Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Boston, United States
1. Faneuil Hall Marketplace Scams
Street performers or vendors may use distractions to steal from tourists. Be aware and keep personal belongings secure.
- Distraction Tactics: Performers often use distraction techniques, such as dropping items near unsuspecting victims.
- Unauthorized Solicitation: Some vendors may try to sell unauthorized goods or services without the proper permits.
- Crowded Spaces: The crowded nature of Faneuil Hall Marketplace can make it easier for scammers to blend in with the crowd.
2. Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Scams
Fare evasion and ticket scam artists on the MBTA can lead to fines or confrontations with transit police.
- Ticket Inspectors: Official ticket inspectors carry identification, so be wary of anyone claiming to be an inspector without visible ID.
- Counterfeit Tickets: Be cautious when buying tickets from unauthorized vendors or machines; always check for validity before boarding.
- Fare Evasion: It's important to always purchase the correct fare and validate your ticket, as failure to do so can result in fines.
3. Taxi Scams
Unlicensed cabs or drivers may overcharge for rides or take longer routes. Use only official taxi services.
- Unlicensed Taxis: Taxi drivers without city-issued medallions are unauthorized and should be avoided.
- Overcharging: Drivers may inflate fares, especially for tourists who aren't familiar with the city.
- Detours: Some taxi drivers may take longer routes to increase the fare, especially if you're not paying attention.
4. Airbnb Scams
Fake listings or landlords may steal personal information or demand additional payments. Book through verified hosts and review ratings carefully.
- Verified Hosts: Verify the host's identity and reviews before making a booking to ensure they are reputable.
- Payment Requests: Be cautious of hosts asking for payments outside the Airbnb platform; all payments should be processed through the platform's secure system.
- Unauthorized Access: Ensure that you are the only one who has access to the listing by using the provided lockbox or key exchange.
5. Fenway Park Scams
Counterfeit tickets or ticket scalpers may sell fraudulent tickets for games. Always purchase from official sources.
- Counterfeit Tickets: Be cautious when buying tickets from unauthorized vendors; look for signs of tampering or irregularities.
- Ticket Scalpers: Scalpers may try to sell fraudulent or overpriced tickets. Always purchase from the official Red Sox ticket exchange.
- Game Day Traffic: Be prepared for heavy traffic and long lines on game days, which can create opportunities for scammers to take advantage of unsuspecting fans.
6. Boston Common Scams
Pickpockets may target tourists in crowded areas. Keep personal belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.
- Crowded Spots: Areas with large crowds, such as the Frog Pond or Make Way for Ducklings statues, can be prime targets for pickpockets.
- Distractions: Pickpockets may use distractions to steal from unsuspecting victims; keep an eye on your belongings at all times.
- Unattended Bags: Abandoned bags or personal items can be used as distractions, so always secure your own belongings and report any suspicious items to authorities.
7. North End Scams
Restaurants or vendors may overcharge tourists. Familiarize yourself with average prices and be wary of any establishment that seems unusually expensive.
- Overcharging: Some restaurants or vendors may inflate prices for tourists, especially in busy areas like the North End.
- Counterfeit Money: Be cautious when using large bills; counterfeit money is a risk in any tourist area.
- Unfair Tips: Some servers may expect excessive tips from tourists, so be aware of average tipping practices and don't feel obligated to overpay.
8. Quincy Market Scams
Counterfeit merchandise or vendors may try to sell fake items. Be cautious and research prices before making any purchases.
- Counterfeit Goods: Be wary of vendors selling items at unusually low prices, as they may be counterfeit or of poor quality.
- Overpriced Items: Some vendors may attempt to overcharge tourists for popular souvenirs and items; research typical prices before shopping.
- Unlicensed Vendors: Only purchase from authorized vendors to ensure the quality of your souvenir purchases.
9. Harvard University Scams
Tour guides or ticket scam artists may offer fake Harvard tours or sell fraudulent tickets. Only use official university resources for tours and event tickets.
- Unauthorized Tour Guides: Be cautious of individuals offering tours without official university affiliation; always verify their credentials.
- Counterfeit Tickets: Be wary of ticket vendors selling fraudulent Harvard event tickets, such as sports games or concerts.
- Overpriced Tours: Some unauthorized tour guides may charge inflated prices for their services; research official university tour pricing before booking.
10. Beacon Hill Scams
Counterfeit merchandise or vendors may try to sell fake items. Be cautious and research prices before making any purchases.
- Counterfeit Goods: Be wary of vendors selling items at unusually low prices, as they may be counterfeit or of poor quality.
- Overpriced Items: Some vendors may attempt to overcharge tourists for popular souvenirs and items; research typical prices before shopping.
- Unlicensed Vendors: Only purchase from authorized vendors to ensure the quality of your souvenir purchases.
11. Freedom Trail Scams
Unlicensed tour guides may offer fake tours or ask for excessive tips. Use only official Freedom Trail tour guides.
- Unauthorized Tour Guides: Be cautious of individuals offering tours without official Freedom Trail affiliation; always verify their credentials.
- Excessive Tips: Some unauthorized tour guides may demand excessive tips from tourists, so be aware of standard tipping practices and don't feel obligated to overpay.
- Counterfeit Merchandise: Be wary of vendors selling counterfeit merchandise along the trail; only purchase from authorized vendors.
12. Museum of Fine Arts Scams
Counterfeit tickets or ticket scalpers may sell fraudulent tickets. Always purchase from official sources.
- Counterfeit Tickets: Be cautious when buying tickets from unauthorized vendors; look for signs of tampering or irregularities.
- Ticket Scalpers: Scalpers may try to sell fraudulent or overpriced tickets. Always purchase from the official Museum of Fine Arts ticket exchange.
- Overcrowding: The museum can become crowded, making it easier for pickpockets to take advantage of unsuspecting visitors. Keep personal belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.
13. Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum Scams
Counterfeit tickets or ticket scalpers may sell fraudulent tickets. Always purchase from official sources.
- Counterfeit Tickets: Be cautious when buying tickets from unauthorized vendors; look for signs of tampering or irregularities.
- Ticket Scalpers: Scalpers may try to sell fraudulent or overpriced tickets. Always purchase from the official Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum ticket exchange.
- Overcrowding: The museum can become crowded, making it easier for pickpockets to take advantage of unsuspecting visitors. Keep personal belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.
14. Boston Common Carousel Scams
Unlicensed carousel operators may overcharge for rides. Use only official Boston Common Carousel services.
- Overcharging: Some unauthorized carousel operators may charge inflated prices for rides.
- Unlicensed Operators: Be cautious of individuals offering carousel rides without official Boston Common affiliation; always verify their credentials.
- Counterfeit Tickets: Be wary of ticket vendors selling counterfeit tickets for the carousel; only purchase from authorized vendors.
15. Boston Symphony Orchestra Scams
Counterfeit tickets or ticket scalpers may sell fraudulent tickets. Always purchase from official sources.
- Counterfeit Tickets: Be cautious when buying tickets from unauthorized vendors; look for signs of tampering or irregularities.
- Ticket Scalpers: Scalpers may try to sell fraudulent or overpriced tickets. Always purchase from the official Boston Symphony Orchestra ticket exchange.
- Counterfeit Merchandise: Be wary of vendors selling counterfeit merchandise at the symphony; only purchase from authorized vendors.