Gypsy Scams in Europe: Real-Life Examples Every Slow Traveller Should Know
Europe offers retirees and slow travellers unforgettable culture, history, and cuisine.
But in the most beautiful cities — Rome, Paris, Barcelona — gypsy scams prey on unsuspecting tourists.
Understanding the setup, pressure, and payoff of these scams helps you enjoy your travels without losing your valuables — or your confidence.
Many scams are run by organized gangs sending hundreds of stolen Euros daily back to gang leaders in Eastern Europe.
A successful scam artist may pocket 300–400 Euros per day from unwary visitors.
Here’s how these scams work — and how you can stay safe.
1. “My Credit Card Doesn’t Work” Scam — The Roadside Saviour Setup
Setup:
You’re walking along a main road, or parking near an attraction.
A well-dressed man in a nice car — clean, newer model — pulls over frantically. He waves at you, acts relieved that you stopped.
He asks for directions in broken English. After a brief chat, he insists on offering you a gift — a “designer” belt, “gold” ring, or perfume bottle from the trunk of his car.
Pressure:
He explains he can’t get gas because his credit card doesn’t work at the station. He claims he’s stranded, maybe with family or young children waiting inside the car.
Payoff:
He asks for €20 to €50 for gas. If you give it, the “gift” is worthless and he disappears.
Real Example:
We experienced this in Rome, and again at a Tuscany highway rest stop.
Travel Tip:
Do not accept unsolicited gifts. Decline roadside conversations and walk or drive away immediately.
2. The “Pathetic Old Woman” Scam — Heartstrings Performance
Setup:
You’re dining al fresco at a beautiful piazza, like Piazza Navona.
An ancient-looking woman, dressed in black, shuffles along painfully, often with a cane.
She stops silently at your table, hands trembling, eyes pleading.
Pressure:
She stands without speaking, staring into your soul. Her frailty and sadness create intense emotional discomfort.
Locals sometimes nudge tourists to give her money out of pity.
Payoff:
Tourists hand her coins or small bills, believing she is truly desperate.
In reality, she is part of an organized team and changes character as needed.
Real Example:
After watching over several days, we saw her laughing and chatting with younger scammers, fully mobile and healthy.
Travel Tip:
Don’t reward emotional performances. Support verified charities instead.
3. “Women with Babies” Pickpocket Scam — Sympathy Trap
Setup:
A woman holding a wrapped “baby” (sometimes a doll) approaches.
She looks exhausted, desperate, and pleads softly for help.
Pressure:
When you offer coins or stop to listen, she suddenly pushes the baby into your arms — triggering shock and confusion.
Payoff:
As you instinctively hold the “baby,” 2–3 women swarm around you, lifting wallets, passports, and phones.
You may not feel anything in the chaos.
Real Example:
We saw the same “baby” handed between different women multiple times in Rome.
Travel Tip:
Stay at a safe distance from beggars with babies. If they approach, keep moving.
4. The Swarming Scam — Product Distraction and Hidden Hands
Setup:
At tourist sites and busy shopping areas, a group of women approaches carrying scarves or jewelry.
They smile, compliment you, and flash goods for sale directly into your personal space.
Pressure:
As you look at a scarf or try to politely refuse, others press closer, blocking your sightlines and body space.
Payoff:
While you are distracted, hidden hands slip inside pockets, purses, or backpacks, tucking stolen items under dresses sewn with secret compartments.
Real Example:
Loie was once swarmed in Livorno and had to loudly say “No!” and physically push through the group to escape.
Travel Tip:
Never allow anyone to get close enough to surround you. Loudly refuse and move sideways out of any gathering crowd.
5. Friendship Bracelet Scam — Rope Trap on Your Wrist
Setup:
Young scammers, often cheerful and chatty, approach at major sites like the Spanish Steps.
Without warning, they loop a thin string around your wrist.
Pressure:
They quickly start braiding a “friendship bracelet” while asking personal questions — where you are from, how long you are staying, etc.
The casual conversation keeps you standing there.
Payoff:
Once the bracelet is finished, they demand €20–€50.
Tourists who are confused about the value of Euros, especially kids, are easy marks.
Real Example:
We watched a teenager proudly show his parents a €50 “friendship bracelet.”
Travel Tip:
Never let anyone start tying anything onto your body. Walk away firmly at the first approach.
6. Survey Scam — Official Look, Fake Cause
Setup:
Young scammers with clipboards and “charity” IDs approach you near landmarks.
