Skimming devices found on ticket machines in Florence

Skimming devices designed to steal card data were recently discovered on automatic ticket machines used by passengers in Florence. Police say the incidents targeted busy transport hubs and mainly affected tourists and occasional users.

What happened

Over the past months, officers from the Polizia di Stato intervened twice to remove illegal skimming devices installed on automatic ticket vending machines for public transport.

One device was found at Santa Maria Novella station, Florence’s main railway hub. The second was detected at Florence Airport Peretola, the city’s international airport.

According to the Florence police chief, the devices were designed to copy debit and credit card data and could then be used to clone cards. The skimmers were removed and a criminal complaint was filed. Investigations are ongoing.

How the scam worked

The devices were discreetly inserted into ticket machines in a way that made them difficult to notice. Investigators said the goal was to interfere with normal card reading, pushing users—especially foreign cardholders—to complete payments in ways that exposed their data.

Transport operator Gest, which manages Florence’s tram system, said it acted immediately after the first reports of fraud. The scam not only affected passengers, particularly those using foreign cards, but also caused significant financial losses due to unpaid or invalid ticketing.

Technical checks suggested the skimming system relied on a new wireless method, believed to be used for the first time in Europe in this context.

Similar anomalies were also identified on machines used for the Pisa Mover, the automated shuttle connecting Pisa city centre with Pisa airport.

How the fraud was detected

The irregularities were uncovered thanks to monitoring systems developed by Aep Ticketing Solutions, a ticketing technology firm based in Signa, near Florence, and active internationally in electronic ticketing for public transport.

After analysing unusual transaction patterns, the company developed a system capable of sending real-time alerts to technicians when ticket machines behave abnormally. This made it possible to intervene quickly and restore normal operation.

What passengers can do

Police and transport operators are asking passengers to remain vigilant when using automatic ticket machines, especially in high-traffic areas such as stations and airports.

Here are some practical tips:

• Check the card slot: if it looks loose, damaged or altered, do not use the machine.
• Avoid forcing payments: if the machine behaves strangely or rejects your card repeatedly, cancel the transaction.
• Use official channels: when possible, buy tickets through official apps, staffed counters or authorised retailers.
• Monitor your bank statements: report any suspicious transactions to your bank immediately.
• Alert staff: if you notice something unusual, inform station staff or contact local police.

Increased controls on the tram network

The case was highlighted by police to underline broader security work on Florence’s tram network, including anti-pickpocketing and anti-drug operations. Dedicated patrols have carried out thousands of checks over the past year, with arrests and criminal reports linked to public transport safety.

Authorities say cooperation between police, transport operators and technology providers was crucial in stopping the scam and limiting its impact.

For passengers, the message is simple: Florence’s transport system remains safe, but a quick visual check before inserting a card can help avoid unpleasant surprises.

🎄 Support Florence Daily News this holiday season

If you value our work, please consider supporting Florence Daily News this Christmas.
We’re an independent news site — free from paywalls and intrusive ads — committed to offering clear and reliable reporting on Florence and Tuscany for everyone.

Your contribution helps us remain independent and continue telling the stories that matter.
As a small thank-you, supporters this holiday season will receive an original photograph of Florence — a simple, meaningful gift to celebrate the city we all love.

🎁 Donate securely via Stripe below and make your gift count for good journalism in Tuscany.