Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Durban, South Africa
1. Beachfront Vendors Scam
Avoid buying trinkets or services from unofficial vendors on Durban's beaches. They may overcharge or sell counterfeit items.
- Counterfeit Goods: Beware of fake designer goods sold by street vendors.
- Overcharging: Prices may be significantly higher than in shops or markets.
- Unofficial Vendors: Official vendors will have permits and can be identified by their uniforms.
2. Taxi Scams
Avoid overpaying or taking unofficial taxis. Familiarize yourself with the meter rates and routes.
- Meter Tampering: Some taxi drivers may tamper with the meter to charge more.
- Unofficial Taxis: Only take licensed taxis or minibus taxis which are marked and have meters.
- Fake Fares: Be cautious if a driver offers to set a flat fare, as it may be inflated.
3. ATM Skimming
Protect your bank card and PIN when using ATMs. Watch out for fake machines that mimic the real ones.
- Fake Machines: Some ATMs may have a fake card reader placed over the original.
- Shoulder Surfing: Be aware of people watching you enter your PIN.
- Card Skimming Devices: Cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN to prevent skimming devices.
4. Street Performers Scam
Don't be tricked into giving money to street performers who may insist that you owe them. Be firm and polite if they approach.
- Insistent Demands: Some street performers can be overly aggressive when asking for money.
- Underage Performers: Street performers may use children to manipulate emotions and receive donations.
- Premium Rate SMS Scams: Sometimes, donations are collected via premium rate SMS which can result in high charges on your phone bill.
5. The 'Helpful Local' Scam
Be wary of strangers who offer help or engage in friendly conversation to distract you while others pickpocket or rob.
- Distraction Theft: The 'helpful local' may attempt to distract you, allowing an accomplice to pickpocket.
- Robbery: In some cases, the 'helpful local' may demand money or valuables under the pretense of help.
- Fraudulent Assistance: They might offer fake assistance such as directions to an ATM with a skimming device.
6. Overpriced Accommodation
Avoid booking accommodation through unofficial channels or street vendors. Check reviews and book through reliable websites.
- Fraudulent Listings: Some listings may not exist, or the property may be in disrepair.
- Inflated Prices: Rates can be significantly higher than those listed on reliable booking websites.
- Theft of Deposits: There is a risk of losing your deposit if you book through an unofficial channel.
7. Beware of 'Friendly' Locals Offering Tours
Be cautious when accepting offers for tours or guides from strangers. They may overcharge, take you to inappropriate locations, or scam you.
- Inflated Prices: Tours offered by strangers can be significantly more expensive than those booked through reputable tour companies.
- False Guides: These guides may not have the knowledge or permits to show you the best sites.
- Scams and Robberies: Some 'friendly locals' may be part of scam networks or lead you into dangerous situations.
8. Beware of 'Lost' Items
Do not accept help from strangers who claim to have found a valuable item. They may attempt to swap it for a cheaper version or take it themselves.
- Swapping for Cheaper Items: They might try to exchange your valuable item with an identical but lower-quality counterfeit.
- Theft: They may keep the item and disappear once you are distracted.
- Fraudulent Finds: Strangers may offer to return a lost or found item, only to ask for a reward.
9. Beware of 'Mugger' Gangs
Avoid isolated areas at night. If confronted by a group of people demanding your belongings, hand over non-essential items and prioritize personal safety.
- Group Intimidation: A group can be more intimidating than an individual, making it harder to resist their demands.
- Theft of Valuables: They may take your wallet, phone, or other valuables.
- Physical Harm: In some cases, the muggers might use violence to take your belongings.
10. Scams at Durban's Markets
Beware of overpriced items and weigh produce before purchasing. Be cautious when using cash machines within the market.
- Overpricing: Some vendors may charge significantly more for items than what is usual in Durban.
- Cash Machine Theft: Criminals may target tourists using ATMs within the market, especially if they are not paying attention.
- Counterfeit Goods: Be aware of fake designer items sold in some markets.
11. Scams on Durban's Beaches
Avoid leaving valuable items unattended on the beach. Be cautious when hiring water sports equipment or participating in activities.
- Theft of Valuables: Items left unattended may be stolen while you are swimming or engaging in other water activities.
- Fraudulent Water Sports Equipment: Some water sports equipment may be damaged or unsafe, putting your safety at risk.
- Overcharging for Activities: Prices for beach activities can be significantly higher than the standard rates.
12. Scams at Bars and Restaurants
Be cautious of overpriced drinks or items on the menu. Check your bill before paying to avoid being charged for items you did not order.
- Overpricing: Some bars and restaurants may charge significantly more for drinks or food than what is usual in Durban.
- Unordered Items: It is common for unordered items to appear on the bill, especially when paying with a card.
- Fraudulent Charges: Some establishments may attempt to charge you for services or items that were not provided.
13. Car Hire Scams
Rent a car from a reputable company and inspect the vehicle carefully before driving away. Be aware of hidden charges and read the contract thoroughly.
- Hidden Charges: Some car hire companies may add additional charges for fuel, insurance, or mileage.
- Damaged Vehicle: Inspect the vehicle carefully before accepting it to avoid being charged for pre-existing damage.
- Fraudulent Contracts: Some companies may try to add unauthorized charges or alter the terms of the contract.
14. Telephone Scams
Do not share your personal information over the phone unless you initiated the call. Be cautious of premium rate calls and SMSes.
- Premium Rate Calls: Some scammers may trick you into making calls to premium-rate numbers, resulting in high charges.
- Identity Theft: Sharing personal information can lead to identity theft and financial loss.
- Phishing Attempts: Scammers may try to steal your banking or personal information by posing as a trusted organization.
15. Fake Charities and Donation Scams
Be wary of individuals asking for donations in the street or at popular tourist attractions. Research charities before donating to ensure they are legitimate.
- False Charities: Some organizations may claim to be collecting for a cause but do not actually support it.
- Overcharging: Donations can be significantly higher than the standard donation amount.
- Premium Rate SMS Scams: Sometimes, donations are collected via premium rate SMS which can result in high charges on your phone bill.