Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Worthing, West Sussex, United Kingdom
1. Worthing Pier Scam Alert
Stay vigilant around the pier; pickpockets often target tourists. Keep belongings secure.
- Tourist Hotspot: Popular attraction for both locals and visitors
- Pickpocketing Risk: Heightened risk in crowded, touristy areas
- Preventive Measures: Avoid carrying excessive cash and keep belongings secure
2. Fake Taxi Services Scam
Only use licensed taxis; unlicensed cabs may overcharge or take longer routes.
- Unlicensed Drivers: May not have the necessary qualifications and insurance
- Overcharging Risk: May charge more than the standard fare for a ride
- Safety Concerns: Unlicensed taxis may not follow safe driving practices
3. Fraudulent Accommodation Scam
Book accommodations through reputable websites or agencies; avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
- Online Scams: Scammers may pose as property owners on unverified sites
- Poor Quality Risk: Accommodations may not meet expectations or be non-existent
- Payment Safety: Scammers may ask for payment via unsecure methods
4. Counterfeit Goods Market Scam
Avoid purchasing counterfeit goods from unofficial street vendors; they may be of poor quality or illegal.
- Illegal Goods Risk: Counterfeit items may infringe on trademarks and copyrights
- Quality Concerns: Counterfeit goods often break or fail to function properly
- Supporting Crime: Proceeds from sales support organized crime and illegal activities
5. ATM Skimming Scam
Use ATMs in well-lit, busy areas; cover the keypad while entering your PIN.
- ATM Safety: Skimmers can be attached to ATMs to steal card data
- Cover Your Keypad: Prevent shoulder surfing and keystroke logging
- Stick to Reputable ATMs: ATMs in banks or hotel lobbies are generally safer
6. Charity Scam
Be cautious of individuals asking for donations; verify charities before giving.
- Unverified Charities: May not allocate funds to their intended purpose
- Impersonation Risk: Scammers may pose as legitimate charities for donations
- Safe Giving: Donate through trusted channels, like the charity's official website or a verified collection point
7. Theft from Luggage Scam
Keep luggage secure at all times; avoid leaving belongings unattended in public areas.
- Targeted Luggage: Luggage is often a target for pickpockets and thieves
- Crowded Places Risk: Theft more common in crowded, touristy areas
- Preventive Measures: Use luggage locks and keep a close eye on belongings
8. Cyber Cafe Scam
Avoid using cyber cafes for sensitive transactions; use hotel Wi-Fi or a VPN instead.
- Unsecured Networks: Cyber cafes may have weak or unsecured networks
- Keystroke Logging Risk: Keyloggers can be installed on computers to steal data
- Safe Online Activities: Limit sensitive transactions and personal information sharing online
9. Street Performance Scam
Avoid donating to street performers; they may use aggressive tactics for collections.
- Aggressive Tactics: Performers can be pushy or intimidating when asking for donations
- Donation Fraud Risk: Scammers may pose as performers to collect money illegally
- Safe Donating: Only donate to established, reputable organizations
10. False Tour Guide Scam
Book guided tours through official tourist information centers; avoid unsolicited offers.
- Unsolicited Offers Risk: Tour guides may approach tourists offering 'discounted' services
- Quality Concerns: Tour guides may lack knowledge or provide misleading information
- Preventive Measures: Use reputable tour companies and book tours in advance
11. Overpriced Goods Scam
Bargain for prices at markets; compare prices with other vendors.
- Overcharging Risk: Vendors may overcharge tourists for goods
- Bargaining Skills: Successful bargaining can lead to lower prices
- Market Knowledge: Know the average price for goods in local markets
12. Fraudulent Ticket Sales Scam
Purchase tickets from authorized ticket sellers or venues; avoid street vendors.
- Street Vendor Risk: Tickets may be fake, overpriced, or for invalid events
- Ticket Authenticity: Check the authenticity of tickets before purchasing
- Safe Ticketing Practices: Use authorized ticket sellers and avoid purchasing from unverified sources
13. Romance Scam
Be wary of individuals expressing affection online; they may be scammers seeking money.
- Online Relationships Risk: Scammers often use social media to establish relationships
- Money Requests: Scammers may ask for money or financial assistance
- Personal Safety: Meet new acquaintances in public places and be cautious of sharing personal information online
14. Mobile Phone Theft Scam
Keep mobile phones hidden; avoid displaying them in public areas.
- Targeted Devices: Mobile phones are a common target for thieves
- Data Theft Risk: Thieves can access personal data on mobile devices
- Preventive Measures: Secure mobile phones with a passcode and consider using anti-theft software
15. Wire Transfer Scam
Avoid wire transfers for financial transactions; use credit cards or cash instead.
- Unsecured Transactions: Wire transfers can be reversed only with difficulty
- Scam Risk: Scammers may use wire transfers to steal money
- Safe Financial Practices: Use credit cards or cash for financial transactions whenever possible