Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States

All Topics about Chattanooga All Cities in United States

1. Fake Tour Guides

Unlicensed guides offering cheap tours often lead to scams. Be cautious and ask for a guide's permit.

Permit Check: Always verify that the guide has an official city-issued permit.
Price Comparison: Compare tour prices with reputable companies to avoid overpaying.
Location Validation: Tours should begin at well-known tourist spots or your hotel lobby.

Some ATMs in Chattanooga may skim card information. Use ATMs located at banks or well-known businesses.

Banked ATMs: Prefer using ATMs located within banks or reputable businesses to avoid fraud.
Card Monitoring: Regularly monitor your account activity for unauthorized transactions.
Travel Credit Cards: Consider using travel credit cards with zero liability policies to minimize loss in case of fraud.

Souvenir shops offering overly cheap items may sell counterfeits. Stick to official merchandise stores.

Official Shops: Purchase souvenirs from shops affiliated with attractions or the Chattanooga Visitors Bureau.
Brand Authenticity: Check for authentic branding and packaging on items to avoid buying fakes.
Warranty or Guarantee: Look for a warranty or guarantee with your purchase, as these are often void for counterfeit items.

Some accommodation listings online may be fake or overpriced. Verify the location and reputation of your stay.

Location Verification: Check the address provided against maps to ensure the accommodation is actually in Chattanooga.
Reviews Analysis: Look at multiple reviews from various sources to assess the quality of the accommodation.
Secure Payments: Use secure payment methods provided by booking platforms or contact the property directly for safe transactions.

Some restaurants may add hidden fees or overcharge tourists. Research prices beforehand and compare with other establishments.

Menu Comparison: Compare menu prices with other reputable restaurants to avoid overpaying.
Avoid Peak Hours: Dine during off-peak hours to take advantage of lower pricing and shorter wait times.
Check for Fees: Look for service charges or hidden fees listed on the menu or ask your server before ordering.

Some parking lots may have hidden fees or unscrupulous attendants. Park in well-marked, official city parking lots.

Official Parking Lots: Look for clearly marked, official city parking lots to avoid scams.
Time Limits: Pay attention to time limits and move your vehicle when necessary to avoid fines or towing.
Payment Methods: Use credit cards with chip-and-PIN technology for secure parking payments.

Buying event tickets from unauthorized sellers may result in invalid tickets. Purchase tickets from authorized outlets or the venue box office.

Authorized Outlets: Purchase event tickets from approved vendors or the event's official website.
Box Office Purchases: If possible, buy your tickets directly at the venue box office to avoid scalping scams.
Ticket Verification: Check the authenticity of the ticket by comparing it with an example from the event's official website.

Some taxis in Chattanooga may overcharge or provide unsafe rides. Use regulated taxi services or ride-sharing apps.

Regulated Services: Choose taxis licensed by the city and displaying a medallion or sticker.
Ride-Sharing Apps: Use ride-sharing apps for secure transportation with pre-determined prices.
Safety Precautions: Share your trip details with friends or family for added safety and check the driver's credentials before entering the vehicle.

Some street performers may pressure tourists into giving more than the suggested donation. Observe their performance and give what you feel is fair.

Suggested Donation: Ask fellow travelers or look for posted suggestions to determine a reasonable donation amount.
Performer's Attitude: If the performer becomes aggressive or demands more than the suggested donation, consider moving on to another performance.
Location and Popularity: Performers in popular tourist areas may be more reputable, but always exercise caution and trust your instincts.

Public Wi-Fi hotspots may be used to steal personal information. Use cellular data or find secure Wi-Fi networks.

Cellular Data Usage: Use your phone's cellular data instead of public Wi-Fi hotspots when possible.
Hotel or Cafe Wi-Fi: Connect to Wi-Fi networks at hotels, cafes, or reputable businesses for secure connections.
VPN Usage: Use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks to encrypt your data and protect against hacking attempts.

Some buskers may use distractions to steal from tourists. Keep your belongings secure and only give money for genuine performances.

Valuable Belongings: Keep your valuable items in a safe location, such as a zippered pocket or bag.
Crowd Control: Watch for pickpockets and distractions among large crowds of tourists.
Observation and Trust: Observe the performance, trust your instincts, and give money only to buskers who truly deserve it.

Some car rental companies may charge hidden fees or provide damaged vehicles. Research the company and compare prices.

Company Reputation: Choose a well-known, reputable car rental company with positive reviews.
Price Comparison: Compare prices from multiple car rental companies before making a decision.
Inspection and Documentation: Thoroughly inspect the vehicle for damages, document them with photos, and review the rental agreement carefully.

Some service providers may request excessive tips. Be aware of the local custom for tipping and give a reasonable amount.

Local Customs: Research the standard tipping practices in Chattanooga for various services such as dining, taxis, or hotel staff.
Service Quality: Base your tip on the quality of service provided and not on the perceived need of the provider.
Rounded Amounts: Round your tips to convenient amounts, such as 10%, 15%, or 20% of the bill.

Some 'charities' may not use donations for their intended purpose. Research organizations and give to trusted charities.

Reputable Charities: Donate to well-known, reputable charities with a proven track record of helping those in need.
Online Research: Research the charity online to ensure they are legitimate and their mission aligns with your values.
Official Solicitation: Only give to charities that officially solicit donations, such as through a website or official collection box.

Receiving counterfeit money in change can be a challenge. Be aware of the quality and security features of U.S. currency.

Feel and Weight: Counterfeit bills may feel different than genuine bills due to differences in paper or thickness.
Security Features: Familiarize yourself with the security features of U.S. currency, such as watermarks, holograms, and microprinting.
Bank Confirmation: If you suspect a bill may be counterfeit, take it to a bank for confirmation before continuing your transactions.