An old “X-Files” answer is appropriate: Trust no one. Seriously, if you’re trying to find lodging in Italy (particularly in big cities) from North America and the UK, you should remember that Italy is newer to Internet sales and therefore a bit too eager to please. While in North America you can usually make a quick call to verify aspects of the place you’re interested in, or send an email, the whole process is fraught with pitfalls when there’s an ocean in between.
Language can create confusion, with Italians tending to use superlatives about their places because those are the words, “beautiful,” “great,” “excellent,” etc. that they know. Bottom line, the vigilance you apply to choices you make in North America have to be doubled when you’re going for accommodation you won’t see until you’ve arrived.
Some tips: ask for images; get references (names/email addresses) of people in the same place before, ensure there’s someone who speaks English or can at least act as a go-between, never wire money unless someone you know and trust has seen the place and vouched for it.
Plenty of people may tell you that they don’t know how to attach a photo to an email or have only one shot of the room or apartment in question. If so, ask them to ask a friend. If that doesn’t work, don’t chance it. Either you get several shots (particularly kitchen and bathroom) or no deal.
A lot of this is common sense caution, but sense and caution tend to fall by the wayside when someone offers you a cheap room and says it’s “next door” to the Vatican. Next door could be three kilometers. Get a specific street address and Google it. Also watch out for those who say their place in “center.” That’s a killer word that can have wickedly loose definition among would-be landlords.
The best situations are always those that a previous tenant can vouch for. And most good owners, if they’re serious, will give you that contact information.