Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Reno, Nevada, United States
1. Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority (RSCVA) Scams
Be wary of individuals claiming to be representatives from RSCVA offering discounts or special deals. Always verify information with the official website.
- Official Representation: Verify any claims of being a representative of the RSCVA.
- Website Verification: Always check information on the official RSCVA website before making any decisions.
- Report Suspicious Activities: If you encounter suspicious activities, report them to the local authorities.
2. Taxi Scams at Reno-Tahoe International Airport
Avoid unofficial taxi drivers offering lower prices outside the airport. Use only the licensed taxis from the designated area.
- Licensed Taxis Only: Use only licensed taxis from the designated area at the airport.
- Avoid Unofficial Offers: Ignore any unofficial taxi offers outside the designated areas.
- Check Fare Estimates: Check fare estimates before getting into a taxi to avoid unexpected charges.
3. Counterfeit Casino Chips Scams
Be cautious when accepting casino chips from strangers or buying them outside casinos. Only use chips obtained within the casino.
- Obtain Chips Within Casinos: Never accept casino chips from strangers or buy them outside casinos.
- Check Chip Legitimacy: Inspect casino chips for any irregularities or discrepancies.
- Report Suspicious Activities: If you encounter suspicious activities, report them to the casino security.
4. Parking Meter Scams
Be aware of individuals offering to help with parking meters in exchange for money. Only use the official parking meters and follow the designated parking rules.
- Use Official Parking Meters: Never accept help from strangers with parking meters.
- Follow Parking Rules: Always follow the designated parking rules to avoid fines or towed vehicles.
- Report Suspicious Activities: If you encounter suspicious activities, report them to the local authorities.
5. Street Performer Scams
Be cautious when interacting with street performers who may attempt to distract you while someone else picks your pocket. Enjoy the performances, but keep an eye on your belongings.
- Keep an Eye on Belongings: Always keep an eye on your belongings when watching street performers.
- Report Suspicious Activities: If you notice any suspicious activities, report them to the local authorities.
- Tip Appropriately: Support genuine street performers by tipping appropriately, but do not give excessive amounts.
6. Lottery Scams
Be wary of strangers claiming you've won a lottery or sweepstakes. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Ignore Unsolicited Lottery Claims: Do not respond to unsolicited lottery or sweepstakes claims.
- Verify Information: Always verify any information about lotteries with official sources.
- Report Suspicious Activities: If you encounter suspicious activities, report them to the local authorities.
7. Fake Ticket Sales Scams
Buy event tickets only from official sources or reputable ticket sellers. Avoid buying tickets from strangers or unofficial sellers.
- Purchase Tickets from Official Sources: Always purchase event tickets from official sources or reputable ticket sellers.
- Avoid Buying from Strangers: Never buy tickets from strangers or unofficial sellers.
- Check Ticket Legitimacy: Always inspect event tickets for any irregularities or discrepancies.
8. Phishing Scams via Email
Be cautious when opening emails from unknown senders. Do not click on links or provide personal information unless you are certain of the sender's identity.
- Avoid Clicking Unknown Links: Do not click on links from unknown senders.
- Verify Sender Identity: Always verify the identity of the sender before providing any personal information.
- Report Suspicious Emails: If you receive suspicious emails, report them to your email service provider and the local authorities.
9. ATM Skimming Scams
Be cautious when using ATMs, especially those that look tampered or unattended. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN and check the ATM for any signs of tampering.
- Use Well-maintained ATMs: Always use well-maintained ATMs that appear secure.
- Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent others from seeing it.
- Report Suspicious ATMs: If you notice any signs of tampering or suspicious activities, report them to the local authorities.
10. Credit Card Theft in Casinos
Keep your credit cards secure at all times while gambling. Be aware of strangers attempting to distract you or manipulate your cards.
- Secure Credit Cards: Always keep your credit cards secure while gambling.
- Avoid Distractions: Be aware of strangers attempting to distract you while gambling.
- Report Suspicious Activities: If you notice any suspicious activities, report them to the casino security.
11. Identity Theft in Shared Accommodations
Be cautious when providing personal information to strangers in shared accommodations. Limit the amount of personal information you share and secure your belongings.
- Limit Personal Information: Avoid sharing excessive personal information with strangers.
- Secure Belongings: Always secure your belongings, especially those containing sensitive information.
- Report Suspicious Activities: If you notice any suspicious activities, report them to the local authorities.
12. Gift Card Scams
Avoid buying gift cards from unofficial sources or online advertisements. Only purchase gift cards from reputable retailers.
- Purchase Gift Cards from Reputable Retailers: Always purchase gift cards from reputable retailers.
- Avoid Unofficial Sources: Never buy gift cards from unofficial sources or online advertisements.
- Check Gift Card Legitimacy: Always inspect gift cards for any irregularities or discrepancies.
13. Free Wifi Scams
Be cautious when connecting to free Wi-Fi networks. Do not access sensitive information or make financial transactions while connected to unsecured networks.
- Avoid Accessing Sensitive Information: Do not access sensitive information or make financial transactions while connected to unsecured networks.
- Use a VPN: Consider using a VPN when connecting to free Wi-Fi networks for added security.
- Report Suspicious Networks: If you notice any suspicious activities, report them to the local authorities.
14. Car Theft in Reno
Always lock your car and hide valuables. Be cautious when parking in unlit areas or poorly attended parking lots.
- Lock Car and Hide Valuables: Always lock your car and hide valuables before leaving it.
- Avoid Unlit Areas: Be cautious when parking in unlit areas or poorly attended parking lots.
- Report Suspicious Activities: If you notice any suspicious activities, report them to the local authorities.
15. Pickpocketing in Crowded Areas
Be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas. Keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuable items.
- Keep Belongings Secure: Always keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas.
- Avoid Displaying Valuables: Do not display valuable items in crowded areas.
- Report Suspicious Activities: If you notice any suspicious activities, report them to the local authorities.