Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Indianapolis, United States
1. Monument Circle Skating Rink Scam
Avoid fake ice skate rentals or overpriced services at the Monument Circle during winter. Be wary of individuals offering 'deals'.
- Official Rentals: Only rent from the official skate rental booth.
- City-run Event: Verify that the event is an official city-run event.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices with other rentals or events in the area to avoid overpaying.
2. Indy 500 Ticket Scams
Avoid purchasing Indy 500 tickets from unauthorized vendors or online resellers. Buy directly from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway website or box office.
- Authorized Vendors: Only purchase tickets from authorized vendors such as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
- Box Office Purchase: Consider purchasing tickets at the box office for a guaranteed authentic ticket.
- Online Verification: Verify the legitimacy of online ticket vendors by checking their reviews and ratings.
3. Fountain Square Busking Scams
Beware of street performers who may overcharge or engage in misleading performances. Tips should be optional and not coerced.
- Free Performance: Enjoy free, authentic performances around Fountain Square.
- Civic Center Performances: Check for upcoming performances at the nearby Athenaeum Theatre or Harrison Center for the Arts.
- Coerced Tipping: Only tip if you find the performance to be genuinely impressive and feel compelled to do so.
4. Mass Avenue Graffiti Art Scams
Avoid purchasing fake or overpriced artwork from unauthorized vendors on Mass Ave. Verify the artist's authenticity and reputation.
- Official Galleries: Purchase art from official galleries, such as Gallery Pascal or Murphy Art Center.
- Artist Reputation: Research the reputation and authenticity of artists before making a purchase.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices with other galleries or art venues in the area to ensure fair pricing.
5. White River State Park Concert Scams
Avoid ticket scams for concerts at White River State Park. Buy tickets only from authorized vendors or the event's official website.
- Authorized Vendors: Purchase tickets through authorized vendors such as Ticketmaster, Live Nation, or White River State Park.
- Event Website: Check the event's official website for ticket information and avoid online scams by ensuring a secure connection (HTTPS).
- Onsite Ticket Sales: Consider purchasing tickets on-site at the venue to avoid shipping delays or other complications.
6. Indianapolis Zoo Counterfeit Entrance Tickets
Avoid purchasing counterfeit tickets for the Indianapolis Zoo. Only purchase tickets directly from the zoo's official website or box office.
- Official Vendors: Purchase tickets only from the Indianapolis Zoo's official website or ticket booth.
- Onsite Verification: Verify ticket authenticity by checking for the zoo's hologram and watermark.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices with other attractions in the area to ensure you are not overpaying.
7. Indianapolis Museum of Art Ticket Scams
Avoid purchasing counterfeit tickets for the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Only purchase tickets directly from the museum's official website or box office.
- Official Vendors: Purchase tickets only from the Indianapolis Museum of Art's official website or ticket booth.
- Onsite Verification: Verify ticket authenticity by checking for the museum's hologram and watermark.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices with other attractions in the area to ensure you are not overpaying.
8. Indiana State Fair Scams
Avoid ticket scams, overpriced merchandise, and food stands at the Indiana State Fair. Buy tickets directly from the fair's official website or box office.
- Authorized Vendors: Purchase tickets only through authorized vendors such as Ticketmaster or the Indiana State Fair box office.
- Onsite Verification: Verify ticket authenticity by checking for the fair's hologram and watermark.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices with other attractions in the area to ensure you are not overpaying.
9. Bank One Ballpark Scams
Avoid ticket scams and counterfeit merchandise at Bank One Ballpark. Buy tickets directly from the ballpark's official website or box office.
- Authorized Vendors: Purchase tickets only through authorized vendors such as Ticketmaster or the Bank One Ballpark box office.
- Onsite Verification: Verify ticket authenticity by checking for the ballpark's hologram and watermark.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices with other attractions in the area to ensure you are not overpaying.
10. Circle Centre Mall Shopping Scams
Avoid counterfeit merchandise or overpriced items at Circle Centre Mall. Research stores and their reputations before shopping.
- Reputable Stores: Shop only at reputable stores with good customer reviews.
- Know the Value: Research prices for items to avoid overpaying.
- Ask for Assistance: If unsure, ask store employees or security personnel for assistance.
11. Indianapolis Motor Speedway Tours Scams
Avoid ticket scams and overpriced tours at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Buy tickets directly from the speedway's official website or box office.
- Authorized Vendors: Purchase tickets only through authorized vendors such as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
- Onsite Verification: Verify ticket authenticity by checking for the speedway's hologram and watermark.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices with other attractions in the area to ensure you are not overpaying.
12. Convention Center Scams
Avoid ticket scams and counterfeit merchandise at the Indiana Convention Center. Buy tickets directly from the center's official website or box office.
- Authorized Vendors: Purchase tickets only through authorized vendors such as Ticketmaster or the Indiana Convention Center.
- Onsite Verification: Verify ticket authenticity by checking for the convention center's hologram and watermark.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices with other attractions in the area to ensure you are not overpaying.
13. Indiana Repertory Theatre Scams
Avoid ticket scams for shows at the Indiana Repertory Theatre. Buy tickets directly from the theatre's official website or box office.
- Authorized Vendors: Purchase tickets only through authorized vendors such as Ticketmaster or the Indiana Repertory Theatre.
- Onsite Verification: Verify ticket authenticity by checking for the theatre's hologram and watermark.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices with other attractions in the area to ensure you are not overpaying.
14. Indiana State Capitol Tour Scams
Avoid ticket scams and counterfeit merchandise at the Indiana State Capitol. Buy tickets directly from the capitol's official website or box office.
- Authorized Vendors: Purchase tickets only through authorized vendors such as the Indiana State Capitol.
- Onsite Verification: Verify ticket authenticity by checking for the capitol's hologram and watermark.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices with other attractions in the area to ensure you are not overpaying.
15. Children's Museum of Indianapolis Scams
Avoid ticket scams and counterfeit merchandise at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. Buy tickets directly from the museum's official website or box office.
- Authorized Vendors: Purchase tickets only through authorized vendors such as Ticketmaster or the Children's Museum of Indianapolis.
- Onsite Verification: Verify ticket authenticity by checking for the museum's hologram and watermark.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices with other attractions in the area to ensure you are not overpaying.