Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Milwaukee, United States

1. MKE Scam Alert App

An app providing real-time alerts about scams and crime in Milwaukee. Helps travellers stay informed and avoid potential scams.

Timely Alerts: Offers instant updates on current scams happening across the city.
User Community: Built on a community-driven model, allowing users to report scams and help each other stay safe.
Map Integration: Shows the location of scam activities for geographical awareness.

Avoid parking in unattended meters or expired spaces to prevent fines and potential car break-ins.

Expired Meters: Parking tickets issued for expired meters can be costly.
Unattended Meters: Leaving cars in unattended meters puts them at risk of being towed or broken into.
Official Parking Lots: Using official parking lots ensures safety and compliance with local regulations.

Be aware of unofficial tour guides offering services near the museum. Official guides have identification badges.

Unauthorized Guides: Unofficial guides may charge inflated prices or provide misinformation.
Identification Badges: Official guides will have clear identification showing they are authorized to provide tours.
Museum Info Desk: Visit the museum information desk for assistance in finding an official tour guide.

Purchase tickets only from authorized outlets to avoid counterfeit tickets and overpriced resales.

Official Outlets: Tickets bought from official outlets are guaranteed to be valid.
On-Site Box Office: The on-site box office sells genuine tickets at face value.
Ticket Scanning: Genuine tickets can be scanned and verified upon entry to the festival.

Watch out for 'bystanders' offering assistance with directions or money in the Brady Street district.

Unexpected Help: Beware of people who offer unsolicited help, as they may be trying to scam you.
Busy District: The Brady Street district can be busy, making it easy for scammers to blend in.
Ask Locals or Staff: For directions or help, approach local businesses or staff instead of strangers.

Keep personal belongings secure while visiting Milwaukee's lakefront to avoid pickpocketing.

Crowded Areas: Pickpockets often target crowded areas, like the lakefront.
Zippered Pouches: Use zippered pouches or bags with secure closures to protect valuables.
Travel Insurance: Consider travel insurance that covers lost or stolen items.

Use only official airport taxis or ride-sharing services to avoid overcharging and scams.

Official Taxis: Official airport taxis have clearly marked vehicles and uniformed drivers.
Ride-Sharing Services: Download the ride-sharing apps before arriving in Milwaukee to use their services.
Prepaid Airport Taxis: Prepay for your airport taxi at a designated booth to avoid being overcharged.

Use ATMs inside banks or well-lit, busy areas to avoid skimming and card trapping scams.

Inside Banks: ATMs located inside banks are less likely to be compromised.
Well-lit, Busy Areas: Scammers are less likely to attempt skimming or card trapping in well-lit and busy areas.
Card Monitoring Apps: Use card monitoring apps to quickly detect any unauthorized transactions.

Be cautious when using ferries on the Milwaukee RiverWalk as unofficial boats may offer inflated prices or not provide a safe journey.

Unofficial Boats: Beware of unlicensed ferries that do not display proper identification.
Official Ferry Services: Look for ferry services with official signs and uniformed staff members.
Safety First: Always prioritize safety when using any form of transportation on the water.

Be aware of street performers asking for money or offering trinkets near the museum. Some may be scam artists.

Aggressive Performers: Street performers who aggressively ask for money or offer trinkets can be a red flag.
Museum Info Desk: Visit the museum information desk for assistance in finding legitimate performances.
Report Scams: If you encounter a scam artist, report them to local authorities or museum staff.

Be cautious when donating money to charities near the festival park as some may be fake or scam artists.

Unfamiliar Charities: Do not donate to unfamiliar charities without verifying their legitimacy.
Official Donation Stations: Look for official donation stations set up by established organizations.
Festival Info Desk: Visit the festival information desk for assistance in finding legitimate charities.

Be aware of people offering counterfeit tickets or overpriced items during sports events in the Deer District.

Counterfeit Tickets: Beware of sellers offering counterfeit tickets to sports events.
Official Box Office: Purchase tickets only from the official box office or authorized outlets.
Report Scams: If you encounter a scam artist, report them to local authorities or event staff.

Be cautious when shopping at the Third Ward flea market as some vendors may sell counterfeit or overpriced items.

Counterfeit Items: Beware of vendors selling counterfeit or pirated goods.
Haggling Prices: Always try to haggle prices at the flea market to ensure a fair deal.
Check Reviews: Read reviews of vendors before making a purchase to verify their reputation.

Stay vigilant when visiting Walker's Point district, as it has a higher risk of petty crimes such as pickpocketing.

Higher Crime Risk: Walker's Point has a slightly higher crime rate compared to other districts in Milwaukee.
Secure Belongings: Keep personal belongings secure at all times to prevent pickpocketing.
Avoid Isolated Areas: Avoid isolated or dark areas, especially at night.

Stay aware of your surroundings in the East Town district as it has a higher risk of street crime such as theft.

Higher Street Crime Risk: East Town has a slightly higher street crime rate compared to other districts in Milwaukee.
Secure Belongings: Keep personal belongings secure at all times to prevent theft.
Avoid Isolated Areas: Avoid isolated or dark areas, especially at night.