Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Columbia, South Carolina, United States
1. Taxi Scams
Unscrupulous taxi drivers may overcharge tourists or take longer routes. Avoid this by using registered taxis or ride-hailing apps.
- Overcharging: Driver may demand an unreasonable fare.
- Long Routes: Driver might take a longer route to inflate the fare.
- Unregistered Taxis: Using unregistered taxis can lead to safety concerns.
2. Counterfeit Goods Market
Bogus merchandise sold at discounted prices in certain markets. Be cautious when purchasing goods that seem too cheap.
- Fake Goods: Goods may be fake or lower quality than advertised.
- Discounted Prices: Prices that are too good to be true usually are.
- Markets with Suspicious Goods: Certain markets may have a higher concentration of counterfeit goods.
3. Street Performers Scams
Tourists are often approached by performers who demand payment for a performance. Be aware that this may not be the agreed-upon price.
- Unexpected Payment Demands: Performer may ask for more money than initially agreed upon.
- Distraction Tactics: Performers might use distractions to steal from you.
- Unregistered Performers: Registered performers have official permits and are allowed to perform in certain areas.
4. Currency Exchange Scams
Dishonest currency exchange vendors may provide less money than agreed upon. Use reputable exchange services or banks for best results.
- Short Change: Vendor might give you less money than agreed.
- Unfavorable Exchange Rates: Rates may be lower than market average.
- Unlicensed Exchangers: Using unlicensed exchangers can lead to disputes and potential loss of money.
5. False Tour Guides
Unqualified guides may offer cheap tours but lack the knowledge or guide you to scammy locations. Use registered tour companies for guided tours.
- Lack of Knowledge: Guide might not have the required expertise.
- Scammy Locations: Guide may take you to places where scams are common.
- Cheap Tours: Tour might be too cheap, suggesting that something is amiss.
6. Falsified Restaurant Reviews
Some restaurants may have fake positive reviews online to attract tourists. Ask locals for recommendations or look for consistent positive feedback.
- Fake Reviews: Restaurant has paid for positive reviews.
- Inconsistent Feedback: Restaurant has a mix of good and bad reviews, suggesting a lack of consistency.
- Suspicious Location: Restaurant is located in an area with other scammy establishments.
7. ATM Skimming
Criminals may install skimmers on ATMs to steal your card information. Use well-lit, indoor ATMs or bank machines located inside financial institutions.
- Skimmer Devices: A device installed on the ATM to capture your card information.
- Poorly Lit or Outdoor ATMs: ATMs in dark or outdoor locations may be more susceptible to skimming.
- ATM Machines with Unusual Features: Any unusual features, such as additional card readers or cameras, could indicate a skimmer.
8. Sim Card Scams
Unscrupulous vendors may provide you with an unregistered SIM card, which can lead to call and data theft. Buy SIM cards from official stores or authorized dealers.
- Unregistered SIM Card: SIM card is not registered under your name.
- Data Theft: Your data can be stolen, leading to privacy issues.
- Call Theft: Calls made from your number could lead to additional charges.
9. Airbnb Scams
Listings may be fake or properties may not exist. Book through verified Airbnb hosts or use reputable accommodation services.
- Fake Listings: Listing does not actually exist.
- Property Scam: The property may be different from the listing provided.
- Unverified Hosts: Host has not been verified by Airbnb.
10. Fraudulent Ticket Sales
Tickets for popular events may be sold at inflated prices or be counterfeit. Buy tickets from official sources or trustworthy vendors.
- Inflated Prices: Ticket price is much higher than the actual cost.
- Counterfeit Tickets: Tickets may be fake or invalid.
- Untrustworthy Vendors: Vendor is not officially authorized to sell the tickets.
11. Street Food Scams
Some street food vendors may use cheap or low-quality ingredients. Stick to popular and crowded food stalls for the best options.
- Low-Quality Ingredients: Ingredients may be of lower quality than expected.
- Unpopular Food Stalls: Stall has few customers, which could indicate a lack of popularity or quality.
- Overcrowded Food Stalls: Long lines at food stalls may suggest popular and high-quality options.
12. Friendly Scammers
Locals or fellow tourists who seem friendly might try to take advantage of you. Be cautious when sharing personal information or accepting help.
- Personal Information Theft: Scammer may use your personal information for fraudulent purposes.
- Friendly Facade: Scammer is using a friendly demeanor to gain your trust.
- Unsolicited Help: Help offered without being asked may be an attempt to scam you.
13. Car Rental Scams
Renting a car can result in hidden charges or damaged vehicles. Use reputable rental companies and inspect the vehicle thoroughly before driving.
- Hidden Charges: Extra fees or charges not clearly disclosed.
- Damaged Vehicle: Vehicle may have existing damage that is not reported.
- Unreliable Rental Companies: Company has a history of poor service or scams.
14. Lottery Scams
Emails or messages claiming you've won a lottery may ask for upfront fees. Ignore these messages as they are scams.
- Upfront Fees: Scammer asks for money before awarding the prize.
- Non-existent Lottery: Lottery is fake and does not exist.
- Spam Emails or Messages: Communication is unsolicited and comes from an unknown source.
15. Internet Café Scams
Cybercafes may have keyloggers or malware installed to steal your information. Use trusted internet connections or secure your devices with strong passwords and antivirus software.
- Keylogger: Device records each keystroke, capturing sensitive information.
- Malware: Software installed on the computer to harm or gather your data.
- Unsecured Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi network is not password-protected, making it easier for hackers to access your information.