If you’re planning a trip to Italy any time in the near future, you may want to listen to the advice of an expert in the country’s tourism, who has issused an alert of an increasingly common scam.
Lauren Quacquarelli, who has penned several guidebooks on the country and it’s surrounding islands, has offered an insight into a trick that’s catching out visitors. “This is one of the biggest tourist traps in Italy,” she began, as she shared footage on TikTok of someone falling foul of the swindle.
The clip, posted to her @italianlife account, saw two holidaymakers preparing to hand over cash to a street vendor in return for a bracelet. Lauren, who is half English and half Italian explained: “There will be people around main tourist attractions that will put some kind of bracelet on your wrist – they’ll say it’s a gift.”
However, she claimed the scammers proceed by demanding money for the bracelet afterwards. “Do not let people put these on your wrist,” Lauren urged. “Unless you want a bracelet of course.”
“Just don’t let them approach you and don’t let them try and put it on your wrist without your consent,” Lauren closed, describing the scam as “dangerous” and potentially “aggressive” in nature.
Writing in response, one TikTok user shared their recent experience: “Just got back from Rome and this was commonplace, especially around Colosseum. Be firm but respectful when saying no.”
A second person recalled: “This happened to me but I knew what was about to happen, when I called him out and told him to ‘F off’, he became aggressive.” A third added: “This and the ones doing the cup trick game! They have their friends act like their random people and make you bet money and then lose money! Don’t fall for it!”
Whilst a fourth individual recounted: “We got given an elephant in Venice. I can’t remember if my mum paid him but she definitely tried to argue with him. When they came near us after that we ignored or said no.”
However, according to one holidaymaker, the scenario proved a pleasant experience. “We had this, and the chap genuinely just gave us a load of bracelets and demanded nothing,” they wrote. “We were chatting to him about London and then his home country. Maybe we charmed him. I was suspicious though!”
Lauren appears to be well-placed when it comes to tips on all things Italy, meanwhile, for she explains on her website: “I spent my whole life travelling back and forth from the UK to Italy. A dual existence that fuelled a deep connection to both cultures. Eventually I made the life-altering decision to permanently relocate to Italy. The journey, however, was not without its challenges, especially post-Brexit when the ease of relocation became a complex puzzle.
“From navigating the bureaucratic rollercoaster to soaking in the culture shocks, I know the ropes. Oh, and let’s not forget, I’ve clocked in some serious mileage travelling across Italy over the past 26 years. Now, I’m here to help you navigate the ropes.”