Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Columbus, United States

1. German Village Scam

Watch out for individuals offering tours in the charming German Village, they might overcharge or offer subpar service.

Avoid overpaying at shops on High Street by comparing prices with other stores in the area.

Be cautious of counterfeit merchandise sold near sports arenas, as they may not be authentic.

Official Merchandise Stores: Purchase merchandise from official team stores or authorized vendors.
Quality Check: Check for low-quality materials and inconsistent logos.
Price Verification: Compare prices with other vendors to ensure authenticity.

Avoid unauthorized parking lot operators at John Glenn International Airport, they may overcharge or damage your vehicle.

Official Parking Lots: Use official airport parking lots.
Parking Contracts: Read and understand the terms of any parking contract.
Report Suspicious Activity: Inform airport security if you suspect any illegal activity.

Be aware of inflated taxi fares in downtown Columbus. Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps.

Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks in cafes and hotels to access sensitive information, as they might be vulnerable to hacking.

Secure Connections: Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for secure connections.
Email Verification: Verify the authenticity of emails, especially those asking for sensitive information.
Password Manager: Use a password manager to keep your passwords secure.

Beware of fake attraction tickets sold outside popular tourist spots like the Columbus Zoo and COSI.

Official Ticket Counters: Purchase tickets from official ticket counters.
Ticket Authentication: Check for holograms, barcodes, and other security features on your tickets.
Online Booking: Book attractions online through the official websites.

Avoid giving money to street performers who try to distract you while someone picks your pocket.

Crowded Areas: Be aware of crowded areas where it's easier to pickpocket.
Valuables Security: Keep your valuables secure and close to your body.
Trusted Locations: Store your belongings in a safe location like a hotel safe or locker.

Beware of counterfeit goods being sold at flea markets and antique shops. Check for quality and authenticity.

Quality Assurance: Check the quality of items to ensure they're genuine.
Authenticity Certificates: Look for authenticity certificates or appraisals.
Pricing Comparison: Compare prices with other vendors and do research on the item's value.

Avoid overpaying at restaurants by checking for hidden fees and service charges.

Transparent Pricing: Look for restaurants with transparent pricing.
Service Fees: Ask about service fees before ordering.
Tipping Etiquette: Understand the local tipping etiquette to avoid overtipping.

Be wary of hotel room scams, especially in budget hotels. Check for cleanliness, safety features, and legitimate booking confirmations.

Reputable Hotels: Stay at reputable hotels with good online reviews.
Booking Confirmation: Ensure you have a legitimate booking confirmation.
Room Inspection: Inspect the room for cleanliness and safety features upon arrival.

Be cautious of individuals posing as charity workers, especially near popular tourist spots. Research the legitimacy of charities before donating.

Legitimate Charities: Research charities to ensure they're legitimate.
Official Documentation: Ask for official documentation proving the charity's legitimacy.
Secure Donations: Make donations securely, either online or in person using a credit card.

Avoid rental scams on Airbnb by verifying the host's identity and checking for positive reviews.

Avoid car rental scams by booking through reputable companies and checking the vehicle for damages before driving away.

Be aware of overpriced or fake merchandise at festivals. Stick to official vendor areas and compare prices.

Official Vendor Areas: Stay in official vendor areas.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other vendors to avoid overpaying.
Reputable Merchandise: Look for merchandise from reputable brands and suppliers.