The Number 1 Photo Scam Tourists Should Avoid While Visiting Rome
By Jenna Busch
VACATIONS
While waiting in line to see the Colosseum in Italy, you may see people dressed up as gladiators. Beware taking a picture of them, as these pictures are anything but free.
While the gladiator photo scam was outlawed in 2017, we were in Rome in late 2023, and they were all over the area around the Colosseum, and they can be really aggressive.
In 2022, three men were arrested for allegedly dressing up as gladiators and harassing and threatening harm to tourists who took pictures with them and didn't pay up.
There are different versions of this grift. Other scammers may offer to help you with a ticket machine, pose as an unofficial tour guide, or give you a free picture or flower.