Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Ogden, Utah, United States
1. Street Art Scam
Artists offering to paint souvenirs can overcharge or use low-quality materials. Avoid purchasing street art without researching the artist and checking prices.
- Artist Reputation: Research local artists to ensure they are reputable.
- Price Checking: Compare prices with other vendors before making a purchase.
- Quality Assurance: Inspect the materials and finished product carefully.
2. Transportation Scam
Taxi drivers overcharging tourists or taking longer routes. Use official taxis or rideshares and agree on the price before starting the ride.
- Official Taxis: Use licensed, official taxis to avoid scams.
- Price Agreement: Always agree on the price before starting a ride.
- Route Confirmation: Confirm the route with the driver before starting your journey.
3. Souvenir Shop Scam
Shops selling fake or low-quality souvenirs. Research shops and read reviews before purchasing.
- Shop Reputation: Check shop reviews from other customers.
- Authenticity Guarantee: Ask for a guarantee of the item's authenticity before making a purchase.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices with other shops to ensure you're getting a fair deal.
4. Restaurant Scam
Restaurants overcharging tourists or serving low-quality food. Research restaurants and read reviews before dining.
- Restaurant Reputation: Check restaurant reviews from other customers.
- Menu Transparency: Ensure the menu prices are clear and reasonable before ordering.
- Local Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations to find authentic, high-quality restaurants.
5. Tour Guide Scam
Tour guides offering low-priced tours with hidden fees or poor service. Research tour companies and read reviews before booking.
- Tour Company Reputation: Check tour company reviews from other customers.
- Transparent Pricing: Ensure the pricing is clear and there are no hidden fees.
- Quality Assurance: Read about the quality of service provided by the tour guide.
6. Accommodation Scam
Hotels overcharging tourists or providing low-quality rooms. Research accommodations and read reviews before booking.
- Accommodation Reputation: Check accommodation reviews from other customers.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices with other accommodations to ensure you're getting a fair deal.
- Room Condition: Check the room conditions and facilities before booking.
7. Parking Scam
Parking lots charging excessive fees or damaging vehicles. Use official parking lots and check for any hidden charges.
- Official Parking Lots: Use licensed, official parking lots to avoid scams.
- Fee Transparency: Ensure the fees are clear before parking your vehicle.
- Vehicle Safety: Check for any signs of potential damage to your vehicle before parking.
8. ATM Scam
ATMs skimming information or charging high fees. Use bank ATMs and monitor your account for any unauthorized transactions.
- Bank ATMs: Use ATMs from your own bank to avoid potential scams.
- Fee Awareness: Be aware of any fees associated with using the ATM.
- Security Measures: Check for security measures like cameras and card readers before using an ATM.
9. WiFi Scam
Public Wi-Fis collecting personal data or charging high fees. Use secure, password-protected Wi-Fi connections.
- Secure Connections: Only use secure, password-protected Wi-Fi networks.
- Data Safety: Avoid logging into sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fis.
- Fee Awareness: Be aware of any fees associated with using the Wi-Fi.
10. Event Ticket Scam
Counterfeit event tickets or tickets for non-existent events. Purchase tickets from reputable sources and check ticket validity.
- Ticket Source Reputation: Purchase tickets from reputable, trusted sources.
- Validity Check: Check the ticket validity and ensure it matches the event details.
- Ticket Type Confirmation: Confirm the type of ticket you're purchasing (e.g., VIP, general admission).
11. Charity Scam
Fake charities collecting money under false pretenses. Research charities before donating and verify their legitimacy.
- Charity Reputation: Check the charity's reputation and history.
- Legitimacy Verification: Verify the charity is registered and licensed in Ogden.
- Donation Transparency: Ensure the charity discloses how donations are used.
12. Lottery Scam
Fake lotteries or sweepstakes contacting victims to request personal information or money. Ignore unsolicited messages and never share personal info.
- Unsolicited Communications: Ignore unsolicited communications claiming you've won a lottery or sweepstakes.
- Personal Information Protection: Never share personal information with unknown individuals or organizations.
- Legitimate Lotteries: Only participate in legitimate, registered lotteries.
13. Loan Scam
Fake loan offers requesting upfront fees or personal information. Be wary of unsolicited loan offers and do thorough research before proceeding.
- Unsolicited Loan Offers: Ignore unsolicited loan offers.
- Legitimate Lenders: Only work with reputable, registered lenders.
- Fee Awareness: Be aware of any fees associated with the loan offer.
14. Job Scam
Fake job offers requesting fees or personal information. Be wary of unsolicited job offers and do thorough research before applying.
- Unsolicited Job Offers: Ignore unsolicited job offers.
- Legitimate Employers: Only apply for jobs with reputable, registered employers.
- Job Offer Details: Verify the job offer details and ensure they're legitimate.
15. Friendship Scam
Fake online friends requesting money or personal information. Be cautious when sharing personal information online and never send money to people you don't know.
- Online Privacy: Be careful about the personal information you share online.
- Friend Verification: Verify the identity of your online friends before sharing personal information.
- Money Transfers: Never send money to people you don't know, especially if it's a request for an emergency or loan.