Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in San Antonio, Texas, United States
1. Riverwalk Taxi Scam
Watch out for unlicensed taxis offering rides along the Riverwalk. They often overcharge or drive to ATMs to withdraw money.
- Unlicensed Taxis: They may not have city-issued identification, making them easier to spot.
- Overcharging: Ask for the price before getting in a taxi, and compare it with other taxis.
- ATM Diversion: Stick to established ATMs at banks or hotels and avoid following the taxi driver's suggestions.
2. Fake Tour Guide Scam
Some individuals pose as tour guides offering services around Alamo Plaza. They may demand excessive fees or guide you to specific stores for commissions.
- Posing as Tour Guides: Legitimate tour guides have identification and work for recognized companies.
- Excessive Fees: Research tour prices beforehand to avoid being overcharged.
- Commission-Based Stores: Avoid stores recommended by strangers, and research shops before visiting them.
3. Pedicab Scam
Some pedicabs may refuse to use the meter or take a longer route than necessary. Be cautious when using this mode of transportation around Market Square.
- Refusing to Use Meter: Insist on using the meter and negotiate a price before starting your journey.
- Longer Routes: Stay aware of your route to ensure you're not being taken on a detour.
- Market Square Pedicabs: Ask other passengers for recommendations or choose pedicabs with city-issued identification.
4. Counterfeit Goods Scam
Beware of counterfeit goods being sold around the Historic Market Square. They may appear genuine but can be poor quality or even dangerous.
- Poor Quality Goods: Counterfeits are often made with cheaper materials, so they may break easily or not function properly.
- Dangerous Goods: Some counterfeit products contain harmful substances that can be dangerous to use.
- Historic Market Square Scams: Avoid purchasing from street vendors who don't have a storefront or established business presence.
5. Fake Parking Tickets Scam
Scammers may leave fake parking tickets on your car around the Alamo. They'll approach you later demanding payment.
- No Official Markings: Legitimate parking tickets have official city seals and contact information.
- Aggressive Demeanor: Scammers may use aggressive tactics to collect money, so remain calm and skeptical.
- Contact Local Authorities: If you receive a parking ticket, contact local authorities to verify its authenticity.
6. ATM Skimming Scam
Criminals may attach skimming devices to ATMs around the city, stealing your bank information. Use only ATMs located in well-lit and populated areas.
- Skimming Devices: Criminals attach these devices to ATM card slots to capture your data.
- Well-Lit and Populated Areas: ATMs in busy areas are less likely to have skimming devices attached.
- Cover Your Hand: Cover your hand while entering your PIN to prevent cameras from recording it.
7. Charity Scam
Some individuals may approach you asking for donations for fake charities around San Antonio's downtown area. Research any charity before donating to ensure it is legitimate.
- Research Charity Legitimacy: Check with the Better Business Bureau or visit the charity's official website.
- Ask for Identification: Legitimate collectors should have identification proving their affiliation with the charity.
- Don't Carry Large Amounts of Cash: Limit the amount of cash you carry, and use credit cards or bank transfers for donations.
8. Bridge Toll Scam
Some taxi drivers may claim that there is a bridge toll when crossing bridges around San Antonio. There are no tolls on city-owned bridges.
- City-Owned Bridges: Only private toll roads in San Antonio require payment.
- Ask for Receipt: Legitimate taxi drivers should be able to provide a receipt for any charges.
- Negotiate Price Beforehand: Always negotiate the price before starting your journey with a taxi driver.
9. Street Performers Scam
Some street performers may demand excessive fees for their performances in the Pearl District. Agree on a price beforehand to avoid being overcharged.
- Agree on Price Beforehand: Discuss the performance fee and any additional tips with the performer before enjoying their act.
- Pearl District Performers: Performers in this area may be part of a legitimate performance group, so research local groups to ensure you're not being overcharged.
- Tip Generously but Fairly: Be generous with your tips but make sure they are fair and reasonable.
10. Cruise Ship Scam
Some tour operators may overcharge cruise ship passengers for tours around San Antonio. Research your options before booking a tour to ensure you're getting a fair price.
- Research Tour Prices: Check multiple sources and compare prices before booking a tour.
- Ask for Recommendations: Ask fellow passengers or online reviews for recommendations on reputable tour operators.
- Negotiate Price Beforehand: Always negotiate the price before starting your journey with a taxi driver.
11. Food Truck Scam
Some food trucks around San Antonio may serve lower-quality food or overcharge for meals. Stick to well-known food trucks and read reviews before dining.
- Well-Known Food Trucks: Research local food truck hotspots and choose popular ones.
- Read Reviews: Check online reviews to see what other customers have experienced with the food truck.
- Ask for Recommendations: Ask locals or fellow travelers for recommendations on good food trucks in San Antonio.
12. Rideshare Scam
Some rideshares may claim longer routes or charge higher prices than expected. Use the built-in fare estimator in your app and compare prices with other rideshares.
- Built-In Fare Estimator: Use the price estimate feature in your rideshare app to see how much your trip should cost.
- Compare Prices with Other Rideshares: Check prices for the same route on other rideshare apps before accepting a ride.
- Negotiate Price Beforehand: Always negotiate the price before starting your journey with a taxi driver or rideshare driver.
13. Free Wi-Fi Scam
Some public Wi-Fi hotspots around San Antonio may install malware on your device when you connect. Use a VPN to protect your data and avoid using unsecured networks.
- Use a VPN: A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it harder for hackers to access your data.
- Avoid Unsecured Networks: Only connect to secured Wi-Fi networks in hotels, cafes, or other trusted locations.
- Update Your Device: Regularly update your device's software and antivirus protection to protect against malware.
14. Car Rental Scam
Some car rental companies may charge hidden fees or provide damaged vehicles. Research the company beforehand and inspect the vehicle thoroughly.
- Research Car Rental Companies: Check online reviews and compare prices with other rental companies.
- Inspect Vehicle Thoroughly: Document any damages or issues before accepting the vehicle to avoid being charged later.
- Read Contract Carefully: Understand the terms and conditions of your rental agreement, including fees and insurance options.
15. Hotel Scam
Some hotels may charge for services not included in the room rate or provide low-quality rooms. Research hotels before booking and read reviews carefully.
- Research Hotels: Compare prices, amenities, and reviews across multiple hotel booking sites.
- Read Reviews Carefully: Check both positive and negative reviews to get a well-rounded understanding of the hotel.
- Understand Hotel Policies: Understand the hotel's policies on services, fees, and cancellations before booking.