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TRAVEL SCAM
Rome, Italy
“Friendly Local Bar” Scam
Scammers befriend tourists and take them to bars where they are charged extremely high bills.
High Risk
COMMON LOCATIONS
Tourist areas, nightlife spots, city center
HOW IT HAPPENS
HOW THE SCAM WORKS
1. A friendly local starts conversation;
2. Invites tourist to a “good bar”;
3. Orders drinks or entertainment;
4. Tourist receives an overpriced bill and is pressured to pay.
WATCH FOR THIS
WARNING SIGNS
- Stranger invites you to a bar;
- No clear prices shown;
- Staff pushes more drinks;
- Very high bill at the end
STAY SMART
HOW TO AVOID IT
- Avoid going to bars with strangers;
- Check menu prices first;
- Stick to well-reviewed places;
- Leave if something feels wrong
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