They ask for a few minutes to support the deaf, blind, or a children’s hospital.
Pressure:
They quickly build rapport through questions.
At the end, they pressure you into giving a “donation” — often asking €20 or more.
Payoff:
All money collected goes directly into the scam network.
Real Example:
I once gave a scam surveyor coins worth less than €1. He sneered, threw them on the ground, and stormed off.
Travel Tip:
If a charity collector isn’t clearly affiliated with an official organization, refuse.
7. Gold Ring Scam — The Found Treasure Illusion
Setup:
A scammer “finds” a gold ring at your feet as you walk through a plaza like Piazza Venezia or Campo de’ Fiori.
They pick it up dramatically, inspecting it, then offer it to you.
Pressure:
They first pretend it might belong to you.
When you deny ownership, they act as though they’re doing you a favour — offering it for a “small fee” since they “can’t use it anyway.”
They start high (50 Euros), then drop (20 Euros) if you hesitate.
Payoff:
Tourists, thinking they’ve scored valuable jewelry for cheap, hand over cash.
The ring is worthless brass or tin.
Real Example:
We’ve watched scam artists sell dozens of “gold” rings in Rome’s tourist centres.
Travel Tip:
If someone picks up jewelry near you, ignore them and walk away. Genuine finds are turned in to police.
8. Baggage Scam at Train Stations — False Help Trap
Setup:
At busy Italian train stations, fake porters wearing semi-official looking outfits (sometimes stolen jackets) offer to carry your bags.
Pressure:
They rush you, grabbing your luggage and leading you onto a train car — not necessarily your correct car.
Their fast movement disorients you.
Payoff:
They demand a large tip after stowing your bags.
Tourists often feel guilty or embarrassed into paying.
Real Example:
We were misled to the wrong car, tipped €5, and had to awkwardly relocate two cars forward with all our bags.
Travel Tip:
Carry your own bags. Always check carriage numbers on your ticket and train doors.
9. Subway Begging and Pickpocket Scam
Setup:
Young beggars ride metro systems with day passes.
They approach seated tourists, holding out signs asking for food or money.
Pressure:
Their appearance — dirty clothes, sad expressions — pulls on emotions.
Payoff:
Many of these beggars are lookouts or distractions for pickpocket teams working the cars.
Real Example:
We saw beggars toss donated food into the garbage a few cars later while laughing with accomplices.
Travel Tip:
Avoid giving money or food to anyone on public transit. Organized scams often use emotional setups.
10. Blocking and Pickpocketing in Subway Cars
Setup:
Pickpockets position themselves to block subway exits.
Pressure:
As trains slow down, they move into position, trapping you between their bodies and the door.
You must push past them to exit.
Payoff:
In the split second of confusion, they lift your phone, wallet, or camera.
Real Example:
One grabbed my iPhone as I exited — I saw him smiling and waving it through the subway window as the train pulled away.
Travel Tip:
Stay near doorways but keep a physical buffer zone. Conceal valuables under your clothing.
How to Protect Yourself from Gypsy Scams While Travelling in Europe
Always stay alert in busy areas.
Use a hidden money belt pinned under your clothing.
Carry only a photocopy of your passport.
Keep minimal cash and one credit card on your person.
Never allow strangers to touch you or your belongings.
Learn about local scams before arriving.
If you suspect a scam, move away immediately without conversation.
Slow travel gives you time to observe — use it to your advantage.
Where to Stay in Europe: Safe, Comfortable, and Affordable
Planning your next European adventure?
After learning about common travel scams, it’s important to find accommodation that’s safe, central, and well-reviewed — so you can relax and enjoy your slow travel experience.
Here are trusted places to book accommodation across Europe:
Booking.com – Explore hand-picked hotels and apartments ideal for slow travellers and retirees: Search stays on Booking.com
Expedia – Find deals on hotels and vacation packages with flexible cancellation options: Find European stays on Expedia
Hotels.com – Compare top-rated hotels across Europe and collect free nights with Hotels.com Rewards: Book accommodation at Hotels.com
VRBO – Discover private homes, apartments, and villas perfect for extended slow travel stays: See rentals on VRBO
Travel Tip:
For slow travellers, it’s often best to stay slightly outside the main tourist zones but within walking or easy transit distance to major sights. Neighbourhoods in historic districts often offer a quieter, more authentic experience.
Destination Guides
Rome, Italy
Paris, France
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