Avoid getting conned and other Rome, Italy Warning Or Danger Tips

Since my last stay in Rome I have noticed that the number of what can only be described as "annoying/disquieting con men" has risen exponentially to the number of visitors. The area most affected is of course the city center, close to the main archaeological sites and attractions (Colosseum, Trevi Fountain ... ).

Tourists should beware of 3 main kinds of con: The Rose Scam, The Picture Scam, The Gladiator Scam.

The Rose Scam: a guy holding in his hand a bunch of very questionable roses walks up to you girls and puts a Rose in your hands. He will tell you it's free 'cos you're so pretty (and don't get me wrong ... you are but that's another story ;). He then proceeds to pester your husband/boyfriend or whomever is accompanying you until he pays him a totally arbitrary/outrageous price for the "free" rose. Since they work in groups I have seen them get violent with tourists who refused to pay so beware of these guys, avoid making eye contact and do not accept anything from them.

The Picture Scam: a guy will come up to you holding a Polaroid camera and will snatch a picture of you near a monument, requesting afterward that you pay (too much) for it, because apparently you didn't dodge fast enough :) Ridiculous I know ... still avoid those guys as well.

Last but not least ...

The Gladiator Scam: if you're a big fan of Russell Crowe and have an acquired taste for cheesiness go ahead and take a picture with one of those guys who parade up and down Rome's historic sites dreessed up as gladiators. Still make sure you set a price with them beforehand, otherwise they'll try to rob you blind :)

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