Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States

All Topics about Baton Rouge All Cities in United States

1. Festival Plaza Scam

Be wary of fake ticket sellers near Festival Plaza. Stick to official booths.

Official Booths: Purchase tickets only from authorized vendors or booths.
Time of Day: Avoid late-night transactions and secluded areas, especially during festivals.
Crowd Behavior: Observe the behavior of people around you, if something seems off, trust your instincts.

Some individuals may pose as government officials asking for money or personal information. Ignore unsolicited offers.

Ask for Identification: Request official identification from anyone claiming to be a government official.
Contact Authorities: If you have doubts, contact the local police or government office directly.
Secure Information: Never share sensitive personal information with unverified individuals.

Be cautious when renting a car; some companies may overcharge or provide damaged vehicles.

Check Reviews: Thoroughly research the rental company online and read customer reviews.
Inspect Vehicle: Carefully inspect the rental car for any damage before signing the contract.
Pay Attention to Contract Details: Read and understand the contract terms carefully before signing.

Some ATMs may skim card information or charge hidden fees. Use bank-affiliated machines only.

Secure Machines: Choose well-lit and secure ATMs, preferably located inside banks.
Monitor Transactions: Regularly monitor your account for any unusual activity.
Cover Input: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent potential thieves from observing.

Some taxi drivers may overcharge or take longer routes. Use trusted taxi services.

Prepaid Rides: Use prepaid ride services like Uber or Lyft for peace of mind.
Negotiate Fare: Negotiate the fare before starting the journey to avoid unexpected charges.
Confirm Destination: Ask the driver to confirm your destination before starting the ride.

Some street performers may pressure you for donations. Enjoy performances at your discretion.

Respectful Engagement: Engage with performers respectfully, but do not feel obligated to donate.
Observe the Crowd: See how others around you are responding before participating.
Avoid Distractions: Stay focused on your belongings and personal safety while enjoying performances.

Beware of unofficial vendors selling counterfeit or overpriced items. Buy from reputable shops.

Reputable Shops: Purchase goods from well-established and reputable shops.
Check Prices: Compare prices with other vendors or stores before making a purchase.
Inspect Items: Thoroughly inspect any item before purchasing to ensure its quality and authenticity.

Some parking lots may charge unreasonable fees or even damage your vehicle. Park in secure areas.

Secure Parking: Choose well-lit and secure parking areas, preferably with security personnel on duty.
Read Signs: Carefully read all parking signs to avoid fines or towed vehicles.
Parking Cost: Compare parking costs with other nearby lots before making a decision.

Some individuals may offer tours for a fee or ask for donations at the Louisiana State Capitol. Use free guided tours.

Free Guided Tours: Take advantage of free guided tours offered by the Louisiana State Capitol.
Official Tour Guide: Ensure the tour guide is an official representative of the Louisiana State Capitol.
Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Ignore any unsolicited offers for tours or donations.

Some individuals may offer unauthorized tickets at museums. Purchase tickets at the official ticket counter.

Official Ticket Counter: Purchase tickets directly from the museum's official ticket counter.
Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Ignore any unsolicited offers for tickets or donations.
Check Museum Hours: Verify the museum's operating hours before planning your visit.

Beware of counterfeit tickets or overpriced resales at sports events. Purchase from authorized vendors.

Authorized Vendors: Purchase tickets only from authorized vendors or the event's official website.
Check Ticket Authenticity: Verify the authenticity of any ticket before making a purchase.
Avoid Late-Night Transactions: Avoid late-night transactions and secluded areas, especially when buying tickets.

Some individuals may offer unauthorized tours or ask for donations at the Baton Rouge Zoo. Use official guided tours.

Official Guided Tours: Take advantage of official guided tours offered by the Baton Rouge Zoo.
Official Tour Guide: Ensure the tour guide is an official representative of the Baton Rouge Zoo.
Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Ignore any unsolicited offers for tours or donations.

Some individuals may offer unauthorized tickets at the Louisiana Art & Science Museum. Purchase tickets at the official ticket counter.

Official Ticket Counter: Purchase tickets directly from the museum's official ticket counter.
Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Ignore any unsolicited offers for tickets or donations.
Check Museum Hours: Verify the museum's operating hours before planning your visit.

Beware of counterfeit tickets or overpriced resales at LSU football games. Purchase from authorized vendors.

Authorized Vendors: Purchase tickets only from authorized vendors or the event's official website.
Check Ticket Authenticity: Verify the authenticity of any ticket before making a purchase.
Avoid Late-Night Transactions: Avoid late-night transactions and secluded areas, especially when buying tickets.

Some individuals may offer unauthorized riverboat tours or ask for donations along the Baton Rouge Riverfront. Use official tour providers.

Official Tour Providers: Use authorized and reputable tour providers along the Baton Rouge Riverfront.
Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Ignore any unsolicited offers for tours or donations.
Check Tour Costs: Compare tour costs with other providers before making a decision.