Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Montréal, Canada

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid unlicensed cabs and overcharging by familiarizing with fair rates or using ride-hailing apps.

Unlicensed Taxis: Taxis without a city license may charge excessive prices.
Overcharging: Some drivers may use unfamiliar routes to inflate the fare.
Ride-Hailing Apps: Using apps like Uber or Lyft provides a more secure and transparent option.

Enjoy performances while being aware that 'spontaneous' crowds may be orchestrated to solicit tips.

Orchestrated Crowds: A group of people may gather around a performer, pretending to be random spectators.
Excessive Tips: Tips are often requested for poor performances or excessive amounts.
Prepaid Tickets: Consider purchasing tickets from authorized venues to ensure authenticity.

Stay vigilant during events as pickpocketing and ticket scalping are common.

Pickpocketing: Thieves often target crowded areas, particularly in large gatherings.
Ticket Scalping: Some sellers may offer fake or overpriced tickets for popular events.
Authorized Vendors: Purchase tickets only from authorized vendors or official websites to avoid scams.

Avoid exchanging money on the street and ensure you use a reputable exchange service.

Street Exchanges: Rates offered on the street are often unfair and may result in loss of money.
Counterfeit Bills: Counterfeit bills may be given as change, making it difficult to detect.
Reputable Services: Use banks or authorized exchange services for secure and fair transactions.

Be cautious when using public phone booths or vending machines as they may have tampered coins inside.

Tampered Coins: Coins in public phones and vending machines may be missing or overpriced.
Prepaid Cards: Use prepaid debit or credit cards instead of coins for transactions.
Secure Locations: Transact in secure locations such as shops and banks to avoid scams.

Avoid accessing sensitive information when using public Wi-Fi networks, as they may be unsecured and easily compromised.

Unsecured Networks: Public Wi-Fi networks are vulnerable to interception and data theft.
Fake Hotspots: Fraudulent hotspots may mimic legitimate ones and collect personal information.
VPNs: Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to protect your data when accessing public Wi-Fi.

Monitor your surroundings and choose well-lit, busy areas for ATM transactions to avoid potential theft or skimming.

Theft: Thieves may watch as you withdraw money and attempt to steal your cash.
Skimming: Fraudulent devices may be attached to ATMs, capturing card information.
Secure Areas: Transact in well-lit and busy areas to deter potential scammers.

Only use licensed tour guides or those provided by reputable companies to ensure an authentic experience.

Unlicensed Guides: Guides without a city license may provide misleading or false information.
Excessive Fees: Tour guides may charge inflated prices for subpar services.
Reputable Companies: Book tours through reputable companies or those recommended by local authorities.

Purchase goods from authorized dealers to avoid buying fake merchandise and support the local economy.

Fake Merchandise: Counterfeit goods may be of lower quality or not function as intended.
Economic Impact: Buying fake goods harms the local economy and legitimizes illegal activities.
Authorized Dealers: Purchase goods from authorized dealers or retailers to ensure authenticity.

Support reputable charities by researching their legitimacy and purpose before donating.

Illegitimate Charities: Fake charities may collect donations without providing aid to those in need.
Proper Research: Researching a charity's legitimacy and purpose can help prevent fraudulent donations.
Official Registration: Look for official registration with the Canada Revenue Agency or similar organizations.

Verify rental properties and their owners before committing to a lease to avoid fraudulent listings.

Fraudulent Listings: Fake rental properties may be advertised with misleading information or photos.
Verification: Verify rental properties by contacting the owner, visiting the property, and checking references.
Reputable Services: Consider using reputable rental services to ensure a secure and legitimate transaction.

Rent cars only from authorized agencies and inspect vehicles thoroughly before driving away.

Unauthorized Agencies: Cars rented from unauthorized agencies may be stolen or have hidden damage.
Thorough Inspection: Inspect vehicles for any visible damage or issues before driving away.
Authorized Agencies: Rent cars from authorized agencies to ensure a secure and legitimate transaction.

Book tours through reputable companies or travel agents to avoid fake or poorly organized trips.

Fake Tours: Tours may be advertised with misleading information or not deliver on promises.
Reputable Companies: Book tours through reputable companies or travel agents to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience.
Travel Agents: Consider using a travel agent for personalized recommendations and assistance.

Purchase tickets only from authorized vendors or event websites to avoid buying counterfeit tickets.

Counterfeit Tickets: Tickets purchased from unauthorized sources may be fake or non-existent.
Authorized Vendors: Purchase tickets only from authorized vendors or event websites to ensure authenticity.
Event Websites: Buy tickets directly from the official event website when possible.

Compare prices and read reviews before booking accommodation to avoid overpaying for subpar services.

Subpar Services: Accommodations may be poorly maintained or provide inadequate amenities.
Price Comparison: Compare prices across multiple platforms to ensure a fair deal.
Reviews: Read reviews from past guests to gauge the quality of service and accommodations.