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United States of America
44 scams
Canyons, glaciers, deserts, rainforests, beaches, cities, skyscrapers, towns, Hollywood – you will never run out of things to see and do in the US.
On the flipside however, there are a number of tourist targeted scams and petty crime to watch out.
Note: vast majority of trips are trouble free and there is no need to be paranoid. That said, it always pays to be aware, careful, and prepared.
Emergency numbers
- All emergencies: 911
Travel resources
New Orleans last name scam in USA
8 0How it works: Version 1: a stranger bets $10 that he can spell your last name if you tell him your first name. If you do, he will simply spell…
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Fake ticket agents, tour operators in USA
8 2How it works: Set-up: offline, there are touts who pose as official ticket staff or tour agents. For instance, they wear a vest with the words “SJQ Sightseeing tours/Liberty Tours”….
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Florida fake pizza flyers in USA
7 0How it works: Set-up: someone slips a fake pizza flyer under your hotel room door (usually done at night) and if you were to order through it, a few things…
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Fake monks in USA
6 1How it works: Version 1: fake monks will offer free golden medallions and greetings of peace. If you accept, they will demand a donation to help some temple which they…
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Las Vegas sign photo scam in USA
6 1How it works: At the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign, you will find many official-looking photographers ready to help you take a photo. Note that there are no such official…
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The three card monte scam in USA
6 1How it works: Situation: This is a variation of the ball and cup/shell game scam in Europe (e.g. France, Italy). To win, you bet which of three cards is the…
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Music artist CD scam in USA
6 2How it works: Opening: at a crowded square, a local musician offers you a free CD of his music, claiming that you would be doing him a huge favour if…
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Medical marijuana card scam in USA
6 0How it works: Opening: at Venice Beach, you may see shops advertising medical marijuana cards for $40. You enter, hand over your ID, fill in some forms and consult a…
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Las Vegas escort cards scams in USA
6 0How it works: Opening: escort cards are given out on the strip, with each showing a prostitute and a price. Scam 1: the price is meant to mislead. It is…
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TV/movie characters photo scam in USA
6 1How it works: Set-up: at crowded squares, you may across people dressed as TV, movie or other kinds of characters such as spiderman, Elsa from Frozen, Ironman, etc. Version 1:…
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“Where you got your shoes” scam in USA
6 0How it works: Opening: a tout comes up to you claiming that he knows where you got your shoes. He then answers “on your feet”. Version 1: this is a…
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Unlicensed taxis in USA
4 2How it works: Opening: at some places, it is illegal to hail taxis from the streets. Hence, unlicensed drivers will have to intercept you before you reach the official queue…
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Pedicab scams in USA
4 0How it works: Situation: Their pricing system is tricky (e.g. hidden charges in extremely small font). This exists as legally, they can charge whatever they want, as long as it…
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Resort fee scam in USA
4 1How it works: There are hotels which advertise low room rates to pull you in without revealing a hidden resort fee (which can be really high) that is to be…
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Timeshare scams in USA
4 1How it works: Opening: well-dressed salespeople will approach and offer you a free gift or discounted tickets to tourist attractions. To redeem it, you have to attend a 90 minutes…
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