Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in El Paso, United States

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1. Border Patrol Scam

Scammers posing as border patrol officers request money for fake fines or traffic violations.

Official Uniform Check: Legitimate officers will have official identification.
Calling Local Police: If in doubt, call the local police to confirm their legitimacy.
Ignoring Solicitation Attempts: Do not engage or provide personal information to suspicious individuals.

Scammers place fake receipts on vehicles' windshields claiming an overpaid parking fee.

Check Parking Receipt: Make sure the parking meter or kiosk dispensed your receipt.
Ignore Unsolicited Approaches: Do not accept help from strangers offering to handle your parking situation.
Pay Attention to Parking Signage: Ensure you are properly parked in a designated area with proper payment.

Scammers pose as licensed tour guides offering services for a fee.

Check for Licensing: Legitimate tour guides will have proper licensing and identification.
Research Tour Companies: Choose established tour companies with good reviews and reputations.
Be Aware of Solicitation: Avoid unsolicited approaches from individuals offering tours.

Scammers use counterfeit money to make purchases or pay for services.

Check Bills Carefully: Genuine bills have unique security features such as watermarks and holograms.
Use ATMs from Reputable Banks: ATMs at reputable banks are less likely to dispense counterfeit money.
Count Your Money Immediately: Check the correct amount and quality of your change immediately after receiving it.

Scammers solicit donations for fake charities or causes.

Verify Charity Legitimacy: Check a charity's legitimacy with organizations like the Better Business Bureau.
Avoid Cash Donations: Opt for checks or credit card payments when donating to reduce the risk of fraud.
Research Before Giving: Take time to research a charity before giving, especially if it's new or unknown.

Scammers pose as rideshare drivers and overcharge passengers.

Check Driver's Information: Make sure the driver's information matches the app's details.
Use In-App Payment Only: Avoid giving cash directly to the driver, use the app's payment system.
Monitor Your Ride: Monitor your ride on a map within the rideshare app to ensure you are going the correct route.

Scammers use skimming devices to capture your card information at ATMs.

Check ATM for Tampering: Inspect the ATM for unusual attachments or modifications.
Use Well-Lit and Secure ATMs: Choose ATMs located in well-lit, secure areas with CCTV coverage.
Protect Your Pin: Cover your hand when entering your PIN and avoid using obvious number combinations.

Scammers steal hotel room keys to enter rooms and steal valuables.

Secure Your Hotel Room: Lock your hotel room door when leaving and keep valuable items hidden.
Request a New Key if Lost: Inform the hotel staff immediately if you lose your key.
Use Hotel Safety Deposit Boxes: Store valuables in hotel safety deposit boxes when available.

Scammers offer free gifts but require payment or personal information.

Avoid Paying for Free Gifts: Legitimate offers do not require payment for receiving a gift.
Be Wary of Personal Information Requests: Do not provide sensitive personal information to unknown individuals.
Check Advertisements Carefully: Look for red flags such as poor grammar, spelling errors, and unusual requests.

Scammers create fake WiFi hotspots to steal your data or infect your devices.

Avoid Using Unsecured Networks: Stick to secure, password-protected networks when connecting to the internet.
Use a VPN: Using a virtual private network (VPN) can help protect your data and privacy.
Be Careful What You Download: Do not download files or applications from untrusted sources.

Scammers sell fake event tickets at inflated prices.

Purchase Tickets from Trusted Sources: Buy tickets directly from the venue or authorized ticket vendors.
Check Ticket Details Carefully: Ensure the ticket has the correct event details, date, and seat number.
Use Ticket Verification Services: Consider using a ticket verification service to confirm the authenticity of your tickets.

Scammers notify you that you've won a lottery but require an advance fee to collect the winnings.

Ignore Lottery Notifications: Legitimate lotteries do not contact winners unsolicited.
Be Wary of Advance Fee Requests: Do not send money to receive a prize or winnings.
Check with Authorized Lottery Agencies: Contact the lottery agency directly to verify any alleged winnings.

Scammers offer a ride at an inflated price and refuse to use a meter.

Use Reputable Transportation Services: Choose established transportation services for your travel needs.
Insist on Meter Use: If taking a taxi, always request the driver to use the meter.
Check Fares Before Riding: Know the standard fare for your destination before getting into a cab.

Scammers pose as street performers but aggressively pressure you for money.

Appreciate Performances at Your Own Discretion: Support performers by tipping them if you find their performance enjoyable.
Avoid Aggressive Solicitation: Do not feel obligated to donate if the performer is being aggressive or pushy.
Watch for Performance Quality: Be aware of performers who do not seem skilled or offer poor-quality performances.

Scammers pose as police officers and ask for money for fake fines or traffic violations.

Call the Local Police Station: If in doubt, call the local police station to confirm their legitimacy.
Verify Their Identity: Legitimate officers will have identification and badges.
Do Not Give Them Money: Do not give them any money or personal information.