Fake gladiators bilk tourists

Rome

The city of Rome has imposed regulations governing costumed characters who pose for pictures outside the Colosseum. Italian men have long earned extra cash by dressing as gladiators from ancient Rome and encouraging tourists to snap their photos. Then they demand money from the photographers, usually around $5 per shot. Shocked tourists complain of being pressured into paying up—and by men who aren’t even photogenic. “They’re not exactly like Russell Crowe,” scam victim Suzi Berg told the BBC. Under the new rules, the gladiators will be required to post their prices prominently.