A Welsh traveller is warning holidaymakers to beware of a simple new scam targeting tourists in Europe, after items left on restaurant tables were used to demand payment. Ruben Chorlton-Owen, a content creator from Abersoch, North Wales, recently returned from a three-week trip around Italy, visiting Naples, Rome and Catania.
The 25-year-old, who has 1.2 million followers on TikTok, shared the warning in a clip that has gained over a thousand views. He said the scam involved small ornaments or souvenirs left on tables before diners arrived.
Souvenir scam caught diners off guard
“I came across one of the classic tourist traps where items are placed on your table,” said Chorlton-Owen. “It was so strange. We sat down at a restaurant and there was already a small ornament or souvenir sitting on the table. Nobody was standing there trying to sell it and it looked like something that had been simply left behind.”
“After a while, we were told it had been left there and we could take it if we wanted. Once we did, however, someone started following us and demanding payment. I’d heard of the usual bracelet and rose tricks before, but this was completely different. It caught me off guard because the item was already on our table before we even arrived.”
Chorlton-Owen said he found this scam to be quite common while in Pisa.
Other travel warnings for Italy
Another trick he wished he had known about before visiting Rome was fake ticketing. “There are often fake touts around the [hot] spots, such as the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum. They seem credible, too. But you still have to buy a valid ticket at the official kiosks to enter,” he said.
In the clip, he also explained five things every tourist should know before visiting Italy. He advised checking bus timetables carefully, noting there were three different schedules. “Check the buses for where you’re going. It was very confusing. There are three different timetables – one online, one in person, and a different time given by people at the [ticketing] office.”
He also warned about keeping valuables safe in Rome, especially necklaces, and advised checking prices when dining out as they vary between cities. He noted there were good deals to be found, such as a €1 Aperol Spritz and authentic pasta dishes for €8.
“Overall, Italy was brilliant and we had an amazing three weeks. Travelling through so many different places showed me just how different each destination can be. And I wish I had known all of this before going there to avoid being caught out,” he added.
