Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Los Angeles, United States

1. Griffith Observatory Skywatching Scam

Scammers claim to have telescopes for skywatching, then ask for payment. Legitimate observatories are free and provide telescopes.

Legitimate Observatory: Check if the location is the official Griffith Observatory.
Free Telescope Use: Remember, telescopes at the observatory are free to use.
Avoid Unofficial Guides: Ignore anyone offering guided tours for a fee.

Scalpers resell tickets outside popular theaters at inflated prices. Purchase tickets directly or through authorized vendors.

Official Box Office: Buy tickets from the official box office or authorized ticket sellers.
Price Comparison: Compare prices to avoid overpaying for tickets.
Avoid Unsafe Transactions: Be cautious when buying tickets from individuals, especially in less crowded areas.

Scammers install fake parking meters to collect money. Use official city-issued parking meters or parking lots.

Some drivers offering shared rides may overcharge or take longer routes. Use reputable ride-sharing services.

Reputable Service: Choose a well-known and trusted ride-sharing service.
Fare Estimates: Check fare estimates before accepting rides to avoid unexpected costs.
Avoid Private Rides: Be cautious when offered private or unmarked vehicles.

Some performers may ask for payment before or after a performance. Enjoy performances but do not feel obligated to pay.

Voluntary Contributions: Contribute only if you wish and not because it is expected.
Tips vs Payment: Understand the difference between tips and payment for a performance.
Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Decline unsolicited offers for performances, especially if they ask for large sums of money.

Unlicensed guides may offer tours at popular attractions. Ask for a city-issued guide badge before hiring.

City-Issued Badge: Verify that the tour guide has a city-issued guide badge.
Tour Operator Check: Research and book tours through reputable tour operators.
Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Ignore unsolicited offers for guided tours, especially if they ask for large sums of money.

Scammers may pretend to help lost tourists in exchange for money. Ask for help from official tourism staff or police.

Official Help: Find help at tourist information centers or approach local law enforcement.
Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Ignore unsolicited offers for help, especially if they ask for personal information.
Trusted Sources: Seek advice from trusted sources like hotel staff or fellow travelers.

Pickpockets often operate near crowded areas, especially at Venice Beach. Keep belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.

Secure Belongings: Keep your belongings close and secure in a zipped bag or pocket.
Avoid Distractions: Stay aware of your surroundings to avoid distractions that might lead to theft.
Report Suspicious Activity: Inform authorities if you witness any suspicious activity.

Some taxis may overcharge tourists. Use ride-sharing services or negotiate prices before starting the journey.

Ride-Sharing Services: Choose a reputable ride-sharing service for your travel needs.
Price Negotiation: Negotiate the price before starting the journey to avoid unexpected costs.
Official Taxis: Recognize and use official city-issued taxis.

Sellers may offer counterfeit merchandise at popular markets. Purchase only from authorized vendors.

Authorized Vendors: Find authorized vendors by checking for official licenses or certifications.
Check Quality: Inspect the merchandise for poor quality, which can indicate counterfeits.
Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Ignore unsolicited offers for merchandise, especially if they are too good to be true.

Items may be stolen from hotel rooms. Lock your room and use the hotel's safe for valuable items.

Lock Your Room: Always lock your hotel room door when leaving.
Use the Safe: Store valuable items in the hotel safe during your stay.
Room Service Precautions: Verify the identity of room service staff before opening the door.

Sellers may offer counterfeit or overpriced items at flea markets. Haggle prices and inspect items carefully.

Haggle Prices: Negotiate prices to find a fair deal.
Inspect Items Carefully: Thoroughly inspect items for quality and authenticity before purchasing.
Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Ignore unsolicited offers, especially if they are too good to be true.

Scammers may pose as charity collectors, asking for donations. Verify the authenticity of charities before giving.

Verify Authentic Charities: Research charities to ensure they are legitimate.
Avoid Unsolicited Donation Requests: Ignore unsolicited donation requests, especially if they seem suspicious.
Check for Official Documentation: Ask for official documentation, such as a tax-exempt ID number, before giving.

Sellers may offer counterfeit designer items at the Fashion District. Purchase only from authorized vendors.

Authorized Vendors: Find authorized vendors by checking for official licenses or certifications.
Check Quality: Inspect the items for poor quality, which can indicate counterfeits.
Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Ignore unsolicited offers for designer items, especially if they are too good to be true.

Taxis at the airport may overcharge tourists. Use ride-sharing services or negotiate prices before starting the journey.

Ride-Sharing Services: Choose a reputable ride-sharing service for your travel needs.
Price Negotiation: Negotiate the price before starting the journey to avoid unexpected costs.
Official Taxis: Recognize and use official city-issued taxis at the airport.