Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Charleston, South Carolina, United States

All Topics about Charleston All Cities in United States

1. Ride-sharing Scams

Be wary of unlicensed taxi services or drivers pretending to be ride-share. Always use official apps like Uber or Lyft.

Official Apps: Use only authorized apps for a safe ride.
License Check: Ask the driver for identification and check the app's matching details.
Payment Verification: Always pay through the in-app payment system to avoid counterfeit money issues.

Avoid unsolicited offers from tour guides offering cheap tours. Stick with reputable companies.

Reputable Companies: Choose guided tours from well-known and trusted local operators.
Check Reviews: Read reviews online to ensure a quality experience and avoid scams.
Official Licenses: Ensure guides have proper credentials and official identification.

Watch for skimming devices on ATMs. Use machines located inside banks or well-lit areas.

Inside Banks: Use ATMs located within banks or secured areas for added security.
Cover the Keypad: Always cover the keypad when entering your PIN to avoid keyloggers.
Monitor Accounts: Regularly monitor transactions and immediately report any discrepancies.

Avoid purchasing goods from street vendors. Buy from authorized shops or online retailers.

Authorized Shops: Buy souvenirs and merchandise only from authorized stores in Charleston.
Check for Quality: Be wary of poor-quality goods, as counterfeits often have imperfections.
Warranty and Support: Purchasing from reputable sources ensures after-sale support and warranties.

Ignore people feigning accidents or emergencies asking for help. Report suspicious incidents to local authorities.

Avoid Interaction: Do not engage with these individuals and maintain distance.
Report Suspicious Activity: Immediately notify local police or tourist information centers of any unusual activity.
Stay Aware: Remain vigilant in crowded areas and be mindful of your surroundings.

Avoid booking accommodations from unofficial or unknown websites. Use trusted travel sites or direct bookings.

Trusted Travel Sites: Book hotels, B&Bs, and vacation rentals through reputable travel platforms.
Direct Bookings: Contact accommodation providers directly for accurate prices and availability.
Check Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests to ensure quality and avoid scams.

Avoid restaurants with no menu outside or offering extremely low prices. Stick to popular eateries.

Menu Availability: Ensure the restaurant has a visible menu before entering.
Popular Eateries: Choose restaurants with good reviews and crowded during peak hours.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street food can be delicious, but ensure the vendor is legitimate to avoid contamination or overpricing.

Keep your belongings secure at all times. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and be cautious in crowded areas.

Secure Belongings: Use a bag with a zipper or wear a cross-body bag to keep valuables safe.
Avoid Distractions: Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions that may lead to theft.
Use a Travel Neck Wallet: Store important documents and cards in a neck wallet or hidden pouch.

Purchase tickets only from authorized outlets or online. Be wary of street vendors and counterfeit tickets.

Authorized Outlets: Buy event tickets from reputable venues, websites, or travel agencies.
Check for Holograms: Authentic tickets will have security holograms and barcodes.
Ask Venue Staff: If unsure, ask venue staff or event organizers for assistance.

Only donate to recognized charities. Be cautious of individuals soliciting donations on the street.

Recognized Charities: Donate only to established and well-known charities.
Check for Permits: Legitimate charity collectors will have a permit or ID card from the city.
Online Donations: Consider making donations online to avoid potential scams.

Avoid unmarked or poorly maintained taxis. Use official taxi services and negotiate fares before starting the ride.

Official Taxi Services: Use only licensed cabs or ride-sharing services for a safe and reliable ride.
Negotiate Fares: Always negotiate the fare before entering the taxi to avoid unexpected charges.
Check for Meters: Make sure the taxi has a working meter to ensure fair pricing.

If someone returns lost property, be cautious. If it's valuable, report the incident to local authorities.

Report Lost Items: Register your valuables with the local police station or hotel.
Avoid Giving Money: Do not give money to people claiming to have found your lost property.
Verify Identity: If someone claims to have found your lost item, ask for ID and verify their story.

Avoid high-pressure timeshare presentations. Do not provide personal information or sign contracts.

High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Be wary of aggressive salespeople trying to sell timeshares.
Check Reviews: Research the company and read reviews before participating in presentations.
Do Not Sign Contracts: Do not sign contracts or provide personal information until doing thorough research.

Support local artists but be cautious of performers asking for money. If a performance is exceptional, tip generously.

Support Local Artists: Enjoy and support live performances by talented street musicians.
Avoid Soliciting: Do not feel obligated to give money if the performance is poor or if you are unsure of its legitimacy.
Tip Generously: If a performance is exceptional, reward the artist with a generous tip.

Use official ferries for crossing rivers and waterways. Be wary of unmarked or overcrowded vessels.

Official Ferry Services: Choose official ferry services with proper licensing and safety equipment.
Avoid Overcrowded Ferries: Ensure the ferry has enough space for passengers and is not overloaded.
Check Prices: Compare prices with other official ferry services before boarding.