Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

All Topics about Hamilton All Cities in Canada

1. Buskers on James Street North

Talented street performers can sometimes distract you while someone picks your pocket. Keep a close eye on belongings.

Crowded Area: Performers often attract large crowds, making it easier for scammers to blend in.
Diverse Performances: Variety of performances keeps visitors engaged and distracted.
Unattended Belongings: Never leave valuable items unattended while enjoying the performances.

Tickets for sold-out games may be offered at inflated prices by scalpers. Always buy tickets from authorized vendors.

Inflated Prices: Scalpers often overprice tickets due to demand.
Fake Tickets: Counterfeit tickets can be easily obtained from unauthorized vendors.
Security Checks: Tickets will be checked at the gate, and fake ones will not pass.

Overpriced items or fake merchandise may be sold by unscrupulous vendors. Know the regular prices of goods before purchasing.

Popular Market: Large crowds make it easy for scammers to blend in.
Variety of Goods: Wide selection can confuse visitors about prices and quality.
Reputable Vendors: Established, reputable vendors will have regular customers who can vouch for them.

Fraudsters may offer to help lost tourists, then lead them to ATMs to withdraw money. Stay vigilant and find official information sources.

Confusion: Lost tourists are easily manipulated due to disorientation.
ATMs: ATMs are common locations for fraudsters to target victims.
Official Information Sources: Police stations, tourist information centers, and hotel staff can provide reliable help.

Fraudsters may approach visitors offering to sell fake art or souvenirs. Be cautious when buying from unknown vendors.

Popular Attraction: High visitor count makes it easier for scammers to operate.
Fake Art: Fraudsters may sell counterfeit or low-quality art pieces.
Reputable Gift Shops: Art Gallery of Hamilton has a reputable gift shop selling authentic merchandise.

Fraudsters may try to sell you overpriced or counterfeit goods. Stick to known stores and shops.

Beautiful Scenery: Stunning views can distract visitors from potential scammers.
Tourist Attraction: High visitor count makes it easier for scammers to operate.
Known Shops: Popular shops along the waterfront are known for selling authentic goods.

Drunken visitors may be targeted by pickpockets or overcharged at bars. Stay sober and aware of your belongings.

Intoxication: Inhibited judgment can make visitors vulnerable to scams.
Overcharging: Bars may overcharge intoxicated patrons.
Safety in Numbers: Stick with friends or a trusted group to reduce the risk of falling victim to scams.

Overpriced goods or fake merchandise may be sold by unscrupulous vendors. Bargain carefully and research regular prices.

Popular Event: Large crowds make it easy for scammers to blend in.
Variety of Goods: Wide selection can confuse visitors about prices and quality.
Reputable Vendors: Established, reputable vendors will have regular customers who can vouch for them.

Fraudsters may offer fake tickets or overpriced goods during festivals. Always buy from authorized vendors.

Popular Event: Large crowds make it easy for scammers to blend in.
Overpriced Goods: Prices may be inflated during popular events.
Authorized Vendors: Official festival vendors are easy to spot and sell authentic goods at fair prices.

Fraudsters may offer to watch your car while you park or charge excessive fees. Use authorized parking lots whenever possible.

Limited Parking: Scarcity of parking spaces can make visitors vulnerable to scams.
Excessive Fees: Unauthorized parking lots may charge excessive fees.
Authorized Parking Lots: Official, authorized parking lots have clear signage and regulated prices.

Fraudsters may overcharge for taxi rides or use a fake taxi. Always use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services.

High Demand: Increased demand can lead to overcharging by unscrupulous drivers.
Fake Taxis: Counterfeit taxis may lack proper identification and licensing.
Licensed Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services: Legitimate taxi services have clearly visible identification and licenses.

Fraudsters may offer fake or overpriced accommodations. Always book from reputable websites or agencies.

High Demand: Scarcity of accommodations can lead to overbooking and scams.
Fake Accommodations: Counterfeit accommodations may lack proper facilities or be in unsafe areas.
Reputable Booking Sites and Agencies: Booking through well-known websites or local travel agencies can ensure authentic accommodations.

Fraudsters may distract you while someone picks your pocket. Keep a close eye on belongings.

Crowded Area: Performers often attract large crowds, making it easier for scammers to blend in.
Diverse Performances: Variety of performances keeps visitors engaged and distracted.
Unattended Belongings: Never leave valuable items unattended while enjoying the performances.

Public Wi-Fi networks may be fake and used to steal personal information. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities.

Public Wi-Fi Networks: Free Wi-Fi can be easily intercepted by scammers.
Data Theft: Unsecured networks can expose personal and financial information.
VPN and Secure Connections: Using a VPN or secure connection can protect your data when using public Wi-Fi.

Fraudsters may install skimmers on ATMs to steal card information. Use only well-lit and clearly visible machines.

Skimming Devices: Skimmers can be attached to ATM card readers to capture card data.
Poor Lighting: Dark areas make it easier for scammers to install skimming devices undetected.
Well-lit and Visible ATMs: ATMs in well-lit, high traffic areas are less likely to have skimmers installed.