Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
1. Gatlinburg Strip Scams
Avoid street vendors offering 'authentic souvenirs' in Gatlinburg Strip. Some items may be counterfeit or overpriced.
- Authenticity Risk: Risk of purchasing fake or low-quality goods
- Overpricing: Potential for items to be significantly overpriced
- Time Wasting: Spending time negotiating prices or haggling may waste valuable vacation time
2. Downtown Knoxville Busking Scams
Be wary of overly aggressive buskers in downtown Knoxville. Some may use distraction techniques to steal from visitors.
- Distraction Theft: Thieves often use distraction techniques to steal from unsuspecting tourists
- Aggressive Behavior: Aggressive buskers may use intimidation or high-pressure tactics to demand money
- Unwanted Solicitation: Visitors may feel harassed by overly aggressive solicitations
3. Downtown Knoxville Fake Parking Meters
Some parking meters in downtown Knoxville may be fake, collecting money but not issuing receipts. Only use official City of Knoxville parking meters.
- Fake Meters: Risk of losing money by using a fake parking meter
- No Receipt: No proof of payment in case of ticket or dispute
- City Parking Violation: Parking in unauthorized areas can result in fines and towing
4. Market Square Con-Artists
Some individuals at Market Square may attempt to sell counterfeit or overpriced items. Be cautious when purchasing from unknown vendors.
- Counterfeit Goods: Risk of purchasing fake or low-quality goods
- Overpricing: Potential for items to be significantly overpriced
- Unlicensed Vendors: Supporting illegal vendors and potentially funding criminal activities
5. Hotel Room Key Card Skimming
Some hotel room key cards in Knoxville may have been tampered with, allowing thieves to copy card information. Use hotel safes for valuables.
- Card Skimming: Risk of credit card information being stolen through skimming
- Valuable Items Theft: Leaving valuables in hotel rooms can result in theft
- Identity Theft: Potential for identity theft if personal information is compromised
6. Faux Tour Guides
Unauthorized tour guides may approach visitors in Knoxville offering tours. Only use licensed and reputable tour companies.
- Unlicensed Guide: Risk of receiving subpar or misleading information from an unlicensed guide
- Overpricing: Potential for tours to be significantly overpriced
- Scams and Frauds: Guides may use scams or fraudulent practices to extract extra money from tourists
7. Counterfeit Ticket Sales
Avoid purchasing event tickets from unofficial sources. Counterfeit tickets may be sold on the streets or online by scammers.
- Ticket Authenticity Risk: Risk of purchasing a counterfeit ticket
- Overpricing: Potential for tickets to be significantly overpriced
- Event Denial: Being turned away at the event entrance with a counterfeit ticket
8. Tourist Trap Restaurants
Some restaurants in Knoxville may overcharge tourists for mediocre food. Research restaurant reviews before dining out.
- Overpricing: Potential for food to be significantly overpriced
- Poor Quality Food: Risk of receiving low-quality or mediocre food
- Negative Customer Experience: Feeling ripped off and having a negative dining experience
9. Airport Taxi Scams
Some taxi drivers at McGhee Tyson Airport may charge higher fares or refuse to use the meter. Use authorized airport taxis or pre-arrange transportation.
- Overcharging: Risk of being overcharged for a taxi ride
- Unauthorized Taxis: Using unlicensed or unauthorized taxis can result in additional fees, poor service, or safety concerns
- Refusal to Use Meter: Drivers may refuse to use the meter, resulting in an unjustified high fare
10. Flea Market Counterfeit Goods
Be cautious when purchasing items at Knoxville flea markets. Some vendors may sell counterfeit or low-quality goods.
- Counterfeit Goods: Risk of purchasing fake or low-quality goods
- Overpricing: Potential for items to be significantly overpriced
- Unlicensed Vendors: Supporting illegal vendors and potentially funding criminal activities
11. Phishing Emails and SMS
Be wary of phishing emails or text messages pretending to be from businesses, banks, or government agencies in Knoxville. Do not click on links or provide personal information.
- Identity Theft: Potential for identity theft if personal information is compromised
- Financial Loss: Loss of money due to fraudulent transactions or account takeover
- Malware Infection: Risk of infecting your device with malware that can steal personal information or cause damage
12. Car Rental Scams
Inspect rental cars thoroughly before driving away. Be aware of hidden charges and excess mileage fees.
- Hidden Charges: Risk of encountering additional, unexpected charges
- Damage Claims: Disputes over damage to the rental car before and after use
- Excess Mileage Fees: Charges for exceeding the agreed mileage limit
13. ATM Skimming
Be cautious when using ATMs in Knoxville. Some ATMs may have skimmers attached to collect card information.
- Card Information Theft: Risk of credit card information being stolen through skimming
- ATM Tampering: Physical tampering of the ATM to steal card information or PINs
- Financial Loss: Loss of money due to fraudulent transactions or account takeover
14. Public Wi-Fi Security Risks
Avoid accessing sensitive information on public Wi-Fi networks in Knoxville. Use a VPN to secure your connection.
- Data Interception: Risk of data being intercepted by malicious actors on unsecured public Wi-Fi networks
- Man-in-the-Middle Attacks: Cybercriminals may intercept and manipulate communication between devices connected to the same public network
- Phishing Emails: Increased risk of falling for phishing emails due to lack of secure connection