Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in New Orleans, United States

New Orleans, United States, New Orleans, Local Insights & Practical Info, Common Scams & How to Avoid Them

Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in New Orleans, United States

1. French Quarter Street Musicians

Busking musicians in the French Quarter can be entertaining but may pressure tourists for tips. Avoid being harassed by always having small change ready and politely declining if you don't wish to contribute.
  • Unexpected Pressure: Musicians often persistently ask for money, which can be uncomfortable.
  • Tip Culture: Tipping is expected in the French Quarter, so it's important to be prepared.
  • Entertainment Value: The musicians offer a unique New Orleans experience that may warrant tipping if you enjoy their performance.

2. Fleur de Lis Souvenir Scams

Counterfeit Fleur de Lis souvenirs are common in the French Quarter. To avoid buying fake items, look for authorized vendors displaying a 'New Orleans Made' sign or shop at official visitor centers.
  • Authenticity: It can be difficult to distinguish counterfeit souvenirs from genuine ones.
  • Authorized Vendors: Official vendors ensure you're purchasing authentic New Orleans merchandise.
  • Support Local: Buying from authorized vendors helps support local artists and businesses.

3. Tour Guide Scams

Unlicensed tour guides may offer services but lack the knowledge and legal requirements to provide a quality experience. To ensure a legitimate guide, look for licensed operators and research their reputation online.
  • Knowledge: Licensed guides have undergone training and background checks.
  • Legitimacy: Checking for a licensed guide ensures you're receiving quality information.
  • Customer Reviews: Reading reviews can help you choose a reputable and knowledgeable tour guide.

4. Carpet Cleaning Scams

Fraudulent carpet cleaners may approach hotels and offer a discounted service but use excessive cleaning chemicals that damage the carpet. Always decline unsolicited offers and ask for references or check with your hotel management.
  • Damage Prevention: Avoiding unverified cleaners helps prevent potential damage to your hotel room.
  • Hotel Management: Your hotel management can recommend trustworthy carpet cleaning services.
  • Reference Checking: Checking references helps ensure the cleaner is reliable and professional.

5. Psychic Readers Scams

Some psychics may use tricks or false promises to persuade tourists. To avoid being scammed, research a reader's reputation and be cautious of over-the-top claims.
  • Reputation: Investigating a psychic reader's background can help ensure their legitimacy.
  • Over-the-top Claims: Be wary of readers who make extravagant or unrealistic promises.
  • Free Readings: Free readings may be used to hook you into paying for more expensive services later on.

6. Faux-Painters

Fake painters may approach your property offering to repaint or repair the exterior, but often they will cause more damage and demand excessive payment. Be skeptical of unsolicited offers and contact your hotel management if needed.
  • Damage Prevention: Avoiding fake painters helps prevent potential damage to your property.
  • Hotel Management: Your hotel management can recommend trustworthy painters or help handle any maintenance requests.
  • Unsolicited Offers: Being approached by a painter without an invitation should raise suspicion.

7. Taxis and Ride-Sharing Scams

Some taxi drivers may overcharge or take longer routes to inflate fares. To avoid this, use established ride-sharing apps, negotiate the fare before starting the journey, and pay with a credit card if possible.
  • Overcharging: Taxi drivers may try to charge excessive fares.
  • Ride-sharing Apps: Using a ride-sharing app offers a more transparent and affordable experience.
  • Fare Negotiation: Discussing the fare before starting your journey can help avoid unexpected charges.

8. Tourist Information Kiosks Scams

Some tourist information kiosks may provide inaccurate or biased information to direct tourists to specific businesses offering commissions. To get unbiased information, use official visitor centers or reputable travel websites.
  • Inaccurate Information: Kiosks may give misleading advice to direct tourists to specific businesses.
  • Official Visitor Centers: Official visitor centers offer reliable and unbiased information.
  • Reputable Travel Websites: Researching online can help you find trustworthy recommendations.

9. Swamp Tours Scams

Some swamp tour operators may have poorly maintained boats or overcrowded vessels, providing an unsafe experience. To ensure a quality and safe adventure, research the operator's reputation, book in advance, and ask about safety precautions.
  • Safety: Ensuring the tour operator prioritizes safety can prevent accidents or mishaps.
  • Reputation: Investigating a swamp tour operator's background can help ensure their reliability and professionalism.
  • Advance Booking: Booking in advance guarantees your spot on the tour and helps you plan accordingly.

10. Casino Cheating Scams

Some casinos may use deceptive practices to take advantage of unsuspecting players. To avoid being cheated, familiarize yourself with the rules and play at reputable casinos.
  • Rule Knowledge: Understanding the rules can help you identify suspicious behavior.
  • Reputation: Choosing a reputable casino reduces the risk of being cheated or scammed.
  • Security Cameras: Casinos with visible security cameras can deter dishonest behavior.

11. Mardi Gras Bead Theft Scams

Some individuals may try to steal your Mardi Gras beads or accessories. To avoid losing your belongings, keep a tight grip on them and be cautious in crowded areas.
  • Crowded Areas: In crowded places, it's easier for thieves to grab items undetected.
  • Bead Security: Keeping a firm grip on your beads can help prevent theft.
  • Personal Belongings: Be aware of your personal belongings at all times to reduce the risk of theft.

12. Festivals and Events Scams

Some event organizers may sell fake or overpriced tickets. To avoid being scammed, only purchase tickets from authorized vendors or the official event website.
  • Authorized Vendors: Official vendors ensure you're purchasing valid tickets.
  • Event Website: Purchasing from the event website helps guarantee ticket authenticity.
  • Ticket Resellers: Be cautious when buying tickets from resellers, as they may sell fake or overpriced tickets.

13. Jackson Square Horse Carriage Scams

Some horse carriages may neglect the welfare of their animals. To avoid supporting animal cruelty, choose a reputable operator and ask about the horses' living conditions.
  • Animal Welfare: Ensuring the operator prioritizes animal welfare can help prevent animal abuse.
  • Reputation: Choosing a reputable operator helps guarantee proper care for the horses.
  • Living Conditions: Asking about the horses' living conditions can help verify their well-being.

14. Magazine Scams

Some individuals may offer free magazines or newspapers but demand payment once they've been distributed. To avoid this, decline unsolicited offers and stick to purchasing from established vendors.
  • Payment Demands: Being asked for payment after receiving a magazine or newspaper can be misleading.
  • Established Vendors: Purchasing from established vendors ensures you're not being scammed.
  • Unsolicited Offers: Declining unsolicited offers can help prevent potential scams.

15. Fake Charity Collectors

Some individuals may pose as charity collectors but use the donations for personal gain. To avoid being scammed, research the organization or verify their legitimacy before donating.
  • Legitimacy: Verifying a charity's authenticity can help ensure your donation goes to a worthy cause.
  • Donation Safety: Donating in person or online can help protect your personal information.
  • Reputable Organizations: Choosing a reputable organization helps guarantee that your donation is used effectively.