Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Miami, United States
1. Cobia Marina Scam
Be wary of boat tour operators offering low prices. They may take you to a 'bait shop' to buy expensive seafood or fish.
- Unlicensed Operators: These operators often lack proper licensing and insurance.
- Overpriced Seafood: The seafood sold at 'bait shops' is usually overpriced.
- Time Wasting: These tours may waste your valuable vacation time.
2. Magic City Scam
Someone offers to show you a 'hidden' nightclub called Magic City. It could be a cover for a strip club with high cover charges.
- Cover Charges: These clubs often charge high cover prices and push expensive drinks.
- False Advertisement: The club may not be as advertised or even exist at all.
- Unsafe Environment: These clubs can be unsafe and seedy, putting you in a potentially dangerous situation.
3. Beach Umbrella Scam
Someone offers to rent you an umbrella or chair at the beach. They may demand payment for it when you return.
- Unauthorized Rentals: These items are often not properly rented from authorized vendors.
- Demand for Payment: They may demand payment, even if you didn't use the item or they placed it there without your consent.
- Confusion and Harassment: This can lead to confusion and harassment on what is rightfully yours.
4. Lottery Scam
Someone tells you that you've won a lottery you never entered. They ask for personal details or money to claim the 'prize'.
- Personal Information Theft: They may use your personal information for identity theft.
- Money Requests: They may ask you to send money to claim the 'prize'. You'll never see that money again.
- Scams Continue: Once they have your information, they may continue to scam you with more requests.
5. Miami Cruise Ship Scam
A stranger offers help with luggage at the cruise ship terminal. They may demand payment or ask for personal information.
- Unsolicited Assistance: These individuals often provide unsolicited assistance.
- Payment Demands: They may demand payment for their 'help'.
- Identity Theft Risk: They may ask for personal information, putting you at risk of identity theft.
6. Car Rental Scam
Someone offers a cheap car rental but damages the vehicle before you drive it. They demand payment for the damage.
- Damaged Vehicle: The vehicle may have been damaged before you rented it.
- Demand for Payment: They demand payment for the damage, which was there before you rented the car.
- Fraudulent Rental: These rentals are often unlicensed and uninsured.
7. Coin operated machine scam
A coin-operated machine promises big winnings but delivers nothing. It's often a broken or rigged machine.
- Broken Machines: These machines are often broken, taking your money without delivering any rewards.
- Rigged Machines: Even when working, the machine may be rigged to never pay out.
- Unauthorized Locations: These machines can often be found in unauthorized locations.
8. Shore Excursion Scam
A shore excursion is offered at a discounted price but takes you to various stores where you're pressured to buy expensive items.
- Pressure Tactics: These tours often use high-pressure tactics to make you buy things.
- Overpriced Items: The items for sale are usually overpriced.
- Time Wasting: These tours waste your valuable vacation time.
9. Taxi Scam
Taxis that charge excessively or take a longer route than necessary.
- Excessive Charges: Taxis may charge you more than the standard fare.
- Longer Routes: They may take a longer route to increase the fare.
- Unlicensed Taxis: These taxis are often unlicensed and uninsured.
10. Cuban Cigar Scam
Counterfeit Cuban cigars sold at a premium price.
- Counterfeit Goods: These cigars are often counterfeit, not genuine Cuban products.
- Overpriced Items: The cigars are sold at a premium price despite being fake.
- Legal Consequences: Importing real Cuban cigars into the U.S. may be illegal.
11. Street Performance Scam
Street performers who demand payment for their performance after you've enjoyed it.
- Demand for Payment: They may demand payment after you've watched their performance.
- Unlicensed Performers: These performers often lack the necessary licenses and permits.
- Pressure Tactics: They may use pressure tactics to demand payment.
12. Fisherman's Wharf Scam
A fisherman offers you fresh fish at a low price. It may be overpriced or poor quality.
- Overpriced Fish: The fish is often overpriced, even for low-quality fish.
- Poor Quality Fish: The fish may be poor quality and not fresh.
- Unsanitary Conditions: Fish may be sold in unsanitary conditions, putting you at risk of foodborne illnesses.
13. Car Parking Scam
A parking attendant asks for payment when you return to your car. They may demand more than the standard rate or claim you owe for a different vehicle.
- Excessive Charges: They may charge you more than the standard parking fee.
- Claiming Debt for Another Vehicle: They may claim you owe for a different vehicle or demand payment for an earlier date.
- Unlicensed Operators: These operators are often unlicensed and uninsured.
14. Luxury Goods Scam
Stores offering luxury goods at deeply discounted prices. The items are often counterfeit or low quality.
- Counterfeit Goods: These goods are often counterfeit and not genuine.
- Low Quality Items: Even when genuine, the items may be of low quality.
- Legal Consequences: Possessing counterfeit goods can have legal consequences.
15. Airport Shuttle Scam
An unauthorized airport shuttle offers you a ride for a cheap price. They may demand more money upon arrival or take a longer route.
- Demand for Extra Money: They may demand extra money upon arrival.
- Longer Routes: They may take a longer route to increase the fare.
- Unlicensed Operators: These shuttles are often unlicensed and uninsured.