Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
1. Downtown Trolley Scam
Be wary of strangers offering help with your trolley ticket in Downtown Little Rock. They might ask for money or direct you to an invalid ticket seller.
- Official Ticket Vendor: Buy tickets only from official vendors located at the trolley stops.
- Asking for Help: If someone offers help, kindly decline and find an official staff member instead.
- Know the Route: Familiarize yourself with trolley routes and schedules to avoid getting lost or scammed.
2. Taxi Overcharging
Some taxis in Little Rock may try to overcharge tourists. Always check the meter and agree on a fare before starting your journey.
- Regulated Fares: Know the regulated taxi fares for journeys in Little Rock.
- Hail Official Taxis: Use official taxi services or hail taxis from designated ranks.
- Check the Meter: Always check the meter before starting your journey and ensure it's set correctly.
3. Counterfeit Currency
Be vigilant when handling money in Little Rock as there have been instances of counterfeit bills circulating. Familiarize yourself with genuine currency.
- Feel and Look: Counterfeit bills often feel different from real ones, so check the texture, and make sure the design is correct.
- Use ATMs: Get local currency from banks or reliable ATMs to minimize risk of receiving counterfeit money.
- Check Change: Double-check your change when making purchases to ensure you're not given a counterfeit bill.
4. Fake Tour Guides
Unlicensed guides may offer their services in Little Rock. Insist on using licensed tour guides provided by official tourist agencies.
- Licensed Tour Guides: Request for a licensed guide and check their credentials before hiring.
- Tourist Information Centers: Book tours through tourist information centers or reputable travel agencies.
- Ask for Recommendations: Ask for recommendations from locals, hotel staff, or fellow travelers to find reliable guides.
5. Street Performer Scams
Some street performers in Little Rock may ask for donations and then pressure you for more money or direct you to an ATM to withdraw cash.
- Donation Box: If you wish to support a street performer, use the provided donation box instead of handing over cash directly.
- Be Polite but Firm: Politely decline if you do not wish to donate or engage with the performer.
- Know Local Customs: Research local customs regarding tipping and donating before your trip.
6. Fraudulent Ticket Sales
Be cautious when buying tickets for events or attractions from street vendors in Little Rock. Always buy tickets directly from the venue or official outlets.
- Official Outlets: Purchase tickets only from the venue box office or authorized ticket vendors.
- Check for Validity: Ensure that the ticket has the venue's logo and all necessary details such as date, time, and event name.
- Ask for Help: If unsure, don't hesitate to ask a staff member or local for assistance.
7. Overpriced Souvenirs
Some souvenir shops in Little Rock may charge excessively high prices. Compare prices at various shops before making a purchase.
- Bargain: Always try to bargain for a better price, especially when buying from street vendors.
- Check Online Prices: Research the prices of souvenirs online to avoid overpaying.
- Buy in Bulk: Buying multiple items at once can sometimes lead to discounts.
8. Car Rental Scams
Be aware of car rental scams in Little Rock where vehicles are rented with hidden damages or inflated prices. Thoroughly inspect the vehicle before accepting it.
- Inspect Rental Cars: Thoroughly inspect the rental car for any damage before driving away.
- Check Contract Details: Carefully review the contract to ensure there are no hidden charges or fees.
- Reliable Rental Companies: Rent from well-known, reliable car rental companies with good reviews.
9. ATM Skimming
ATM skimming is a common scam where card details are stolen from ATMs using a device. Use only well-maintained and busy ATMs, and cover your hand when entering your PIN.
- Secure ATMs: Use ATMs located in well-lit, secure areas and avoid ones that look tampered with.
- Cover your Hand: Cover your hand when entering your PIN to prevent others from seeing it.
- Monitor Transactions: Regularly monitor your account transactions for any unauthorized activity.
10. Shoreline Fishing Scam
Some fishermen may offer to catch fish for you in return for a fee. They might use already-caught fish or overcharge you for the service.
- Avoid Overpriced Services: Negotiate prices beforehand and be wary of fishermen who insist on exorbitant fees.
- Check the Fish: Inspect the fish to ensure it's fresh and not pre-caught.
- Fish Yourself: Try fishing yourself to enjoy the experience and avoid potential scams.
11. Dockside Restaurant Scam
Some dockside restaurants in Little Rock may charge tourists higher prices or provide poor service. Research and choose well-rated restaurants with good reviews.
- Reputable Restaurants: Choose reputable restaurants that have positive customer reviews and ratings.
- Ask for Recommendations: Ask locals, hotel staff, or fellow travelers for restaurant recommendations.
- Check Menus Online: Research the menus and prices online before dining at a new restaurant.
12. Lost Tourist Scam
Kind strangers offering assistance to lost tourists in Little Rock might lead you into scams. Trust your instincts and seek help from local authorities or reputable sources.
- Contact Local Authorities: Contact local authorities if you're lost instead of relying on strangers.
- Use Offline Maps: Save offline maps or download city guides to avoid getting lost.
- Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts when interacting with strangers.
13. Hotel Room Scams
Some hotels in Little Rock may charge for services or damages that were not provided or incurred. Inspect the room and check bills carefully.
- Inspect Hotel Rooms: Thoroughly inspect your hotel room upon arrival to ensure there's no damage that you'll be charged for.
- Check Bills Carefully: Review your bill carefully before checking out to avoid any hidden charges or errors.
- Reliable Hotel Chains: Book rooms with well-known, reliable hotel chains that have good reviews.
14. Public Wi-Fi Scams
Free public Wi-Fi in Little Rock may be a trap to steal your personal information. Only use secure, password-protected networks and avoid accessing sensitive data on untrusted networks.
- Secure Networks: Use secure, password-protected Wi-Fi networks or your mobile hotspot when connecting to the internet.
- Avoid Sensitive Data: Do not access sensitive data such as banking details or personal emails on untrusted networks.
- Use a VPN: Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for added security when using public Wi-Fi.
15. Fake Charity Scams
Some individuals in Little Rock may solicit donations for charity, only to pocket the money themselves. Research charities before donating and ensure they are legitimate.
- Check Charity Legitimacy: Research charities online or ask for their registration number to verify their legitimacy.
- Ask for Receipts: Always ask for a receipt when donating to ensure your contribution goes to the intended charity.
- Donate Directly: Donate directly through the charity's official website or at their designated drop-off points instead of giving money to strangers.