Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Albuquerque, United States

1. Fake Tour Guides

Unlicensed guides offering cheap tours may lead you to overpriced shops or scams.

Licensing Check: Ensure your guide is licensed by the City of Albuquerque's Cultural Services Department.
Shopping Stops: Be wary of frequent shopping stops during tours, as they may be a scam.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with local businesses to avoid overpricing.

Parking lots near popular attractions may charge excessively high prices.

Official Parking: Use official city or attraction parking lots.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with nearby parking lots before selecting one.
Time Limit: Check for time limits and associated fees when choosing a parking spot.

Items at Albuquerque's flea markets may be overpriced or of poor quality.

Haggle: Always negotiate prices, especially at flea markets.
Inspect Items: Thoroughly inspect items before purchasing to ensure their quality.
Check Authenticity: For high-value items, verify authenticity with a trusted source or appraisal service.

Taxis may charge excessively high prices, especially for travel to the airport.

Be cautious when purchasing designer goods at local markets or shops.

Authenticity Check: Check the authenticity of items, especially luxury goods.
Brand Reputation: Research brands to determine their reputation for counterfeit products.
Check for Quality: Inspect items carefully for signs of poor quality, as this may indicate a fake item.

Criminals may use skimming devices on ATMs to steal your card information.

Secure ATMs: Use secure, well-lit ATMs located inside banks or businesses.
Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent keyloggers.
Monitor Accounts: Regularly monitor your account for unauthorized transactions.

Restaurants may add excessive charges to your bill.

Check Menu Prices: Compare prices with the menu before ordering.
Ask for Itemized Bill: Always ask for an itemized bill to verify charges.
Report Suspicious Charges: Report any suspicious charges or fees to the restaurant management and your credit card company.

Rentals may not match the online description or be unavailable upon arrival.

Verify Listing Details: Thoroughly review listing details and verify with the host.
Read Reviews: Review previous guests' experiences before booking.
Pay Through Airbnb: Pay through the Airbnb platform to protect your payment information.

Street performers may demand excessive gratuities.

Ask for Price Beforehand: Always ask for the price before any performance.
Compare Gratuity Rates: Research typical gratuity rates for different types of performances.
Negotiate Fairly: Negotiate a fair price before the performance begins.

Rental companies may charge excessive fees for cell phone rentals.

Research Prices: Compare prices with multiple rental companies before choosing one.
Check Contract Terms: Thoroughly read and understand the contract terms before signing.
Return in Time: Return the rental item on time to avoid additional fees.

Tickets for popular events may be overpriced or counterfeit.

Buy Directly: Purchase tickets directly from the event organizer when possible.
Check for Authenticity: Verify the authenticity of tickets before purchasing.
Compare Prices: Research average ticket prices to avoid overpaying.

Charities may not use donations effectively or be outright scams.

Check the Charity: Research charities before donating to ensure their legitimacy.
Ask for Receipt: Request a receipt for your donation as proof of your contribution.
Check Fundraising Events: Verify that fundraising events are genuine and support legitimate charities.

Public Wi-Fi hotspots may be used for data theft.

Secure Connections: Use secure, password-protected Wi-Fi connections whenever possible.
Avoid Public Transactions: Avoid sensitive transactions, like online banking or shopping, on public networks.
Use a VPN: Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for added security.

Massage parlors may offer unlicensed services or engage in illegal activities.

Check for Licensing: Ensure the massage parlor is licensed by the New Mexico Massage Therapy Board.
Avoid Private Rooms: Avoid massage parlors that offer private rooms or services.
Report Suspicious Activity: Report any suspicious activity to local authorities.

Be aware of counterfeit bills circulating in Albuquerque.

Inspect Bills Carefully: Thoroughly inspect bills for signs of counterfeiting.
Feel the Bill: Feel the bill to ensure it has the correct texture and thickness.
Check Security Features: Verify the security features of the bill, such as watermarks or holograms.