If you're eyeing up a getaway to Italy anytime soon, you may want to take notice of the warning from a tourism expert in the country, who has sounded the alarm on a growing scam.
Lauren Quacquarelli, the author behind multiple guidebooks about the European nation and it's surrounding islands, shone a light on a trick duping unwary tourists. "This is one of the biggest tourist traps in Italy," she stated in a TikTok video showing a tourist being bamboozled by a street vendor.
The clip on Lauren's @italianlife channel, Lauren captures two tourists about to hand over cash for a bracelet. Half English, half Italian Lauren disclosed: "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."
Yet, she then explained that these con artists will then insist on payment for the bracelet. Her advice was clear: "Do not let people put these on your wrist. Unless you want a bracelet of course."
Lauren continued: "Simply avoid letting them near you and prevent them from trying to slip it on your wrist without your permission," Lauren concluded, labelling the scam as "dangerous" and sometimes "aggressive".
Responding to her advice, a TikTok user recounted their story: "Just got back from Rome and this was commonplace, especially around Colosseum. Be firm but respectful when saying no." A second person shared their experience: "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 chimed in: "This and the ones doing the cup trick game! They have their friends act like they're random people and make you bet money and then lose money! Don't fall for it!" Meanwhile, a fourth individual recalled: "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."
Yet, for one holidaymaker, the encounter turned out to be quite positive. "We had this, and the chap genuinely just gave us a load of bracelets and demanded nothing," they commented. "We were chatting to him about London and then his home country. Maybe we charmed him. I was suspicious though!"
Lauren seems to have a wealth of knowledge on Italy, as she reveals 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."
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