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

1. Providence Pedi-Cab Scam

Beware of overcharging pedi-cabs near popular attractions. Always agree on a fare before starting the ride.

Fixed Fares: Know the standard fixed fares for pedi-cab rides to avoid overcharging.
Regulated Services: Use regulated and licensed pedi-cabs only to ensure safety and fair pricing.
Ask Locals: Ask locals about reliable pedi-cab services in Providence.

Be cautious when purchasing items from street vendors at flea markets as they may sell counterfeit goods.

Brand Authenticity: Look for the authenticity of brand labels on items before purchase.
Price Variations: Be aware of price variations compared to regular retail stores.
Legal Ramifications: Understand the legal implications of buying counterfeit goods and report suspicious vendors.

Avoid ticket resellers outside popular theaters as they may sell fake or overpriced tickets.

Official Box Office: Buy tickets directly from the official box office to avoid scams.
Website Purchases: Purchase tickets online through the theater's website to ensure authenticity.
Time Management: Plan ahead and purchase tickets early to avoid the need for last-minute ticket resellers.

Watch out for taxi drivers who try to overcharge tourists in Providence.

Meter Usage: Ensure the taxi uses a meter and the fare is calculated accurately.
Registered Taxis: Only use registered taxis that are easily identifiable by their license plates and signs.
Report Overcharging: Report any instances of overcharging to local authorities.

Be cautious when using ATMs in Providence as they may be tampered with skimming devices.

Secure ATMs: Use ATMs that are located indoors or in well-lit, busy areas to minimize the risk of tampering.
Cover Your Hand: Cover your hand while entering your PIN number to protect against potential camera scams.
Monitor Accounts: Regularly monitor your account for any suspicious activity and report any discrepancies.

Some buskers may overcharge tourists or sell low-quality items. Be mindful of the authenticity and value.

Know Fair Value: Research fair market prices for souvenirs and art beforehand.
Support Local Artists: Support local artists by choosing to donate instead of purchasing goods.
Avoid Distractions: Remain aware of your belongings and avoid getting distracted during busy performances.

Be wary of fake ride-sharing services posing as legitimate options in Providence.

Ride-Sharing Apps: Only use reputable and well-known ride-sharing apps for transportation.
Vehicle Condition: Check the vehicle's license plate, driver's photo, and car description before getting in.
Contact Support: Report any suspicious activity or unlicensed ride-sharing services to local authorities.

Some street performers may ask for payment in excess of the performance's value.

Fair Compensation: Know the typical compensation range for street performances.
Avoid Distractions: Stay aware of your belongings and surroundings during street performances.
Report Suspicious Activity: Report any instances of excessive payment requests to local authorities.

Be cautious of unofficial tour guides who may overcharge or lead tourists to scam locations.

Official Tour Guides: Book tours through reputable and official tour providers.
Ask for Credentials: Always ask for identification and credentials from tour guides before starting a tour.
Research Beforehand: Research the area and attractions in Providence to avoid falling victim to scam tours.

Public wifi hotspots may be fake and used for data theft. Use caution when connecting to public networks.

Secure Connections: Only connect to secure, password-protected networks.
Avoid Sensitive Data: Avoid accessing sensitive information or making online transactions on public wifi networks.
Use VPN: Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) for added security when connecting to public networks.

Some hotel keycards may be tampered with and used for data theft. Be mindful of your hotel keycard.

Keep Your Keycard Safe: Keep your hotel keycard safe and secure at all times.
Check for Tampering: Inspect the keycard for any signs of tampering before using it.
Report Suspicious Activity: Report any lost or stolen hotel keycards to hotel management immediately.

Some restaurants may inflate the bill or add unnecessary charges. Be mindful of your bill.

Check Your Bill: Thoroughly check your bill for any unexpected or excessive charges.
Ask for Itemized Bills: Request an itemized bill from the restaurant to ensure accuracy.
Pay Attention to Service Charges: Be aware of any service charges, taxes, or gratuities that may be added to your bill.

Some rental car companies may charge hidden fees or provide damaged vehicles. Inspect the car thoroughly before driving.

Thorough Inspection: Inspect the rental car for any damages before accepting it.
Understand the Contract: Carefully read and understand the rental agreement to avoid hidden fees.
Report Damages: Document any damages or issues with the rental car before driving away from the lot.

Some Airbnb listings may be fraudulent or misrepresented. Verify the listing and host details.

Verify Host Information: Ensure the host's information is accurate and matches the listing.
Review Past Guest Feedback: Read reviews from past guests to gauge the quality of the stay.
Secure Communication: Use secure communication methods, such as the Airbnb platform, when discussing details with hosts.

Beware of ticket scalpers outside venues who may sell fake or overpriced tickets.

Official Box Office: Purchase tickets directly from the official box office to avoid scams.
Website Purchases: Purchase tickets online through the event's website to ensure authenticity.
Plan Ahead: Plan ahead and purchase tickets early to avoid the need for last-minute ticket scalpers.