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

All Topics about Hartford All Cities in United States

1. Busking Scams at Bushnell Park

Avoid fake performers soliciting money in Hartford's popular Bushnell Park. Legitimate performers are permitted and have a city-issued permit.

City Permits: Legitimate performers will have a city-issued permit
Aggressive Solicitation: Scammers often use aggressive solicitation tactics
City of Hartford Information: Contact the City of Hartford for more information on performer policies

Avoid unlicensed cabs or overcharging taxis at Union Station. Look for licensed cabs with a medallion and use apps for safer rides.

Licensed Cabs: Legitimate cabs have a city-issued medallion
App-Based Services: Use app-based transportation services for safer rides
Station Information: Contact Union Station for information on licensed taxi services

Avoid street food vendors selling expired or low-quality products in the Pratt Street area. Stick to reputable restaurants for meals.

Reputable Restaurants: Choose established and reputable restaurants for dining
Inspections: Legitimate food vendors undergo regular health inspections
City Health Department: Contact the City Health Department for information on street food regulations

Avoid tampered parking meters around the State Capitol. Use official parking lots or apps for safer parking.

Official Parking Lots: Use designated official parking lots when possible
Parking Apps: Use app-based parking solutions for safer and easier parking
City Parking Regulations: Familiarize yourself with city parking regulations to avoid tickets or towed vehicles

Avoid unlicensed tour guides in the Insurance City District. Look for official guides or join organized tours.

Official Guides: Choose authorized and certified tour guides
Organized Tours: Join organized tours through reputable companies
City Licensing Information: Contact the city for information on licensed tour guides

Avoid email phishing scams targeting students and visitors at the University of Connecticut (UConn) campus. Use official channels for communication.

Official Communication Channels: Use official university email accounts or communication platforms for sensitive information
Security Measures: Ensure that the university employs strong security measures to protect against phishing attacks
University IT Support: Contact the university's IT support for assistance with potential phishing incidents

Avoid buying counterfeit goods in the West End neighborhood. Stick to reputable shops for genuine merchandise.

Reputable Shops: Choose established and reputable stores for shopping
Brand Authenticity: Check for brand authenticity and holograms on products
City Trading Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the city's trading regulations to avoid counterfeit goods

Avoid ATMs with suspicious devices or card readers at Asylum Avenue. Use indoor, well-lit ATMs or banks for safer transactions.

Indoor ATMs: Use indoor ATMs or those located in well-lit areas
ATM Safety Tips: Cover the keypad with your free hand when entering your PIN
Bank or Credit Union Information: Contact your bank or credit union for additional ATM safety tips

Avoid fake charities soliciting donations near Hartford Hospital. Donate to reputable charities or research organizations before giving.

Reputable Charities: Donate to established, well-known, and reputable charities
Charity Research: Research charities before donating to ensure they are legitimate
Hospital Information: Contact the hospital for information on approved charity solicitations

Avoid buying counterfeit tickets to events at the XL Center. Buy from authorized ticket vendors or the box office.

Authorized Vendors: Purchase tickets from authorized and reputable ticket vendors
Box Office: Buy tickets directly from the box office for guaranteed authenticity
Event Organizer Information: Contact the event organizer for information on ticket sales

Avoid using unsecured public Wi-Fi hotspots in the Blue Hills Avenue area. Use secure connections or mobile data for online activities.

Secure Connections: Use a VPN or SSL-encrypted connection to protect your information
Mobile Data: Use mobile data when connecting to the internet in public areas
Cybersecurity Tips: Follow cybersecurity best practices, such as not accessing sensitive information on public Wi-Fi

Avoid fake peddlers selling low-quality or counterfeit goods near Colt Park. Stick to reputable shops for genuine merchandise.

Reputable Shops: Choose established and reputable stores for shopping
Brand Authenticity: Check for brand authenticity and holograms on products
City Trading Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the city's trading regulations to avoid counterfeit goods

Avoid rental scams targeting students and visitors near Trinity College. Use official channels for finding rentals.

Official Rental Listings: Use reputable rental listing websites or the college's housing department
Rental Scam Warning Signs: Be wary of rentals requiring upfront payments without in-person inspections
Trinity College Housing Information: Contact the college's housing department for information on approved rental listings

Avoid fake street performers soliciting money in the Front Street area. Legitimate performers are permitted and have a city-issued permit.

City Permits: Legitimate performers will have a city-issued permit
Aggressive Solicitation: Scammers often use aggressive solicitation tactics
City of Hartford Information: Contact the City of Hartford for more information on performer policies

Avoid buying counterfeit merchandise in Market Square. Stick to reputable shops for genuine items.

Reputable Shops: Choose established and reputable stores for shopping
Brand Authenticity: Check for brand authenticity and holograms on products
City Trading Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the city's trading regulations to avoid counterfeit goods