Holidaymakers heading to Italy are being cautioned by a travel expert about a common scam that’s leaving tourists out of pocket. The “rose scam”, familiar to some but not all, is a frequent ploy used by fraudsters in bustling cities like Rome, Venice, and Milan, targeting unsuspecting visitors.
Guido Terzuoli, a travel specialist at My Rental Homes, is warning travellers to be vigilant of this scam when touring Italy’s major cities – and other global destinations. The scam typically unfolds when someone approaches you with roses as you stroll through a vibrant square or quiet cobbled street.
They then drop a rose or thrust it towards you, and if you instinctively pick it up, the scam commences. The expert cautions: “If you pick up the rose, even just to hand it back, the scammer insists it’s now yours and demands payment, often saying, ‘It’s yours now; you owe me a Euro or two for it.'” With just one flower, these cunning fraudsters can have you reaching for your wallet, even if you believe you won’t be fooled.
The persistence of these sellers can be quite remarkable.
“Even if you try to return the rose, they refuse, saying it’s no longer theirs,” warns a travel expert, stressing that many tourists dish out cash just to dodge an awkward situation. To avoid the so-called ‘rose scam,’ the specialist advises a straightforward approach – simply walk away and refrain from engaging with street sellers, reports the Express.
The expert warns: “Simply ignore them. Don’t even look at anyone holding out roses. Walk by confidently, and don’t engage. Don’t pick up the rose, just leave it there on the ground. Believe me, this happens to tourists every day. It’s particularly common in larger cities, so be mindful when you’re visiting Italy’s most famous spots.”
Other frequent cons travellers face include the “friendship bracelet” ruse, where unsuspecting individuals find themselves coerced into handing over money for an unsolicited wristband. Besides, the “fake petition” scheme involves duping tourists into signing a bogus petition, followed by a high-pressure plea for cash donations.
Awareness is key, as knowing about these scams can help tourists stay safe in crowded places, the travel guru suggests. Driving tips in Italy also come under scrutiny, as Gregor Brown, a travel blogger, highlights a crucial mistake to avoid when on Italian roads.
Gregor advises holidaymakers: “One thing you should never do in Italy is drive without your driving licence ID and also your car documents. Always have your rental car agreement on hand if you’re renting a car and the car registration documents along with your driving licence. The Italian police establish checkpoints on the open roads and if they pull you over and you don’t have these crucial documents, you’ll be hit with a hefty fine”.
According to the RAC, drivers in Italy should carry their licence, a form of identification like a passport, the car’s motor insurance document and the V5, as we previously reported. Gregor also issued a stark warning about Italian roundabouts, saying: “Never hesitate at roundabouts. In Italy, roundabouts are like a gladiator arena, if you hesitate, you’re out.”