Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Mariupol, Donetska Oblast, Ukraine

1. Street Vendors Scam

Beware of overpriced goods at street vendors; always negotiate prices before purchase.

Hidden Costs: Vendors may quote low initial price, but increase it later with additional fees.
Counterfeit Goods: Some vendors sell counterfeit or poor quality goods.
Price Manipulation: Vendors may manipulate prices based on your appearance as a tourist.

Taxis without meters or drivers overcharging; insist on using meter, agree on fare before starting journey.

Skimming devices on ATMs; use machines in banks or well-lit areas.

Card Reading Devices: Thieves attach devices to read your card information.
Cameras: Hidden cameras capture your PIN as you enter it.
Distraction Techniques: Thieves may use distractions to install skimming devices.

Exchange offices offering lower rates; check multiple places for the best rate.

Rigged Scales: Exchange offices may use rigged scales to cheat you.
Hidden Fees: Offices may charge hidden fees for the exchange service.
Unlicensed Offices: Unlicensed offices may offer lower rates but use inferior currency.

Restaurants overcharging for food or drink; check prices before ordering.

Misleading Menus: Menus may not reflect actual prices due to hidden charges.
Inflated Prices: Restaurants may inflate prices for tourists.
Service Charges: Some restaurants add service charges without informing you.

Unlicensed guides offering their services; always ask for a license.

Shops selling fake souvenirs; buy from reputable stores or markets.

Rental cars with hidden damage; inspect the vehicle thoroughly before renting.

Damaged Vehicles: Cars may have existing damage that is not disclosed.
Overpriced Rentals: Rental agencies may charge excessive prices for their vehicles.
Unlicensed Agencies: Agencies may not be registered, putting you at risk.

Sellers of public transport tickets offering fake or overpriced tickets.

Counterfeit Tickets: Tickets may be counterfeit, leading to fines or arrest.
Overpriced Tickets: Sellers may charge excessive prices for tickets.
Unauthorized Sellers: Sellers may not be authorized, putting you at risk.

Accommodations offering poor quality or different rooms than advertised.

Locals offering help, but with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

Bait-and-Switch: Locals may offer help, then request payment for their service.
Distraction Techniques: Scammers use distractions to steal your belongings or money.
Friendly Fraudsters: Locals may pretend to be friendly, but are actually scammers.

Scammers claiming you've won a lottery; ignore unsolicited emails or calls.

Request for Personal Information: Scammers may ask for your personal information.
Payment Requests: Scammers may request payment to release winnings.
Fake Websites: Scammers use fake websites to trick you into providing information.

Fraudulent charities collecting money for causes that do not exist.

Fake Charities: Charities may not be registered, or may use the money for personal gain.
Pressure Tactics: Scammers may pressure you to donate immediately.
Inadequate Proof: Charities may lack proof of where the funds are going.

Cafés installing keyloggers or using slow internet connections.

Keylogger Installation: Cafes may install keyloggers to steal your passwords.
Slow Internet Connections: Internet connections may be intentionally slow.
Unauthorized Access: Cafes may access your files without permission.

Scammers posing as police or hospital staff asking for money.

Impersonation: Scammers pose as authorities to trick you.
Threats: Scammers may use threats or emotional blackmail to get money.
Request for Personal Information: Scammers may ask for your personal information.