Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Bakersfield, California, United States

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1. Parking Lot Scams

Be wary of strangers offering to watch your car in crowded parking lots. They may demand money upon return.

Unattended Vehicle Risk: Leaving vehicle unattended increases the likelihood of it being targeted.
False Assistance Offer: Strangers offering help may be scammers looking for an opportunity.
Demanding Payment: Demands for payment upon returning your vehicle is a common scam tactic.

Beware of people claiming to be ticket enforcement officers in public areas. Always verify their identity and the validity of the tickets.

Impersonation Risk: Scammers may pose as law enforcement officials to issue fake fines.
Ticket Validity Check: Always verify the ticket's authenticity and check for local law enforcement contact information.
Identity Verification: Legitimate law enforcement will not mind verifying their identity upon request.

Protect your card and pin when using ATMs. Be cautious of any unusual devices attached to the machine.

Unusual Devices: Any additional device on the ATM could be a skimming tool.
Card Protection: Cover your hand while entering your pin to prevent shoulder-surfing.
Check ATM Location: Avoid using ATMs in isolated or poorly lit areas for additional security.

Watch out for suspicious emails claiming to be from banks or local businesses. Never provide personal information in response to these messages.

Suspicious Emails: Emails containing links or attachments should be treated with caution.
Personal Information Protection: Never share personal information in response to unsolicited emails.
Email Verification: Check the email sender's address for inconsistencies or misspellings.

Be wary of rigged games at carnivals and fairs. Stick to games that have a clear set of rules and no hidden fees.

Rigged Games: Games with unusual or unclear rules may be designed to cheat players.
Hidden Fees: Ask for the total cost of playing a game before participating to avoid unexpected charges.
Game Transparency: Choose games that are transparent about their rules and operation.

Avoid shops selling overpriced or counterfeit goods. Stick to well-known retailers for best quality products.

Overpriced Goods: Shopping in unknown stores may result in overpriced or counterfeit goods.
Counterfeit Products: Counterfeit products may pose safety risks and offer poor quality.
Well-Known Retailers: Shopping at well-known retailers helps ensure the quality and authenticity of goods.

Enjoy street performances, but be mindful not to donate more than the suggested amount. Some performers may demand excessive amounts.

Suggested Amount: Street performers often have a suggested donation amount; do not feel obligated to exceed it.
Excessive Demand: Performers demanding excessive amounts may be attempting to scam you.
Genuine Performance Appreciation: Enjoy and appreciate the performance, but do not feel pressured to overpay.

Always use legitimate ridesharing services and confirm the driver's details before getting into the vehicle.

Legitimate Ridesharing Services: Use well-known rideshare companies to ensure the safety of your journey.
Driver Verification: Confirm driver details, including name, car make and model, and license plate number before getting in.
In-app Communication: Use the app to communicate with your driver and share trip details with a friend or family member.

Be cautious of individuals soliciting donations for charity. Always verify the legitimacy of the organization before giving.

Legitimate Charities: Research charities to ensure they are reputable and have a proven track record.
Solicitation Verification: Ask for identification from the charity solicitor, and verify their association with the organization.
Online Donations: Donate through a secure online platform if possible to reduce the risk of fraud.

Use metered taxis or reputable taxi services. Be wary of drivers refusing to use the meter or demanding a flat rate.

Metered Taxis: Metered taxis help ensure you pay a fair price based on your destination.
Reputable Taxi Services: Choose well-known taxi services to reduce the risk of being scammed.
Flat Rate Refusal: Avoid taxis that refuse to use the meter or demand a flat rate without discussing your destination.

Use reputable tour companies for guided tours. Be wary of individuals offering unsolicited tours or asking for excessive fees.

Reputable Tour Companies: Choose well-known and reputable tour companies for guided tours.
Unsolicited Tours: Avoid individuals offering unsolicited tours, as they may be scammers.
Excessive Fees: Tour fees should be reasonable and discussed before the tour begins.

Book accommodations through reputable websites or hotels. Be wary of overpriced rental properties.

Reputable Websites: Book accommodations through well-known and trusted online booking sites.
Overpriced Properties: Avoid rental properties with prices significantly higher than average.
Hotel Booking: Consider staying in a hotel for peace of mind if concerned about overpriced rentals.

Be cautious of individuals offering free gifts or samples in return for personal information. They may be attempting to steal your identity.

Identity Theft Risk: Providing personal information can increase the risk of identity theft.
Free Gift Verification: Verify the legitimacy of the free gift offer and the organization offering it.
Personal Information Protection: Avoid sharing personal information with strangers or suspicious organizations.

Purchase tickets directly from the venue or authorized ticket sellers. Be wary of individuals offering tickets at unusually low prices.

Venue Ticketing: Buy tickets directly from the venue for peace of mind.
Unusually Low Prices: Tickets offered at unusually low prices may be counterfeit or invalid.
Authorized Ticket Sellers: Look for authorized ticket sellers when purchasing tickets online or in person.

Rent cars from reputable car rental companies. Be wary of individuals offering cars for rent without proper paperwork.

Reputable Car Rental Companies: Choose well-known and reputable car rental companies.
Proper Paperwork: Avoid cars for rent without proper paperwork, including a contract and insurance information.
Suspicious Individuals: Be cautious of individuals offering cars for rent without a legitimate business presence.