Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Pittsburgh, United States

All Topics about Pittsburgh All Cities in United States

1. Pittsburgh Taxi Scams

Avoid overcharging by unlicensed taxis. Ensure the taxi has a city-issued sticker on the windshield.

City-Issued Sticker: Legitimate Pittsburgh taxis will have a city-issued sticker on their windshield.
Fixed Rates: Know the fixed rates for airport rides and popular destinations before you travel.
Avoid Street Hail: Avoid hailing a taxi from the street, use designated ranks instead.

Be cautious when receiving change. Know what legitimate US currency looks like to avoid fake bills.

Know the Features: Familiarize yourself with the features of US currency, such as size, color, and texture.
Check for Flaws: Inspect bills for any unusual flaws or inconsistencies.
Pay Attention: Remain alert when exchanging money, especially in busy areas.

Avoid parking meter tampering. Ensure the meter accepts coins or credit cards.

Official Parking Meter: Look for official city-issued parking meters.
Payment Options: Parking meters in Pittsburgh should accept coins, credit cards, or mobile payments.
Time Limits: Be aware of time limits and parking regulations to avoid fines or towed vehicles.

Avoid 'overzealous' performers. Only tip for genuine talent and entertainment.

Legitimate Talent: Look for genuine talent, not aggressive or disruptive performances.
City Guidelines: Busking in Pittsburgh follows city guidelines. Performers should have a permit.
Avoid Harassment: Do not feel pressured to tip if you do not want to.

Avoid unlicensed tour guides. Book tours through reputable companies.

Licensed Tour Guide: Legitimate Pittsburgh tour guides will have a city-issued guide's permit.
Reputable Companies: Book tours through established and reputable tour companies.
City Guidelines: Tour guides in Pittsburgh must follow city guidelines regarding routes and conduct.

Avoid overpriced drinks. Research bars beforehand for pricing and atmosphere.

Price Comparison: Compare prices of popular drinks in different bars to avoid overpriced venues.
Happy Hours: Take advantage of happy hours and discounted drinks offers.
Avoid Unfamiliar Venues: Stick to well-known bars and venues, especially at night.

Avoid using unsecured public Wi-Fi for sensitive information.

Secure Connections: Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to secure your connection.
Avoid Financial Transactions: Avoid making financial transactions or entering sensitive information on public Wi-Fi.
Watch for Suspicious Emails: Be wary of suspicious emails, especially those asking for personal information.

Avoid fake listings. Use verified hosts and properties.

Verified Hosts: Book with verified hosts who have good reviews.
Secure Payment: Use Airbnb's secure payment system to protect your funds.
Communicate with Host: Maintain open communication with the host, asking questions about the property.

Avoid ticket scams. Buy tickets from authorized outlets or online vendors.

Authorized Outlets: Buy tickets from official festival outlets or their authorized online vendors.
Check Festival Websites: Check the festival's official website for ticket information and warnings about scams.
Avoid Street Vendors: Do not buy tickets from street vendors or unauthorized sellers.

Avoid fare evasion and unwanted interaction. Purchase tickets before boarding.

Purchase Tickets: Always purchase a ticket before boarding public transportation.
Avoid Unwanted Interaction: Avoid engaging in conversation with suspicious individuals on public transport.
Familiarize Yourself: Understand the public transportation system, including routes and schedules.

Avoid overpriced or unsafe street food. Stick to well-known vendors.

Avoid fake listings. Book accommodations through reputable websites.

Reputable Websites: Book accommodations through established and reputable travel websites.
Read Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests to get an idea of the accommodation's quality.
Secure Payment: Use secure payment methods provided by reputable websites.

Avoid ticket scams. Buy tickets from authorized outlets or online vendors.

Authorized Outlets: Buy tickets from official attraction outlets or their authorized online vendors.
Check Attraction Websites: Check the attraction's official website for ticket information and warnings about scams.
Avoid Street Vendors: Do not buy tickets from street vendors or unauthorized sellers.

Avoid overpriced items. Research prices before shopping.

Research Prices: Compare prices of popular items in different stores to avoid overpriced venues.
Avoid Suspicious Shops: Avoid shops that appear suspicious or have bad reviews.
Haggling Skills: Develop haggling skills to negotiate prices when shopping.

Avoid damaged vehicles and hidden charges. Inspect the vehicle before signing contracts.

Inspection before Signing: Thoroughly inspect the car before signing any rental agreements.
Hidden Charges: Be aware of potential hidden charges, such as fuel fees or mileage limits.
Check Rental Company Reviews: Choose a reputable rental company with good reviews and customer service.