Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in San Jose, United States
1. Downtown San Jose Scams
Watch out for pickpocketing and distraction thefts in crowded areas like the San Pedro Square Market.
- Crowded Spots: Increased risk during peak tourist hours
- Distraction Techniques: Thieves often use distractions like dropped items or requests for help
- Valuable Items: Keep wallets and phones hidden, not easily accessible
2. San Jose Airport Scams
Be aware of unofficial taxi drivers or fake airport personnel seeking to overcharge or lead you to an unwanted destination.
- Unofficial Taxis: Don't use taxis not authorized by the airport
- Overcharging: Always agree on a price before starting your journey
- Fake Airport Personnel: Avoid anyone claiming to be airport staff who asks for personal information
3. South First Area Scams
Guard against fake tour guides and overpriced souvenirs in the South First Area.
- Fake Tour Guides: Be cautious of unsolicited offers for guided tours
- Overpriced Souvenirs: Compare prices at multiple shops before buying
- Distraction Techniques: Thieves often use distractions like dropped items or requests for help
4. VTA Light Rail Scams
Stay alert to avoid pickpocketing and ticket scammers on VTA light rail.
- Pickpocketing: Keep your belongings close and in a secure location
- Ticket Scammers: Buy tickets only from authorized VTA staff or machines
- Crowded Spots: Increased risk during peak hours and at popular stations
5. San Jose Flea Market Scams
Be wary of counterfeit goods and overpriced items at the San Jose Flea Market.
- Counterfeit Goods: Check for quality issues or unusual pricing
- Overpriced Items: Compare prices at multiple stalls before buying
- Distraction Techniques: Thieves often use distractions like dropped items or requests for help
6. West San Jose Scams
Be cautious of fake parking meter attendants and ticket scammers in West San Jose.
- Fake Parking Meter Attendants: Park only at authorized meters or lots
- Ticket Scammers: Buy tickets only from authorized meter attendants or machines
- Distraction Techniques: Thieves often use distractions like dropped items or requests for help
7. East San Jose Scams
Be aware of ATM skimming and fake ATMs in East San Jose.
- ATM Skimming: Check for any unusual attachments or tampering on the ATM
- Fake ATMs: Only use ATMs located inside banks or reputable businesses
- Distraction Techniques: Thieves often use distractions like dropped items or requests for help
8. San Jose Nightlife Scams
Avoid fake taxi drivers and drink spiking in San Jose's nightlife spots.
- Fake Taxi Drivers: Only use taxis from authorized companies
- Drink Spiking: Keep your drink in sight and don't accept drinks from strangers
- Distraction Techniques: Thieves often use distractions like dropped items or requests for help
9. San Jose Sports Events Scams
Watch out for ticket scammers and pickpocketing during San Jose sports events.
- Ticket Scammers: Buy tickets only from authorized vendors or the event's official website
- Pickpocketing: Keep your belongings close and in a secure location
- Crowded Spots: Increased risk during peak hours and at popular stadiums
10. San Jose Street Performers Scams
Be aware of fake donation requests or distraction scams by street performers.
- Fake Donation Requests: Give to performers only if you see them consistently performing and collecting funds
- Distraction Techniques: Thieves often use distractions like dropped items or requests for help
- Unsafe Locations: Avoid performing areas near unattended bags or other potential hazards
11. San Jose Fairs and Festivals Scams
Be wary of counterfeit merchandise and overpriced items at San Jose fairs and festivals.
- Counterfeit Merchandise: Check for quality issues or unusual pricing
- Overpriced Items: Compare prices at multiple stalls before buying
- Distraction Techniques: Thieves often use distractions like dropped items or requests for help
12. San Jose Conference Scams
Be cautious of fake conference organizers, ticket scammers, and pickpocketing.
- Fake Conference Organizers: Attend only official conferences and events
- Ticket Scammers: Buy tickets only from authorized vendors or the conference's official website
- Pickpocketing: Keep your belongings close and in a secure location
13. San Jose Car Rental Scams
Avoid hidden fees and damage accusations by carefully inspecting the rental car upon pickup.
- Hidden Fees: Thoroughly review the rental agreement before signing
- Damage Accusations: Carefully inspect the car for any existing damage before driving away
- Unfair Fuel Policies: Understand and agree to the fuel policy before renting
14. San Jose Accommodation Scams
Avoid fake listings, overbooking, and hidden fees by booking with reputable accommodations.
- Fake Listings: Book only through trusted websites or direct from the accommodation provider
- Overbooking: Confirm your reservation with the property before arrival
- Hidden Fees: Thoroughly review the booking agreement before finalizing your reservation
15. San Jose Food Scams
Be wary of overpriced food, contaminated dishes, and fake food vendors.
- Overpriced Food: Compare prices at multiple restaurants before eating
- Contaminated Dishes: Avoid eating from street vendors or unhygienic locations
- Fake Food Vendors: Check for cleanliness, popular location, and positive reviews before dining