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

1. Capital One Arena Ticket Scalping

Beware of ticket scalpers outside the arena. Stick to official ticketing platforms for authentic tickets.

Authenticity Risk: Scalped tickets may be fake or invalid, leading to denied entry.
Pricing Gouging: Scalpers often sell tickets at inflated prices, wasting your money.
Identity Theft Risk: Cash transactions can expose you to identity theft.

While appreciating local talent, be cautious of performers who ask for money upfront or insist on large amounts.

Potential Scam: Performers may promise a service but not deliver it after receiving payment.
Overcharging: Some performers ask for more than the typical donation amount.
Unwanted Solicitation: Persistent performers can create an uncomfortable situation.

Some taxis may not use the meter or overcharge for rides. Use ride-sharing apps or reliable taxi companies.

Unfair Pricing: Not using a meter can lead to inflated prices.
Safety Risk: Unregulated taxis may not follow safety protocols, posing a risk for passengers.
Unfamiliarity with Destination: Taxis without GPS can take longer routes or drop you off at wrong locations.

Be wary of kind strangers offering help in unfamiliar areas. Stick to tour groups or trusted guides.

Theft Risk: Offering help can lead to pickpocketing or theft.
Guide Overcharging: Unauthorized guides may charge exorbitant fees for services.
Transportation Scams: They might offer transportation services at inflated prices or take you to unwanted destinations.

Museum visitors may encounter fake guides. Only accept guided tours from museum staff or official partners.

Unauthorized Guiding: Fake guides lack the necessary knowledge to provide accurate information.
Overcharging: Fake guides may charge for services that are included in museum admission fees.
Identity Theft Risk: Cash transactions can expose you to identity theft.

Be cautious of ticket scalpers outside the zoo. Only buy tickets from authorized outlets or online.

Authenticity Risk: Scalped tickets may be fake or invalid, leading to denied entry.
Pricing Gouging: Scalpers often sell tickets at inflated prices, wasting your money.
Identity Theft Risk: Cash transactions can expose you to identity theft.

Be aware of people attempting to ride the mall bus without paying. Always purchase tickets or use passes.

Theft Risk: People may attempt to steal personal belongings during fare evasion.
Fine and Penalties: You can be fined for not having a valid ticket or pass.
Unsafe Rides: Evaders may create an unsafe environment during the ride.

Beware of ticket scalpers outside the train station. Stick to official ticketing platforms for authentic tickets.

Authenticity Risk: Scalped tickets may be fake or invalid, leading to denied boarding.
Pricing Gouging: Scalpers often sell tickets at inflated prices, wasting your money.
Identity Theft Risk: Cash transactions can expose you to identity theft.

Be cautious of ticket scalpers outside the stadium. Only buy tickets from authorized outlets or online.

Authenticity Risk: Scalped tickets may be fake or invalid, leading to denied entry.
Pricing Gouging: Scalpers often sell tickets at inflated prices, wasting your money.
Identity Theft Risk: Cash transactions can expose you to identity theft.

Museum visitors may encounter fake guides. Only accept guided tours from garden staff or official partners.

Unauthorized Guiding: Fake guides lack the necessary knowledge to provide accurate information.
Overcharging: Fake guides may charge for services that are included in garden admission fees.
Identity Theft Risk: Cash transactions can expose you to identity theft.

Beware of ticket scalpers outside the complex. Stick to official ticketing platforms for authentic tickets.

Authenticity Risk: Scalped tickets may be fake or invalid, leading to denied entry.
Pricing Gouging: Scalpers often sell tickets at inflated prices, wasting your money.
Identity Theft Risk: Cash transactions can expose you to identity theft.

Museum visitors may encounter fake guides. Only accept guided tours from museum staff or official partners.

Unauthorized Guiding: Fake guides lack the necessary knowledge to provide accurate information.
Overcharging: Fake guides may charge for services that are included in museum admission fees.
Identity Theft Risk: Cash transactions can expose you to identity theft.

Be cautious of counterfeit zoo membership cards being sold. Only purchase genuine memberships from the official website or at the zoo.

Membership Authenticity Risk: Counterfeit memberships may not grant access to the zoo or its benefits.
Identity Theft Risk: Cash transactions can expose you to identity theft.
Monetary Loss: Buying a counterfeit membership wastes your money.

Be aware of library employees asking for overdue fines. Only pay for actual overdues and check your due dates online or with the librarian.

Financial Loss: Paying unwarranted fines results in unnecessary financial loss.
Identity Theft Risk: Cash transactions can expose you to identity theft.
Library Access Risk: Excessive fines can lead to suspended library privileges.

Be cautious of counterfeit museum membership cards being sold. Only purchase genuine memberships from the official website or at the museum.

Membership Authenticity Risk: Counterfeit memberships may not grant access to the museum or its benefits.
Identity Theft Risk: Cash transactions can expose you to identity theft.
Monetary Loss: Buying a counterfeit membership wastes your money.