Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States

All Topics about Colorado Springs All Cities in United States

1. Colorado Springs Tourist Trap Scams

Be wary of overpriced shops and attractions in tourist hotspots. Always compare prices with nearby establishments.

Awareness: Knowing common scams helps avoid becoming a victim.
Comparison: Comparing prices with local businesses can help identify overpriced tourist traps.
Vigilance: Stay alert and be cautious when shopping in areas popular among tourists.

Watch out for unofficial parking attendants who demand fees in popular areas. Only use official parking lots and pay at meters or parking kiosks.

Official Parking: Use only recognized, official parking lots to avoid scams.
Payment Methods: Pay at meters or kiosks rather than unofficial attendants.
Location Awareness: Avoid parking in secluded areas to prevent falling victim to scams.

Beware of unlicensed guides offering tours. Always check for official licenses or affiliations with reputable tour companies.

License Verification: Check for official tour guide licenses to ensure authenticity.
Reputation Check: Research the reputation of tour companies before booking a tour.
Ask for References: Request references or customer testimonials from guides before hiring them.

Avoid purchasing counterfeit goods from street vendors. Look for the authenticity hologram on items such as designer handbags and watches.

Authenticity Hologram: Check for the presence of authenticity holograms on designer goods.
Reputable Stores: Purchase items from reputable stores to avoid counterfeit goods.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other vendors and stores to ensure reasonable pricing.

Be cautious of individuals soliciting donations on the street. If in doubt, donate to recognized charities through official channels.

Recognized Charities: Donate to recognized and reputable charities only.
Official Channels: Make donations through official channels such as their websites or designated collection points.
Ask for Identification: Ask collectors to provide identification and proof of affiliation with the charity.

Use ATMs located in well-lit, busy areas. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to avoid skimming devices.

Location: Choose ATMs in well-lit, busy areas for increased security.
Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent skimming devices from capturing your information.
Monitor Accounts Regularly: Regularly monitor your account for unusual activity after using an ATM.

Protect your credit card information by keeping it hidden and not sharing it with unknown individuals or over unsecured Wi-Fi networks.

Card Security: Keep your credit card secure at all times to prevent theft.
Secure Wi-Fi Networks: Only enter sensitive information on secure, encrypted networks.
Check Statements Regularly: Regularly review your credit card statements for any unauthorized charges.

Use only authorized rideshare services and always check the driver's name, license plate, and vehicle description before getting in.

Authorized Services: Only use recognized and authorized rideshare services.
Driver Verification: Check the driver's name, license plate, and vehicle description before getting in.
Share Trip Details: Share your trip details with friends or family so someone knows where you are going.

Book accommodations through reputable websites and always read reviews before booking. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Reputable Websites: Use well-known and reputable accommodation booking websites.
Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests to ensure a positive experience.
Price Verification: Compare prices with other listings and websites to avoid overpriced accommodations.

Avoid restaurants with poor reviews or no menu prices displayed. If the bill seems unusually high, ask for an itemized receipt.

Reviews: Read reviews from other diners to ensure a positive dining experience.
Menu Prices: Make sure menu prices are displayed clearly before ordering.
Itemized Receipts: Request an itemized receipt if the final bill seems unusually high.

Avoid purchasing tickets from unofficial sources. Only buy festival passes through authorized outlets or the official festival website.

Authorized Outlets: Purchase festival passes only from recognized and authorized vendors.
Official Website: Buy tickets through the official festival website to ensure legitimacy.
Avoid Street Sales: Do not purchase festival passes from street vendors or unofficial sources.

Use only licensed taxis and always agree on the fare before starting your journey. If possible, pay using a credit card.

Licensed Taxis: Only use licensed taxis for your safety.
Fare Agreement: Always agree on the fare before starting your journey to avoid misunderstandings.
Credit Card Payment: Pay using a credit card whenever possible for easier dispute resolution in case of issues.

Appreciate local street performers but avoid offering cash directly. Instead, tip using pre-bought vouchers or coins in designated containers.

Pre-Bought Vouchers: Purchase vouchers from local tourist information centers to support performers without cash.
Designated Containers: Use designated containers for tipping instead of offering cash directly.
Respect Local Regulations: Follow local regulations regarding tipping and performer interactions to avoid issues.

Beware of pickpockets on public transportation. Keep your personal belongings secure and be vigilant of any suspicious activity.

Personal Belonging Security: Keep your personal belongings secure at all times.
Suspicious Activity: Stay alert and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Valuable Items Security: Avoid carrying valuable items on public transportation whenever possible.

Avoid massage parlors without licenses. Always ask for the massage therapist's license and verify their credentials before booking.

Licensed Massage Parlors: Only visit licensed massage parlors for a safe and professional experience.
License Verification: Ask to see the massage therapist's license before your appointment.
Credential Verification: Verify the therapist's credentials and training to ensure a professional service.