total peace of mind.
- Women: Purses are more often snatched and run off with than picked. If you carry one, keep your passport, credit cards, and other valuables out of it.
One reassurance: armed robbery against tourists is not something we hear about in Rome. The risks here are distraction and quick hands, not threats.
For more of the things we wish every first timer knew, read 27 Rome tips, advice, and warnings and Rome without the stress.
FAQ
Is Rome safe for travelers over 40? Yes. Kim and I feel very comfortable in Rome. The main risks are petty scams and pickpocketing in crowded tourist spots, and a little awareness goes a long way.
Are the free bracelets and roses really free? No. Once you accept one, expect to be asked for money.
Should I buy skip the line tickets from people outside the Vatican or Colosseum? No. Buy tickets in advance online from the official sites. For St. Peter's Basilica, the official 7 euro reservation gives you a dedicated entrance route.
How much do the gladiators charge for a photo? Often 20 to 40 euros. Agree on a price before any photo is taken.
What is the best way to avoid pickpockets? Use zippered pockets, keep valuables out of your purse, and do not stop to watch street games or crowds.
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