Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Dallas, Texas, United States
1. Dallas Love Field Airport Scam
Watch out for taxi drivers overcharging or directing to unauthorized parking lots. Always use official airport taxis or rideshares.
- Taxi Overcharging: Some taxi drivers may try to charge more than the standard fare.
- Unauthorized Parking Lots: Parking lots not authorized by the airport might charge excessive fees or demand unnecessary services.
- Directed Detours: Some taxi drivers may take a longer route to increase the fare.
2. Fake Event Tickets
Beware of fake event tickets being sold on the streets or online. Always buy from official vendors or reputable resellers.
- Street Vendors: Tickets sold by street vendors may be counterfeit or invalid.
- Online Scams: Counterfeit tickets are often sold online through fraudulent websites.
- Invalid Tickets: Tickets that look authentic may still be invalid or have restrictions.
3. ATM Skimming
Protect your card and PIN at ATMs by using machines inside banks or secure locations. Check for any signs of tampering before use.
- ATMs outside banks: ATMs located outside banks may have skimming devices attached.
- Signs of tampering: Look for signs such as oddly placed stickers, card readers that appear larger than usual, or ATM parts that seem loose or damaged.
- Card and PIN protection: Cover your hand while entering your PIN to prevent others from seeing it.
4. Counterfeit Money
Inspect bills carefully for any signs of counterfeiting. Genuine bills have raised ink and a security strip along the right side.
- Raised Ink: Genuine bills have raised ink on the portrait, national symbol, and the number in the lower right corner.
- Security Strip: A genuine bill has a colored security strip along the right edge that changes from orange to green when tilted.
- Feel and Sound: Genuine bills feel slightly rough and sound crisp when folded. Counterfeit bills may feel slick or soft, and do not make the same sound.
5. Car Rental Scams
Inspect rental cars thoroughly before leaving the lot for any damages. Keep receipts and take photos of the vehicle to avoid being charged for existing damages.
- Thorough Inspection: Inspect the entire car, including the interior, exterior, and undercarriage.
- Receipts and Photos: Keep receipts and take photos of the car to provide proof of its condition before renting.
- Returning in Time: Return the rental car on time to avoid additional charges.
6. Pickpocketing at Downtown Dallas
Keep personal belongings secure while in crowded areas. Use zippers or bags with lockable compartments.
- Crowded Areas: Pickpocketing is more common in crowded places like markets, malls, and tourist attractions.
- Secure Belongings: Keep wallets, phones, and other valuables secure by using zippers or bags with lockable compartments.
- Avoid Distractions: Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions that may make you an easy target for pickpocketing.
7. Fraudulent Tour Guides
Book tours through reputable companies or from authorized booths at tourist attractions. Ask for credentials and check online reviews.
- Reputable Companies: Tour guides from reputable companies are more likely to be licensed, insured, and knowledgeable.
- Authorized Booths: Booths authorized by tourist attractions are less likely to offer fraudulent tours.
- Credentials and Reviews: Ask for credentials, such as licenses or certifications. Also, check online reviews before booking a tour.
8. Scams at Sports Games
Beware of ticket resellers offering counterfeit or invalid tickets near stadiums. Only purchase tickets from authorized vendors or the team's official website.
- Ticket Resellers: Some ticket resellers may sell counterfeit or invalid tickets.
- Authorized Vendors: Tickets sold by authorized vendors are more likely to be genuine and valid.
- Team's Official Website: The team's official website may offer ticket sales or direct you to a reputable vendor.
9. Dallas Cowboys Stadium Parking Scams
Avoid unauthorized parking lots near the stadium. Use official parking lots or park in designated areas with a permit.
- Unauthorized Parking Lots: Parking lots not authorized by the stadium might charge excessive fees or demand unnecessary services.
- Official Parking Lots: Official parking lots are more likely to be secure and have shuttle service to the stadium.
- Designated Permit Areas: Park in designated areas with a permit, if possible, for easier access and a guaranteed spot.
10. Overpriced Accommodation
Book accommodation through reputable websites or agencies. Compare prices and read reviews before making a reservation.
- Reputable Websites: Booking accommodation on reputable websites reduces the risk of fraudulent listings.
- Price Comparison: Comparing prices across different websites can help you find a fair deal.
- Read Reviews: Reading reviews from other travelers can provide valuable insights into the quality of the accommodation.
11. Overpriced Restaurants
Avoid restaurants located near tourist attractions or in high-traffic areas. Look for local favorites with reasonable prices.
- Tourist Attraction Area: Restaurants located near tourist attractions often charge more than those in other areas.
- Local Favorites: Local favorites are usually less expensive and offer authentic cuisine.
- Reasonable Prices: Compare prices with other restaurants in the area to find a reasonable deal.
12. Dallas Art Museum Scam
Avoid street vendors selling fake museum tickets. Buy tickets directly from the museum or online.
- Street Vendors: Tickets sold by street vendors may be counterfeit or invalid.
- Museum Tickets: Tickets purchased directly from the museum are more likely to be genuine and valid.
- Online Tickets: Buying tickets online can save time and ensure they are valid.
13. Dallas Zoo Scam
Avoid ticket resellers offering counterfeit or invalid tickets near the zoo. Only purchase tickets from authorized vendors or the zoo's official website.
- Ticket Resellers: Some ticket resellers may sell counterfeit or invalid tickets.
- Authorized Vendors: Tickets sold by authorized vendors are more likely to be genuine and valid.
- Zoo's Official Website: The zoo's official website may offer ticket sales or direct you to a reputable vendor.
14. Counterfeit Souvenirs
Buy souvenirs from authorized vendors at tourist attractions. Compare prices with other shops to avoid overpaying for fake items.
- Authorized Vendors: Souvenirs purchased from authorized vendors are more likely to be authentic and of good quality.
- Comparison Shopping: Comparing prices with other shops can help you find a fair deal.
- Tourist Attractions: Souvenir shops located at tourist attractions may offer higher quality items than street vendors or unauthorized shops.
15. Public Wi-Fi Scams
Avoid accessing personal information or making online transactions using public Wi-Fi networks. Use a VPN to protect your data.
- Personal Information: Accessing personal information on public Wi-Fi can put you at risk of identity theft.
- Online Transactions: Making online transactions on public Wi-Fi networks can expose sensitive financial information.
- VPN Protection: Using a VPN can help protect your data and privacy when using public Wi-Fi networks.