Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom

1. Counterfeit Merchandise Scam

Avoid purchasing unofficial Liverpool Football Club merchandise from street vendors.

Official Stores: Buy souvenirs only at official stores or verified market stalls.
Low Prices: Be wary of suspiciously low prices for popular merchandise.
Quality Check: Check the quality and authenticity of the items before making a purchase.

Avoid unlicensed taxis and use only official Liverpool taxi services.

Licensed Taxis: Recognize licensed taxis by their distinctive liveries and license numbers.
Fare Agreement: Always agree on the fare before starting your journey.
Payment Methods: Prefer payment by card or app to carry exact change.

Stay vigilant in crowded places and keep personal belongings secure.

Secure Valuables: Keep passports, wallets, and smartphones securely zipped or in anti-theft bags.
Avoid Distractions: Be cautious when using mobile devices in crowded areas.
Travel Documents: Carry copies of important documents rather than the originals.

Use ATMs in well-lit areas or inside banks and avoid machines with skimming devices.

Well-Lit Areas: Choose ATMs that are under surveillance cameras or situated in well-lit locations.
ATM Devices: Inspect the ATM for any unusual devices before inserting your card.
Cover Screen: Cover the keypad while entering your PIN to prevent shoulder surfing.

Avoid buying tickets for popular attractions from unofficial sources.

Official Tickets: Buy tickets only at the venue or authorized ticket offices.
Ticket Prices: Be wary of suspiciously low prices for popular attractions' tickets.
Check Tickets: Always verify the authenticity and validity of your ticket.

Appreciate street performers but be cautious when given unsolicited gifts.

Gratitude: Feel free to tip good performers, but only when requested.
Unsolicited Gifts: Decline any unsolicited gifts or items offered by strangers.
Scam Identification: Watch for signs of a scam, such as groups working together or forceful tactics.

Be aware of roulette scams in casinos and play responsibly.

Casino Regulations: Familiarize yourself with casino rules and regulations.
Suspicious Players: Be cautious of other players who seem to be always winning.
Responsible Gambling: Set limits on your spending and avoid chasing losses.

Avoid overpriced drinks in popular bars and know your limit.

Drink Prices: Compare drink prices with other establishments to avoid overpaying.
Alcohol Levels: Know your alcohol tolerance and pace yourself.
Cover Your Drink: Cover your drink when not in use to prevent tampering.

Choose official car parks and be cautious of parking meter scams.

Official Car Parks: Park in authorized and well-lit car parks.
Parking Meters: Ensure you're using the correct parking meter and paying the proper fee.
Time Limits: Respect time limits on parking spaces and avoid overstaying.

Book accommodation through trusted sources to avoid scams.

Trusted Sources: Book accommodation only on reliable booking platforms or directly with the property.
Payment Methods: Prefer secure payment methods, such as credit cards, rather than bank transfers.
Property Inspection: Inspect the property beforehand or arrange a video call to verify its condition.

Book guided tours through reputable providers to avoid scams.

Reputable Providers: Choose tours provided by established and well-rated companies.
Payment Methods: Prefer secure payment methods, such as credit cards or PayPal.
Check Itinerary: Ensure the itinerary aligns with your expectations and includes all advertised attractions.

Use credit cards cautiously and monitor transactions closely.

Secure Transactions: Choose secure payment methods, such as chip-and-PIN or contactless payments.
Monitor Transactions: Regularly check your account balance and transactions online or via the mobile app.
Card Security: Keep your credit card in sight during transactions and avoid using it at suspicious locations.

Purchase sim cards from authorized retailers to avoid swapping scams.

Authorized Retailers: Buy sim cards only from official stores or authorized resellers.
Check SIM Card: Inspect the SIM card to ensure it matches the packaging.
Secure Transactions: Use secure payment methods, such as chip-and-PIN or contactless payments.

Avoid wire transfers for large transactions and use alternative methods instead.

Large Transactions: For large transactions, opt for credit or debit cards or other secure payment methods.
Verify Sender's Identity: Always verify the identity of the sender before making a wire transfer.
Transaction History: Check your transaction history for any unusual activity or discrepancies.

Decline unsolicited surveys, especially those asking for personal information.

Personal Information: Be cautious about sharing personal information with unknown parties.
Survey Reputation: Research the survey's reputation and verify its legitimacy before participating.
Scam Indicators: Watch for signs of a scam, such as requests for large sums or excessive personal information.