Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Arlington, Texas, United States

All Topics about Arlington All Cities in United States

1. ATM Skimming Scams

Watch out for card-reading devices on ATMs. Thieves can steal your card info and PIN.

Avoid Unfamiliar Machines: Avoid using ATMs that look tampered with or unfamiliar.
Protect Your PIN: Cover your hand when entering your PIN to prevent potential thieves from observing.
Check Machine for Signs: Inspect the ATM for any unusual devices or tampering before using it.

Keep a close eye on your belongings in crowded areas. Thieves can quickly snatch purses or wallets.

Secure Your Belongings: Use a cross-body bag with a zipper, and keep your valuables hidden.
Stay Aware in Crowds: Be mindful of your surroundings when in large crowds or tourist areas.
Avoid Displaying Valuables: Minimize the visibility of valuable items like jewelry, smartphones, and expensive watches.

Be cautious when taking a taxi. Some drivers may overcharge or take you to less desirable destinations.

Use Reputable Companies: Choose taxis from reputable companies like Uber or Yellow Cab.
Negotiate Fare Before Ride: Always agree on a fare before starting your journey to avoid unexpected charges.
Confirm Destination Address: Make sure the driver knows your correct destination to avoid any detours.

Avoid buying merchandise from street vendors. Some may be selling fake or low-quality items.

Buy From Official Stores: Purchase official merchandise from stores authorized by the manufacturer.
Check Quality and Packaging: Examine items carefully, looking for poor quality or missing packaging indicators.
Research Prices: Know the average price of popular items to avoid overpaying for counterfeits.

Be wary of ticket sellers outside event venues. Some may sell fake or invalid tickets.

Buy From Official Outlets: Purchase tickets from the venue's official website or box office.
Check Ticket Authenticity: Inspect tickets for holograms, barcodes, and other security features to ensure their authenticity.
Arrive Early: Arrive at the venue early to give yourself enough time to resolve any ticket issues.

Avoid parking meters that require cash or credit cards. Some may be fake and collect your money without providing a receipt.

Use Official Parking Lots: Park in official city-owned lots to minimize the risk of using fraudulent meters.
Pay with Mobile Apps or Credit Cards: Use mobile parking apps like ParkMobile, or pay with credit cards at reputable kiosks.
Check Receipts: Ensure you receive a valid receipt after paying for parking to avoid fines and issues.

Be cautious when renting vacation properties. Some listings may be fraudulent or poorly maintained.

Use Reputable Rental Services: Rent from established companies like Airbnb or Vrbo.
Check Reviews and Ratings: Review the rental property's ratings, reviews, and photos to ensure quality.
Meet Property Owner Beforehand: Arrange to meet the property owner before renting to verify their identity.

Beware of individuals soliciting donations on the street. Some may be part of a scam.

Give to Legitimate Charities: Donate to well-known and reputable charities rather than individuals.
Ask for Proof of Nonprofit Status: Request proof that the charity is a nonprofit organization before donating.
Research Charities Online: Check the charity's website and social media pages for more information about their mission and impact.

Be cautious of emails asking for personal or financial information. Phishers may impersonate banks, government agencies, or other trusted entities.

Never Share Sensitive Info Via Email: Avoid sharing sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, and social security numbers via email.
Check for Phishing Signs: Look for misspellings, poor grammar, and urgent requests as signs of a phishing attempt.
Contact the Entity Directly: If you're unsure about an email, contact the entity directly through their official website or customer service number.

Be wary of emails, phone calls, or mailings stating you've won a lottery. They may be scams asking for money upfront.

Avoid Paying Upfront: Never pay money to claim a supposed winnings or prize.
Research the Lottery: Check if the lottery is legitimate by researching it online or contacting your local lottery commission.
Ignore Unsolicited Communications: Disregard unsolicited emails, phone calls, or mailings claiming you've won a lottery.

Beware of ticket sellers advertising events that don't exist or have already passed.

Check Event Listings Online: Verify event listings on the venue's official website or other reliable sources.
Research Event Organizers: Look up the event organizers to ensure their legitimacy and check reviews for any warnings.
Purchase Tickets Directly: Buy tickets directly from the venue or authorized ticket sellers to avoid scams.

Be aware of businesses that overcharge for common goods and services.

Research Average Prices: Check the average prices for popular items in Arlington before making a purchase.
Negotiate Prices: Haggle with shopkeepers and vendors to get the best price for goods and services.
Avoid Overcrowded Areas: Stay away from areas with a high concentration of shops, as prices may be inflated.

Be cautious when renting a car. Some rental companies may have hidden fees or offer low-quality vehicles.

Rent from Reputable Companies: Choose well-established rental companies like Hertz, Enterprise, or Alamo.
Check Contract Terms: Thoroughly review the contract before signing to understand all fees and charges.
Inspect Rental Cars Before Driving: Examine the rental car for any damage before leaving the lot to avoid being charged upon return.

Protect your bank card from skimming devices at ATMs and gas pumps.

Use Bank-Owned ATMs: Choose ATMs owned by banks or credit unions, as they are usually more secure.
Monitor Account Activity: Regularly check your account activity for any unusual transactions.
Use Chip-and-PIN Technology: If possible, use chip-and-PIN technology instead of swiping your card to add an extra layer of security.

Protect your personal information from thieves who might steal it for fraudulent purposes.

Secure Your Personal Information: Keep your social security number, passport, and other sensitive documents secure.
Use Strong Passwords: Create complex passwords using a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols to protect online accounts.
Monitor Credit Reports Regularly: Check your credit reports regularly for any signs of unauthorized activity.