Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Memphis, United States
1. Beale Street Brass Band Scam
Street performers in Beale Street may request tips and disappear without performing. Avoid this by only giving tips to performers who have completed their act.
- Unexpected Disappearance: Performers might ask for money before or during their performance and leave without providing a service.
- Tourist Targeting: Scammers often target tourists who are unfamiliar with the area.
- Avoidance Strategy: Ensure to only give tips after the performance is complete.
2. Tour Guide Scam
Unauthorized tour guides may approach tourists offering guided tours and overcharge or lead to scams. Stick with authorized tour groups or research guides beforehand.
- Unauthorized Guides: Tour guides without official authorization may charge excessively or mislead tourists.
- Overcharging: These unauthorized guides often charge significantly more than licensed guides.
- Research and Booking: Research tour companies in advance and book tours through legitimate channels to avoid falling victim to scams.
3. Taxi Scam
Taxis may use fake meters or overcharge tourists. Use ride-sharing apps or pre-negotiate fare with licensed taxis.
- Fake Meters: Some unscrupulous taxi drivers may manipulate the meter readings to overcharge passengers.
- Overcharging: Taxis may charge tourists excessively, taking advantage of their unfamiliarity with local rates.
- Ride-Sharing and Pre-Negotiation: Use ride-sharing apps or pre-negotiate the fare with licensed taxis to avoid overcharging.
4. Counterfeit Goods Scam
Souvenir shops may sell counterfeit goods. Stick with reputable stores or markets to ensure authentic purchases.
- Counterfeit Items: Stores selling fake merchandise can pass off low-quality items as genuine.
- Lack of Authenticity: Purchasing counterfeit goods supports illegal activities and may not last long.
- Reputable Sources: Stick with reputable stores or markets to ensure the authenticity of your purchases.
5. Overpriced Accommodation Scam
Some accommodations may overprice their services to tourists. Research and compare prices before booking accommodation.
- Overpricing: Accommodations may charge tourists significantly more than local residents.
- Price Comparison: Research and compare prices of accommodations to avoid overpaying.
- Booking in Advance: Book accommodations well in advance to secure the best rates.
6. Parking Scam
Illegitimate parking attendants may demand payment for parking spaces that are free. Use official city parking lots or meters.
- Illegitimate Attendants: Individuals posing as parking attendants may charge for spaces that are actually free.
- Free Parking: Many areas in Memphis offer free parking, so be aware of the locations and avoid unauthorized payment requests.
- Official City Lots or Meters: Use official city lots or meters to ensure legitimate parking arrangements.
7. Fake Charity Scam
Individuals posing as charity collectors may ask for donations under false pretenses. Research charities before giving donations.
- False Pretenses: Scammers may use fake stories or claim to represent non-existent charities.
- Researching Charities: Research the charities you wish to support before giving donations to ensure their legitimacy.
- Official Donation Boxes: Use official donation boxes located in public areas instead of handing cash directly to individuals.
8. Car Rental Scam
Rental cars may have hidden charges or damage not disclosed at the time of rental. Rent from reputable companies and inspect vehicles thoroughly.
- Hidden Charges: Some car rental companies may charge for additional services or damages without notice.
- Reputable Rental Companies: Rent from reputable and well-established car rental companies to minimize the risk of scams.
- Inspection: Inspect the vehicle thoroughly before accepting it to ensure there is no damage or hidden charges.
9. ATM Skimming Scam
Criminals may attach skimming devices to ATMs to steal card information. Use ATMs inside banks or well-lit, public areas.
- Skimming Devices: Criminals can install skimming devices on ATMs to capture card and PIN information.
- Inside Banks or Public Areas: ATMs located inside banks or well-lit, public areas are less likely to have skimming devices attached.
- Monitor Your Account: Regularly monitor your account for suspicious activity to quickly address any potential issues.
10. Fraudulent Ticket Scam
Counterfeit tickets may be sold for events and attractions. Only purchase tickets from official outlets or authorized resellers.
- Counterfeit Tickets: Fake tickets may not grant entry to events or attractions.
- Official Outlets or Authorized Resellers: Purchase tickets from official outlets or authorized resellers to ensure their validity.
- Event or Attraction Website: Check the event or attraction's official website for ticket sales and information.
11. Internet Café Scam
Internet cafés may install keyloggers to capture login credentials. Use secure Wi-Fi networks or VPNs when accessing sensitive information.
- Keyloggers: Internet cafés may have keylogging software installed to capture passwords and sensitive information.
- Secure Wi-Fi Networks or VPNs: Use secure Wi-Fi networks or VPNs when accessing sensitive information to protect your data.
- Avoid Sensitive Transactions: Avoid conducting sensitive transactions, such as online banking, at internet cafés.
12. Bridge Tour Scam
Tour operators may charge for tours to Graceland and the Memphis Bridge that do not include the advertised destinations. Stick with reputable tour companies.
- False Tours: Tour operators may offer tours to attractions but not deliver on their promises.
- Reputable Tour Companies: Choose reputable tour companies with positive customer reviews and a proven track record.
- Check Tour Itineraries: Carefully check the tour itinerary to ensure it includes all advertised destinations.
13. False Guide Services Scam
Individuals posing as tour guides may offer services but fail to deliver on their promises. Stick with reputable and licensed guides.
- Licensed Guides: Choose licensed guides who have the proper credentials and training.
- Reputable Companies: Select reputable companies with positive customer reviews and a proven track record.
- Check Credentials: Ask to see a guide's credentials and verify their license before hiring them.
14. Overpriced Food Scam
Restaurants may overcharge tourists for food. Research restaurants in advance or ask locals for recommendations.
- Overcharging: Some restaurants may charge excessively for food and drinks, taking advantage of tourists.
- Research Restaurants: Research restaurants in advance to find affordable options.
- Ask Locals: Ask locals for restaurant recommendations to avoid overpriced establishments.
15. Fraudulent Shopping Malls Scam
Shopping malls may have stores selling counterfeit goods or overpriced items. Stick with reputable stores or research shops beforehand.
- Counterfeit Goods: Stores selling fake merchandise can pass off low-quality items as genuine.
- Overpricing: Some shopping malls may charge tourists significantly more than local residents.
- Reputable Stores or Research: Stick with reputable stores or research shops beforehand to ensure authentic purchases and fair prices.