Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Austin, Texas, United States
1. Sixth Street Scams
Avoid street performers who pressure for money or ask for help with fake jewelry. Be cautious of 'finders' of lost items asking for a reward before returning.
- Street Performers: They may pressure for money or use dishonest methods.
- Lost Items: Fake finders of lost items may ask for a reward before returning them.
- Crowded Areas: Scams often occur in crowded, touristy areas like Sixth Street.
2. Taxi Scams
Avoid taxis without a meter and negotiate prices beforehand. Check for official taxi signs and contact the company if there's no identification.
- Unmetered Taxis: They may overcharge or refuse to use a meter.
- No Identification: Official taxis should display the company's name and contact information.
- Negotiated Prices: Always negotiate prices before getting into a taxi to avoid overcharging.
3. Fake Tour Guides
Only use licensed tour guides with official identification. Be cautious of unsolicited offers and check reviews online.
- Licensed Guides: They have the necessary permits and training to provide tours.
- Unsolicited Offers: Be wary of unsolicited offers from tour guides in tourist areas.
- Online Reviews: Check reviews on reputable websites before booking a tour guide.
4. Parking Scams
Avoid parking in unattended lots and read parking signs carefully. Pay for parking in designated areas only.
- Unattended Lots: They may lack security or have hidden charges.
- Parking Signs: Always read parking signs carefully to avoid tickets and tow-away zones.
- Designated Areas: Park in designated areas with attendants or meters for a safe and legal parking experience.
5. Counterfeit Goods
Avoid purchasing goods from street vendors or unauthorized sellers. Look for authorized retailers for genuine items.
- Street Vendors: They may sell counterfeit or low-quality goods.
- Unauthorized Sellers: They may not have the necessary permits to sell goods in certain areas.
- Authorized Retailers: They offer genuine, high-quality items with warranties and return policies.
6. Con Artist Scams
Be wary of individuals offering help or friendship who then ask for money. Never share personal information with strangers.
- Unsolicited Offers: They may start with a friendly conversation before asking for money.
- Personal Information: Do not share personal information like passwords or financial details with strangers.
- Public Places: Scams often occur in public places where there are many people present.
7. Phishing Scams
Be cautious of emails or texts that ask for personal information. Never click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown sources.
- Personal Information: Do not provide sensitive information like passwords or bank details over email.
- Suspicious Links: Avoid clicking on links from unknown sources as they may lead to malware or phishing sites.
- Attachments: Do not download attachments from unknown senders as they could contain viruses or spyware.
8. ATM Skimming
Use ATMs in well-lit, busy areas and protect your PIN. Cover the keypad when entering your code to prevent skimmers from seeing it.
- Well-lit Areas: They are less likely to have skimming devices installed.
- Busy Areas: ATMs in busy areas are less susceptible to tampering.
- Keypad Protection: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent skimmers from recording it.
9. Smartphone Theft
Keep your phone secure at all times and avoid using it in public without a case or screen protector. Use location services to track your device if lost.
- Secure Storage: Store your phone in a secure pocket or bag when not in use.
- Protective Case: A protective case can help prevent theft and damage.
- Location Services: Use location services to help find your phone if it's lost or stolen.
10. Credit Card Fraud
Keep your credit card in a safe place and check your statements regularly. Use secure Wi-Fi connections for online transactions.
- Safe Storage: Keep your credit card in a safe or secure wallet.
- Statement Checks: Regularly check your credit card statements for any unauthorized charges.
- Secure Wi-Fi: Only use secure Wi-Fi connections for online transactions to protect your information.
11. Car Break-ins
Lock your car and hide valuables. Park in well-lit, busy areas or use a parking garage when possible.
- Valuable Hiding: Hide valuable items like phones, wallets, and laptops before leaving your car.
- Well-lit Areas: Park in well-lit areas to deter potential thieves.
- Busy Areas: Parking in busy areas can help prevent break-ins as there are more people around.
12. Identity Theft
Be cautious of public Wi-Fi networks and avoid sharing passwords or sensitive information online. Use strong, unique passwords for each account.
- Public Wi-Fi: Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks to access sensitive information.
- Password Security: Use strong, unique passwords for each account to prevent unauthorized access.
- Sensitive Information: Never share sensitive information like passwords or social security numbers online.
13. Airbnb Scams
Book verified listings and communicate with hosts only through Airbnb's messaging system. Inspect the property before accepting any reservations.
- Verified Listings: Book listings that have been verified by Airbnb for a safe and trustworthy stay.
- Communication: Use only the provided messaging system to communicate with hosts.
- Property Inspection: Inspect the property before accepting any reservations for peace of mind.
14. Uber Scams
Only use the official Uber app and verify the license plate, driver's photo, and car model before getting in. Report any suspicious activity to Uber immediately.
- Official App: Use only the official Uber app for a safe and reliable ride.
- Verification: Verify the driver's license plate, photo, and car model before getting in.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Report any suspicious activity to Uber immediately for their investigation.
15. Food Truck Scams
Avoid food trucks without health department permits and check for proper food handling. Be cautious of free samples that require personal information.
- Health Department Permits: Food trucks should have the necessary health department permits to operate.
- Proper Food Handling: Look for food trucks with proper food handling practices in place.
- Free Samples: Be wary of free samples that ask for personal information as they may be scams.