Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Allentown, Pennsylvania, United States
1. Pretend Tour Guide Scam
Unsolicited tour guides in downtown Allentown may offer services but overcharge or lead to fraudulent stores. Avoid accepting their services.
- Overcharging: Guides may charge significantly more than legitimate tour providers.
- Fraudulent Stores: They may lead you to stores that are overpriced or fraudulent.
- Unsolicited Offers: The approach is often unexpected and unwelcome.
2. Taxi Scams
Some taxis in Allentown may refuse to use meters or overcharge passengers. Use registered taxi services or ride-sharing apps.
- No Meter Usage: Taxis may refuse to use a meter, increasing the fare.
- Overcharging: Drivers may charge more than the actual fare.
- Unregistered Taxis: Unlicensed taxis can be dangerous and do not provide protection for passengers.
3. Fake Parking Meters
Some parking meters in Allentown may accept money but not dispense change. Use official parking garages instead.
- No Change Dispensed: Meters may keep your money without providing a receipt.
- Unsafe Locations: Parking in unofficial spaces can put your vehicle at risk.
- No Enforcement: These meters may not be monitored, allowing you to park for extended periods without tickets.
4. Counterfeit Merchandise
Some stores in Allentown sell counterfeit goods, especially around the downtown area. Be cautious when shopping and look for quality signs.
- Low Prices: If prices seem too good to be true, they probably are.
- Poor Quality: Counterfeit goods often have lower quality than authentic merchandise.
- No Receipt or Warranty: Sellers may refuse to provide receipts or offer warranties for their products.
5. ATM Skimming
Skimmers can be attached to ATMs in Allentown to steal your card information. Use banks' official ATMs or inside banks for safer transactions.
- Skimmer Device: A device attached to the ATM reads your card data.
- Card Information Theft: Your card information can be used for fraudulent transactions.
- Credit/Debit Card Compromise: Once compromised, your account can be drained or used for illegal activities.
6. Lottery Scam
Strangers may approach you claiming you've won a lottery, asking for an upfront fee to claim your prize. Do not participate in these scams.
- Upfront Fees: Scammers ask for fees before you receive any winnings.
- Fake Winnings: The winnings do not exist, and you will not receive anything in return.
- Personal Information Theft: Scammers may ask for personal information to confirm your identity.
7. Dining Overcharges
Some restaurants in Allentown may overcharge you or add hidden fees to the bill. Check menu prices and ask about any unlisted charges.
- Hidden Charges: Fees may be added to your bill without prior notification.
- Incorrect Billing: Mistakes on the bill can result in overcharging.
- Poor Service: Refusing to pay a fair price for poor service may lead to additional charges or disputes.
8. Rental Scams
Some rental properties in Allentown may be fraudulent or in poor condition. Use registered rental agencies for peace of mind.
- Property Condition: Rental properties may be substandard, with hidden damage or poor maintenance.
- Fraudulent Landlords: Landlords may require large deposits or demand excessive rent without providing a lease.
- No Legal Protection: Renting from unregistered landlords means you have no legal recourse in case of disputes.
9. Friendly Fraudster
Friendly individuals may approach you to help with a problem and ask for personal information or money. Be wary of unsolicited offers.
- Personal Information Theft: Scammers can use your personal information for identity theft.
- Money Requests: They may ask for money to help with a fake problem, such as an emergency or paying for services.
- Unsolicited Offers: The approach is often unexpected and unwelcome.
10. Free Wi-Fi Hotspots
Public Wi-Fi hotspots in Allentown may be unsecure, allowing hackers to access your data. Use a VPN or avoid sensitive transactions when using public Wi-Fi.
- Data Theft: Hackers can intercept your data transmitted over the network.
- Unencrypted Connections: Public Wi-Fi connections are often unencrypted, making them easy targets for hackers.
- Malware Infections: Infected devices on the network can spread malware to your device.
11. Street Performers
While street performers in Allentown are generally harmless, some may pressure you for donations or try to distract you while accomplices pickpocket you. Be aware of your surroundings and only donate if it feels right.
- Pressure Tactics: Performers may apply pressure to give more than you intended.
- Distraction Theft: Other individuals may distract you while accomplices pickpocket you.
- Voluntary Donations: Performances are usually free, and donations should be voluntary.
12. Car Rental Scams
Some car rental companies in Allentown may try to upsell unnecessary coverage or charge hidden fees. Research rental options and read contracts carefully.
- Upselling Unnecessary Coverage: Rental agents may pressure you to purchase coverage you don't need.
- Hidden Fees: Additional charges may be added without prior notification.
- Misleading Policies: Rental policies may contain terms and conditions that are difficult to understand or hidden.
13. Charity Scams
Some individuals in Allentown may pose as charity collectors but keep the donations for themselves. Research legitimate charities and donate directly.
- Keeping Donations: Fraudulent collectors may not pass on your donation to the intended charity.
- Lack of Verification: There may be no way to verify that the collector represents a legitimate charity.
- Aggressive Solicitation: Collectors may be aggressive or pushy in their solicitations.
14. Fake Event Tickets
Tickets sold for popular events in Allentown may be counterfeit. Purchase tickets from official vendors or authorized resellers.
- Counterfeit Tickets: Tickets may not grant you entry to the event.
- Overpriced Tickets: Resellers may charge significantly more than face value for tickets.
- No Refunds or Exchanges: Purchasing from unofficial sources means you have no recourse if something goes wrong.
15. Airbnb Scams
Some Airbnb listings in Allentown may be fraudulent or have hidden fees. Use the official Airbnb app to book and read reviews carefully.
- Fraudulent Listings: Listings may not exist, or the property may be different than depicted.
- Hidden Fees: Additional charges may be added without prior notification.
- No Legal Protection: Renting from unverified hosts means you have no legal recourse in case of disputes.