Dangerous Scam at Popular Italian Travel Destinations Flagged

Lauren Quacquarelli, a renowned travel expert and author of several guidebooks on Italy and its surrounding islands, has issued a warning to holidaymakers about a scam that’s been targeting tourists across major tourist hotspots like Rome, Positano, and the Amalfi Coast.

Using her TikTok account @italianlife, Lauren posted a video exposing what she describes as "one of the biggest tourist traps in Italy." In the footage, two tourists are seen interacting with a street vendor, who offers them a bracelet, claiming it is a gift.

However, as Lauren explains, once the bracelet is on the wrist, the situation quickly escalates. The scammer demands payment, often becoming aggressive if the person refuses. "Do not let people put these on your wrist," she warns, unless you truly want to buy one. The key is to keep your distance and avoid any unsolicited contact.

Lauren, who has English and Italian heritage, emphasized how common this trick is, especially around iconic landmarks. She describes the scheme as "dangerous" and potentially "aggressive".

TikTok users quickly flooded the comments with similar experiences. One person wrote: “Just got back from Rome and this was commonplace, especially around the Colosseum. Be firm but respectful when saying no.” Another said: “This happened to me but I knew what was coming. When I told the guy to ‘F off,’ he got aggressive.”

Others pointed out related scams, like the infamous "cup trick game", where scammers pose as players and lure people into betting money, only for them to lose. "Don’t fall for it," one person advised.

Some travelers shared more unusual or even harmless encounters. One wrote: “We were given an elephant trinket in Venice. I can't remember if my mum paid, but she definitely tried to argue.” Another added: “We had this happen, but the guy just gave us a bunch of bracelets and asked for nothing. We ended up chatting about London and his home country.”