Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Buffalo, United States
1. Canalside Scam
Be wary of individuals offering 'guided tours' or selling souvenirs at inflated prices around Canalside. Stick to official tour guides and reputable shops.
- Official Tour Guides: Always look for officially certified guides with identification.
- Reputable Shops: Shop at established stores near tourist attractions or research online beforehand.
- Price Comparison: Avoid overpriced items by comparing prices with other shops in the area.
2. Food Truck Fraud
Some food trucks may serve lower quality or even unsafe food. Stick to well-known and popular food trucks.
- Popular Food Trucks: Choose food trucks with consistent long lines and positive customer feedback.
- Sanitation: Look for clean food trucks with proper food handling and sanitation practices.
- Reviews and Ratings: Check online reviews and ratings before choosing a food truck.
3. Taxi Scam
Some taxi drivers may try to overcharge or take longer routes. Use regulated taxi services or ride-sharing apps.
- Regulated Taxi Services: Choose taxis with official license plates and identifiable uniforms.
- Ride-Sharing Apps: Use well-known ride-sharing apps to ensure fair pricing and safety.
- Fare Estimates: Always ask for a fare estimate before starting your journey.
4. Counterfeit Ticket Scam
Be cautious when buying event tickets from strangers or unauthorized vendors. Buy from official outlets only.
- Official Outlets: Purchase tickets directly from the venue, official ticket websites, or authorized retailers.
- Event Organizer's Website: Verify event details and ticket availability on the event organizer's official website.
- Ticket Authenticity: Check for holograms, watermarks, or other security features on tickets to ensure authenticity.
5. Airport Taxi Scam
Some taxi drivers at Buffalo Niagara International Airport may try to overcharge. Use airport-approved taxi services or pre-book a ride.
- Airport-Approved Services: Look for official airport taxis with identification and use designated pickup areas.
- Pre-Booked Rides: Pre-book your ride using authorized services or online travel agencies.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices with other transportation options available at the airport.
6. Accommodation Scam
Be careful when booking accommodation online as some listings may be fraudulent. Use reputable booking websites or contact the property directly.
- Reputable Booking Websites: Book through well-known and trusted online travel agencies.
- Contact the Property Directly: Confirm your reservation with the property before finalizing your booking.
- Online Reviews: Check online reviews and ratings for your chosen accommodation.
7. Parking Meter Scam
Some individuals may place fake parking tickets on vehicles and demand payment. Be vigilant when using parking meters and never pay unknown individuals.
- Legitimate Parking Meters: Use official parking meters with clear instructions and visible signage.
- Time Limits: Always pay attention to the time limits displayed on parking meters.
- Official Parking Enforcement: Report any suspicious activity related to parking enforcement to local authorities.
8. Public Wi-Fi Scam
Public Wi-Fi hotspots can be risky. Avoid accessing personal or financial information while connected to free public networks.
- Virtual Private Network (VPN): Use a VPN for secure and encrypted internet connections.
- Secure Websites: Only access websites that begin with 'https://' to ensure data encryption.
- Avoid Sensitive Data: Avoid entering sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers, on public Wi-Fi.
9. Street Performer Scam
Some street performers may pressure you for donations. Enjoy their performances but be mindful of your personal belongings.
- Donation Amount: Decide on a reasonable amount to donate beforehand and never feel pressured to give more.
- Personal Belongings: Keep your personal belongings safe and secure while watching the performance.
- Legitimate Performers: Look for street performers with official permits or registered with local organizations.
10. Charity Scam
Some individuals may solicit for fake charities. Research charities before donating to ensure they are legitimate.
- Charity Registration: Check if the charity is registered with the New York State Attorney General's Charities Bureau.
- Transparency: Look for charities that are transparent about their operations, finances, and impact.
- Donation Method: Avoid donating cash directly to street solicitors; instead, use the charity's official website or mail-in options.
11. Car Rental Scam
Be cautious when renting a car as some rental companies may charge hidden fees. Research rental companies and read reviews before booking.
- Reputable Companies: Choose rental companies with good customer feedback and a strong reputation.
- Transparent Pricing: Ensure the price you see is the final price, including taxes and fees.
- Insurance Coverage: Understand your insurance coverage to avoid unexpected charges.
12. ATM Skimming Scam
Criminals may use skimming devices on ATMs to steal your card information. Use well-lit, busy ATMs and cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
- Well-Lit ATMs: Choose ATMs that are located in well-lit areas with good visibility.
- Busy ATMs: Use ATMs that are frequently visited to reduce the chance of skimming devices being installed.
- Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad with your free hand when entering your PIN to prevent others from seeing it.
13. Fake Tourist Attraction
Some locations may be advertised as tourist attractions but are actually scams. Research tourist attractions before visiting to ensure they are legitimate.
- Official Information: Look for official information about the attraction on the city's tourism website or brochures.
- Customer Reviews: Read customer reviews and ratings to verify the attraction's legitimacy.
- Tourist Information Centers: Visit tourist information centers for advice on legitimate tourist attractions.
14. Fake Event Tickets
Some individuals may sell fake event tickets online. Only buy from reputable sources or the venue's official box office.
- Reputable Sources: Purchase tickets through authorized vendors, such as Ticketmaster or StubHub.
- Official Box Office: Buy tickets directly from the venue's official box office to avoid scams.
- Ticket Authenticity: Verify ticket authenticity by checking for holograms, watermarks, or other security features.
15. Theater Ticket Scam
Some individuals may sell fake theater tickets outside venues. Only buy from the theater box office or authorized vendors.
- Official Box Office: Buy tickets directly from the theater's official box office to avoid scams.
- Authorized Vendors: Look for authorized ticket vendors, such as Ticketmaster or the venue's website.
- Ticket Authenticity: Verify ticket authenticity by checking for holograms, watermarks, or other security features.