Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Fort Worth, United States

All Topics about Fort Worth All Cities in United States

1. Street Art Scams

Be wary of overzealous 'tour guides' offering to show you street art. Stick to official tours or reputable apps for self-guided tours.

Unsolicited Guides: Avoid individuals offering unsolicited 'tours' or services.
Reputable Apps: Use reputable self-guided tour apps instead of relying on strangers.
Official Tours: Stick to official tours organized by trusted entities.

Beware of fake ticket vendors for popular events. Only buy tickets from official outlets or reputable resellers.

Official Outlets: Purchase tickets only from official event venues or their authorized outlets.
Reputable Resellers: Consider using reputable and verified third-party ticket resellers.
Event Scams: Be cautious of overly cheap or last-minute tickets as they might be counterfeit.

Only use licensed taxis or rideshares. Check the vehicle and driver's ID before getting in.

Licensed Taxis: Use only officially licensed taxis with proper identification.
Rideshare Services: Use reputable rideshare services and verify the driver's identity before getting in.
Checking Vehicle & ID: Always check for a valid license plate, proper signage, and driver identification.

Avoid buying goods from unofficial vendors or street markets. Stick to legitimate stores for purchases.

Unofficial Vendors: Do not purchase goods from unofficial vendors or street markets.
Legitimate Stores: Purchase goods only from legitimate stores with proper licensing and safety measures.
Counterfeit Products: Be cautious of items priced significantly lower than market value, as they might be counterfeit.

Avoid using ATMs in secluded areas or those without proper security features. Use well-lit, indoor ATMs whenever possible.

Seleced Areas: Do not use ATMs in unattended, poorly lit areas.
Security Features: Check for security cameras and proper signage indicating that the ATM is secure.
Indoor ATMs: Prefer using indoor ATMs, especially those located in banks or well-lit areas.

Avoid eating from street vendors without good hygiene practices. Stick to well-established restaurants for meals.

Street Vendors: Do not eat from unhygienic street vendors.
Well-established Restaurants: Choose well-established restaurants with good hygiene ratings and reviews.
Hygiene Practices: Look for proper food handling, storage, and cleanliness when dining out.

Be cautious of individuals seeking personal information or money. Meet in public places and verify their identity beforehand.

Personal Information: Avoid sharing personal information with strangers, especially sensitive data like bank details.
Public Meetings: Meet in public places and let friends or family know about your plans.
Identity Verification: Perform a quick background check or verify the person's identity through mutual acquaintances before meeting in person.

Avoid unattended parking lots. Use official city parking or reputable private lots when available.

Unattended Parking Lots: Do not park in unattended, poorly lit parking lots.
Official City Parking: Use official city parking garages or lots when possible.
Reputable Private Lots: Choose reputable private parking lots with good security and proper lighting.

Keep your belongings close and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Use anti-theft bags or pouches.

Crowded Areas: Be extra cautious in crowded places like markets, festivals, and attractions.
Anti-Theft Bags or Pouches: Use bags with lockable zippers or slash-proof materials for added security.
Keeping Belongings Close: Keep your valuables close to your body and avoid leaving them unattended.

Research charities before donating. Avoid individuals soliciting donations on the street.

Researching Charities: Investigate the legitimacy and reputation of charities before donating.
Avoid Street Solicitations: Do not give money to individuals soliciting on the street.
Official Donation Methods: Donate through official channels, such as their website or mail-in donations.

Lock your car and do not leave valuable items visible. Park in well-lit areas when possible.

Visible Items: Do not leave valuable items in plain sight.
Locking Car: Always lock your car and roll up windows when leaving it unattended.
Well-Lit Areas: Park in well-lit areas or garages whenever possible.

Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls asking for personal information. Do not share sensitive data without verifying the caller's identity.

Personal Information: Do not share sensitive information like passwords or bank details over the phone.
Verifying Caller's Identity: Verify the identity of the caller by asking for a callback through an official number or by hanging up and contacting them directly.
Reporting Scams: If you suspect a scam, report it to local authorities or the appropriate organization.

Only rent from reputable agencies. Inspect properties and read contracts carefully.

Reputable Agencies: Rent only from established, trustworthy rental companies.
Property Inspection: Inspect the property thoroughly before signing any contracts.
Reading Contracts Carefully: Carefully review all rental agreements to avoid hidden fees or obligations.

Avoid using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive activities. Use a VPN when necessary.

Unsecured Public Wi-Fi: Do not perform sensitive tasks on unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.
Using a VPN: Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection when needed.
Secure Connections: If you must use public Wi-Fi, only access non-sensitive websites and avoid logging in to accounts.

Stick to official graffiti tours or reputable apps for self-guided tours. Research the tour operator's reputation beforehand.

Official Graffiti Tours: Choose only officially organized graffiti tours.
Reputable Apps: Use reputable self-guided tour apps for exploring graffiti hotspots.
Researching Tour Operators: Investigate the reputation of tour operators before booking a tour.