Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Houston, Texas, United States

All Topics about Houston All Cities in United States

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid overcharging and non-functioning meters by only using regulated taxis or ride-sharing services.

Regulated Taxis: Officially licensed and monitored taxis with functioning meters.
Ride-sharing Services: Smartphone apps offering safe, affordable, and transparent pricing.
Avoid Unmarked Taxis: Stay away from unlicensed taxis without clearly visible markings.

Avoid fake airport shuttle drivers by only using authorized airport transportation providers.

Authorized Airport Transportation Providers: Official taxi stands or pre-arranged services, with uniformed drivers and signage.
Shared Rides vs. Private Transfers: Shared rides may be cheaper but could take longer; private transfers are more expensive but direct.
Pre-arranged Transportation: Booking ahead saves time and assures the service will meet you upon arrival.

Ensure food safety by choosing popular, clean street food vendors with a steady customer base.

Popular Street Food Vendors: Frequented by locals and visitors alike; high turnover of customers.
Clean Environment: Vendor has a clean, well-organized workspace with proper food storage facilities.
Professional Appearance: Vendor wears a clean uniform and follows health regulations; gloves and hair net.

Avoid buying fake goods at street markets by knowing the difference between genuine and counterfeit merchandise.

Genuine Merchandise: Official store or authorized retailer with proper branding, packaging, and price.
Counterfeit Warning Signs: Low quality, inconsistent branding, packaging errors, or unusually low prices.
Check Online Price: Compare the price of the item with its suggested retail price online to ensure authenticity.

Use only bank ATMs or those located in secure locations to avoid skimming and card trapping.

Bank ATMs: Officially branded, usually found inside banks or secure areas.
Secure Locations: Well-lit areas with CCTV cameras and a nearby security guard.
Check ATM for Tampering: Look for anything unusual, such as oddly placed devices or stickers, on the ATM.

Secure your belongings to minimize the risk of theft in crowded areas and use a money belt or anti-theft bag.

Money Belt: Hides your valuables under clothing, reducing visibility.
Anti-Theft Bag: Slash-proof fabric and lockable zippers to secure your belongings.
Be Aware of Surroundings: Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas or on public transportation.

Avoid strangers offering unusual opportunities by staying informed and trusting your instincts.

Stay Informed: Research common scams in Houston before your visit.
Trust Your Instincts: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Avoid Isolated Areas: Stay in well-lit, populated areas and avoid secluded or isolated locations.

Give to reputable charities by researching their legitimacy before donating.

Reputable Charities: Registered with the IRS as a tax-exempt organization.
Check Charity's Website: Look for transparency, detailed financial statements, and information about their mission and impact.
Ask Questions: Request evidence of the charity's work, such as photos or reports, before donating.

Avoid hidden fees and damage charges by inspecting the rental car thoroughly before driving away.

Thorough Inspection: Document any existing damages or issues before signing the rental agreement.
Read the Rental Agreement: Understand all terms and conditions, including fuel policies and liability insurance requirements.
Use a Reputable Company: Choose a well-known, established car rental company with good reviews and recommendations.

Avoid overpriced or fake tickets by purchasing from authorized venues or trustworthy sources.

Authorized Venues: Tickets sold at the event venue or box office.
Trustworthy Sources: Ticket providers with a good reputation, such as Ticketmaster or StubHub.
Check for Official Logos: Tickets should display official event logos and have valid barcodes.

Avoid sharing sensitive information on public WiFi by using a VPN or cellular data.

Use a VPN: Encrypts your internet connection and protects your data from being intercepted.
Cellular Data: Provides a secure, encrypted connection for browsing the web.
Avoid Sensitive Transactions: Don't conduct banking or other sensitive transactions on public WiFi networks.

Ensure a quality tour experience by only using licensed and reputable tour guides.

Licensed Tour Guides: Officially registered with the Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Reputable Tour Operators: Established tour companies with good reviews and recommendations.
Check for Accreditation: Look for tour guides who are members of professional organizations, such as the National Association of Interpreters (NAIT).

Avoid overpriced or subpar accommodations by booking with reputable hotels or online travel agencies.

Reputable Hotels: Well-established hotels with good reviews and recommendations.
Online Travel Agencies: Booking sites like Expedia, Booking.com or Agoda for competitive prices and customer protections.
Check Room Rates: Compare room rates with other reputable hotels in the area to ensure fair pricing.

Avoid high-pressure sales tactics and hidden fees by researching timeshares before committing.

Research Timeshares: Compare various options, read reviews, and check accreditation with organizations like ARDA (American Resort Development Association).
Avoid High-Pressure Tactics: Decline offers to attend presentations or seminars without prior research.
Understand the Contract: Review the contract carefully, and ask questions about hidden fees, maintenance costs, and cancellation policies.

Avoid ticket scams by purchasing tickets directly from the museum or their authorized partners.

Purchase Tickets Directly: Buy tickets through the museum's website, ticket counter, or authorized resellers.
Avoid Street Vendors: Tickets sold by street vendors may be fake or overpriced.
Check for Official Logos: Tickets should display official museum logos and have valid barcodes.