
Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Wichita, Kansas, United States
1. Wichita Downtown Scam Alert Program
A free safety resource for tourists offering tips on avoiding common scams and providing a phone number to report incidents.
- 24/7 Availability: Provides assistance at any time of the day or night.
- Local Knowledge: Leverages local law enforcement expertise to help keep tourists safe.
- Quick Response: Responds quickly to reported incidents for swift action.
2. Wichita Airport Scam Prevention Tips
Offers advice on how to avoid scams at the Wichita Mid-Continent Airport such as oversold taxi services.
- Authentic Transportation: Recommends official airport transportation options for a hassle-free experience.
- Awareness of Common Scams: Raises awareness about common scams at the airport to prevent falling victim.
- Safety in Numbers: Encourages traveling with others or staying in well-lit and populated areas.
3. Fake Tour Guide Scams
Warns tourists about unlicensed tour guides who may overcharge or lead to dangerous situations.
- Legal Guides Only: Recommends using only licensed tour guides registered with the city.
- Ask for Credentials: Encourages tourists to ask for identification and credentials before hiring a guide.
- Research Beforehand: Advocates researching tour companies in advance to ensure legitimacy.
4. Counterfeit Goods Market Scams
Warns tourists about counterfeit goods being sold at local markets and offers tips on how to spot them.
- Quality Assurance: Highlights the poor quality of counterfeit goods compared to authentic items.
- Price Too Good to be True: Warns that if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Legal Consequences: Laws regarding counterfeit goods apply to both sellers and buyers.
5. Fake ATM Scams
Offers tips on how to avoid scam ATMs that skim card information or overcharge fees.
- Use Bank ATMs: Recommends using ATMs inside banks for added security.
- Cover the Keypad: Covers the keypad while entering a PIN to prevent shoulder-surfing.
- Monitor Accounts Regularly: Regularly monitors bank accounts for unauthorized transactions.
6. Car Rental Scams
Warns tourists about car rental scams such as undisclosed damages and offers tips to avoid them.
- Inspect Rentals Thoroughly: Thoroughly inspects the vehicle before renting and documents any pre-existing damage.
- Reputable Companies Only: Rents from reputable companies with good customer reviews.
- Read the Contract: Carefully reads and understands the contract terms before signing.
7. Fraudulent Ticket Scams
Warns tourists about ticket scams for events such as concerts and sports games.
- Buy from Reputable Sources: Buys tickets from reputable sources like the box office or authorized resellers.
- Check for Holograms: Looks for holographic stickers on legitimate tickets.
- Ask for Receipts: Insists on getting a receipt or proof of purchase.
8. Public Wi-Fi Scams
Warns tourists about the risks of using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks in Wichita.
- Use a VPN: Uses a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for secure browsing on public Wi-Fi.
- Avoid Sensitive Information: Avoids logging into sensitive accounts or making online purchases over public Wi-Fi.
- Check Network Security: Ensure the public Wi-Fi network is secure before connecting.
9. Taxi Scams
Warns tourists about taxi scams such as using a meter that's not working or overcharging.
- Pre-Arranged Fares: Asks for pre-arranged fares before getting into the taxi.
- Official Taxis Only: Takes official taxis with a working meter or pre-negotiated fare.
- Avoid Peak Hours: Avoids peak hours when scams are more common.
10. Lodging Scams
Warns tourists about lodging scams such as renting subpar accommodations or overcharging.
- Book with Reputable Sites: Books lodging through reputable online travel agencies.
- Read Reviews: Reads reviews from past guests to make an informed decision.
- Ask for a Receipt: Insists on getting a receipt or proof of payment after checking in.
11. Street Performance Scams
Warns tourists about street performers who may pressure for donations.
- Gratuity is Optional: Understands that gratuity is optional and not obligatory.
- Be Polite but Firm: Remains polite while declining unwanted requests for donations.
- Support Genuine Artists: Supports genuine artists by tipping only when the performance is enjoyed.
12. Charity Scams
Warns tourists about charity scams where donations do not go to a legitimate cause.
- Research the Charity: Researches the charity before donating.
- Avoid Street Solicitations: Avoids street solicitations and donates only through official channels.
- Look for Legitimate Documents: Checks for legitimate documents, like tax-exempt identification numbers.
13. Barter Scams
Warns tourists about barter scams where the item traded is of poor quality or not delivered.
- Know the Value: Understands the value and worth of items before trading.
- Inspect Before Trading: Inspects the item carefully before exchanging it.
- Use Reputable Marketplaces: Trades only in reputable markets or with reliable trading partners.
14. Parking Scams
Warns tourists about parking scams such as overpriced parking lots or meter violations.
- Use Official Parking Lots: Parks in official parking lots run by the city or venue.
- Check Parking Rates: Checks posted parking rates before leaving a vehicle.
- Avoid Street Parking: Avoids street parking to reduce the risk of tickets or vehicle damage.
15. Food Truck Scams
Warns tourists about food truck scams such as serving undercooked or poor-quality food.
- Check for Health Inspections: Checks if the food truck has passed recent health inspections.
- Avoid Busy Hours: Avoids busy hours when food trucks may run out of popular items.
- Check Local Reviews: Reads local reviews and recommendations to find the best food trucks.