15 Tourist Scams in America & How to Avoid Them
Travel across America is a great adventure, with different cultures, amazing landscapes, and well-known landmarks, but like most popular destinations, it also has its share of tourist scams that can turn a dream vacation into a costly nightmare. Tourists are often the target of scammers because they are unfamiliar with the norms in the area and willing to try new things and gain new experiences.
For any traveler, it’s important to know the common scams you might encounter and how to avoid them. These are 15 common tourist scams in the United States.
The Fake Ticket Seller
People selling ‘discounted’ tickets on the streets if you’re planning to catch a Broadway show or a big sports event may seem like official vendors but those tickets are often counterfeit or have been used. The best way to stop this scam is to buy your ticket from the venue or an authorized seller. It’s a little more expensive, but it’ll save you a lot of disappointment when you get denied entry.
The Bump and Grab
This is one of the oldest tricks in the book; someone ‘accidentally’ bumps into you and you are distracted long enough for their partner to grab your wallet or phone. It’s especially common in crowded tourist areas where people are shoulder to shoulder. Keep your belongings secure in a money belt or a bag with zippers. A little situational awareness can go a long way.
The “Free” Bracelet or Souvenir
At popular tourist spots, there will be someone who will approach you with a ‘free’ bracelet or trinket and put it on your wrist or in your hand. Once you accept, they will start demanding payment from you, sometimes quite aggressively. Say no politely but with firmness, and if they insist remove it and return it, gently. Usually, it’s best to walk away with a quick “No, thanks!”
The “Broken” Taxi Meter
In larger cities, you may find yourself in a situation where you are catching a cab and drivers will tell you that their meter is broken. They’ll give you a quote at a flat rate that is always more than what you’re paying. To avoid this, have a metered ride or rideshare it with an Uber or Lyft app so the rate is standardized. If you’re at an airport, get a trustworthy ride from an official taxi stand.
“Found” Jewelry Scam
With this scam, someone might approach you with a ‘piece of jewelry’ like a gold ring and say they are willing to sell it at a ‘discount.’ The reality is, that the jewelry is fake and worth far less than what they’re asking. Say ‘no’ and move on.
Fake Charity Collectors
This one will tug at your heart and your wallet. Scammers will set up shop near tourist attractions, saying they’re collecting donations for a charity that doesn’t exist. They may be uniformed with badges that somehow look official. If you’re unsure, don’t risk it and donate online to your favorite causes instead, where you can be sure the organization is legit.
The “Accidental” Spill
You’re out for a walk and someone ‘accidentally’ spills something on you, such as a drink or food. They’ll help you clean it up, but this is usually just a ruse so that an accomplice can run off with your stuff. Say no, politely, to their help, check your valuables, and keep moving.
Overpriced Souvenirs
Tourist shops inflate prices because visitors will go all out for keepsakes. Some advertise items as “handmade” or “one of a kind” when they are mass-produced. Before you buy, do a little comparison shopping, and don’t be afraid to walk away if prices seem too high.
Fake “Help” at the ATM
Someone might come up to you at an ATM in a tourist area and offer you ‘assistance,’ or say the machine is broken and point you to another one. In an attempt to grab your card number and trick you. Decline offers of help, and if it makes you feel unsafe, find a safer ATM location, inside a bank branch.
Sketchy Tour Guides
There are plenty of ‘guides’ who will give you an exclusive tour of famous sites at a fraction of the price. They’ll often give you a bad experience, or worse, they’ll just disappear after taking payment. Make sure you’re getting a genuine experience by sticking with reputable tour companies or by booking online after reading reviews.
The “Free” Photo Scam
People will dress up in costumes and around popular sites, they will offer to pose for a photo with you sometimes without even asking first. They will ask for payment after that and can become confrontational if you don’t. Don’t get hassled by politely declining photo offers unless you’re willing to shell out for the experience.
Rental Car Damages
There are rental car companies that are unscrupulous and will try to bill you for damages that were already there when you rented the vehicle. Always do a deep inspection of the car and take pictures before driving away. That way, if they try to charge you for ‘new’ scratches or dents, you have proof.
Fake Wi-Fi Hotspots
Hackers could set up fake Wi-Fi networks — names such as “Free Public Wi-Fi” — in places such as airports and coffee shops. When you connect, they may have access to your personal information. Whenever using a public network, you should use either your phone’s hotspot or a trusted VPN for safety.
Suspicious “VIP” Packages
Some vendors may sell special access passes with ‘VIP’ packages that just turn out to be general admission at a higher price. Before you pay extra to get VIP, research the venue’s actual VIP options, or book directly through the attraction’s official website.
The “Street Performer” Trap
Street performers can be entertaining in big cities, but some have made their art into a tourist trap. They might grab your hand to come join their act, or call you over for a photo, and then expect a big tip. If you choose to participate, tipping is only expected. Enjoy the show from a distance.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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