Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Virginia Beach, United States

1. Virginia Beach Fishing Scam

Scammers offer to sell or rent fishing gear, then claim the gear is lost at sea.

Avoid Unfamiliar Vendors: Only deal with reputable vendors for fishing equipment.
Check Receipts: Always get a receipt and check it thoroughly before leaving the vendor.
Stay Alert: Be cautious when interacting with strangers, especially around popular fishing spots.

Some tour operators promise low prices but deliver poor service or skip attractions.

Research Tour Companies: Check online reviews and recommendations before booking a tour.
Read Contracts Carefully: Make sure the contract outlines all services included in the price.
Ask for Recommendations: Seek advice from locals or your accommodation staff about reliable tour operators.

Sellers offer discounted brand-name items that are actually fake.

Buy from Authorized Dealers: Only buy luxury or high-value items from authorized dealers.
Check Quality: Inspect the item carefully for any discrepancies in quality or packaging.
Use Common Sense: If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Rental companies may not disclose hidden fees or provide damaged vehicles.

Compare Prices: Shop around for the best deals and compare prices from multiple rental companies.
Check Vehicle Condition: Thoroughly inspect the vehicle before driving away to ensure it's in good condition.
Read Contract Clauses: Understand all terms and conditions, including fees for fuel, mileage, and insurance.

Some taxi drivers may overcharge or direct travelers to less desirable destinations.

Use Regulated Taxis: Choose taxis from regulated companies displaying city-issued identification.
Ask for Receipt: Request a receipt for your trip, and compare the price to what's shown on the meter.
Research Fixed Rates: Find out the average fare for common destinations in Virginia Beach before traveling.

Listings may be fraudulent or the property could be different from the photos.

Verify Listing Details: Check the Airbnb host's profile, reviews, and verification status.
Inspect Property on Arrival: Examine the property for any discrepancies between the listing photos and reality.
Pay Through Airbnb: Make payments through Airbnb's secure platform to protect yourself.

Thieves target tourists in crowded areas and on public transportation.

Secure Your Belongings: Use a travel pouch or money belt to keep your valuables safe.
Stay Alert in Crowds: Keep an eye on your belongings and stay aware of your surroundings.
Leave Unnecessary Items at Home: Limit the number of valuables you carry to minimize potential losses.

Scammers pose as charity workers to solicit donations for fake organizations.

Research Legitimate Charities: Check with local authorities or reputable charity databases before giving.
Ask for Identification: Request identification from any solicitor, and don't be afraid to say no if uncertain.
Donate Directly: If possible, donate directly to the charity's official website instead of giving to a stranger.

Scammers manipulate ATMs to skim your card information.

Choose Well-Lit ATMs: Opt for ATMs located in well-lit, heavily trafficked areas.
Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad with your other hand while entering your PIN to prevent shouldering attacks.
Check ATM for Tampering: Inspect the ATM for any unusual devices or signs of tampering before using it.

Unscrupulous vendors may overcharge for beach gear or services.

Buy in Advance: Purchase essentials like beach chairs and umbrellas before arriving at the shore.
Negotiate Prices: Haggle with vendors for better prices, especially when buying multiple items.
Check Quality: Inspect the quality of beach gear before renting or purchasing to avoid defective equipment.

Some restaurants may overcharge tourists, serve subpar food, or add unnecessary fees.

Ask for Recommendations: Get recommendations from locals or hotel staff for good restaurants in Virginia Beach.
Check the Menu Prices: Compare menu prices with other establishments to ensure they are reasonable.
Ask About Fees: Clarify if any service charges or gratuities are included in the bill before ordering.

Scammers offer timeshares at inflated prices or misrepresent the property.

Research Timeshare Companies: Check reviews and ratings for any timeshare companies before making a purchase.
Be Wary of High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Avoid sales pitches that pressure you to make an immediate decision.
Understand the Contract: Read all contract details carefully, and ask questions if anything is unclear.

Some restaurants may overcharge tourists for food or drinks.

Ask About Prices: Inquire about the prices of dishes and beverages before ordering.
Check the Menu Prices: Compare menu prices with other establishments to ensure they are reasonable.
Ask for Recommendations: Get recommendations from locals or hotel staff for good restaurants in Virginia Beach.

Street performers may demand excessive tips or misrepresent their performance abilities.

Set a Budget for Tips: Decide on an appropriate amount to tip street performers based on the quality of their performance.
Be Mindful of Performance Quality: Evaluate the quality of a performance before deciding to tip, and only reward exceptional performances.
Know Local Customs: Research local customs regarding tipping street performers in Virginia Beach.

Some golf courses may overcharge tourists or offer subpar tee times.

Book in Advance: Reserve tee times at popular golf courses well ahead of time.
Compare Prices: Shop around for the best deals on green fees and golf packages.
Read Contracts Carefully: Thoroughly read all contracts before signing, including any additional charges or restrictions.