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

1. Grab-n-Go Taxi Scam

Unlicensed taxis offering low fares at night may overcharge or take longer routes.

Unlicensed Vehicle: Taxi is not regulated by the city, increasing risk
Overcharging: Fare may be inflated compared to licensed taxis
Safety Concerns: Passengers risk being stranded or involved in an accident with unlicensed drivers

Fraudsters selling fake Skytrain tickets at reduced prices.

Fake Tickets: Tickets may not be valid, resulting in fines or denial of service
Reduced Prices: Prices are significantly lower than actual Skytrain ticket prices
Risk of Arrest: Possession of fake tickets may result in legal consequences

Shops selling low-quality or counterfeit items at high prices.

Low Quality Items: Products may break easily or have limited durability
Counterfeit Goods: Items are copies of popular brands without proper licensing
Overpriced Items: Prices for items are significantly higher than the market rate

Individuals tampering with parking meters to charge for unused spaces.

Unauthorized Charges: Passengers may be charged for spaces they did not occupy
Potential Ticket: Vehicles parked in invalid spots may receive parking tickets
Risk of Theft: Vehicles left unattended for payment may be targeted by thieves

Fraudsters claiming to represent a legitimate lottery or sweepstakes.

No Winnings: Lottery is not legitimate, and winnings will never be awarded
Request for Personal Information: Scammers may ask for personal information or credit card details
Fee to Collect Winnings: Victims are asked to pay a fee to receive their winnings

Rental cars with hidden damages or inflated charges.

Hidden Damages: Additional charges are imposed for damages that occurred prior to rental
Inflated Charges: Rental agency may charge more than the agreed-upon rate
Lack of Insurance Coverage: Renters may not be fully covered in case of an accident or theft

Restaurants adding unexpected charges to the bill.

Unauthorized Charges: Extra fees or charges may be added without customer knowledge
Low-Quality Food: Meals may not meet the quality or quantity expected
Poor Service: Service may be slow, inattentive, or unprofessional

Unscrupulous hotels offering deals with hidden fees.

Hidden Fees: Additional charges are added to the room rate upon checkout
Low-Quality Accommodations: Rooms may not meet expectations or be poorly maintained
Dangerous Locations: Hotels may be located in unsafe neighborhoods or near high-crime areas

Fraudsters offering airport transfers at reduced prices, but with additional costs.

Additional Charges: Prices may increase due to traffic or other unexpected circumstances
Unlicensed Drivers: Drivers may not be properly licensed, increasing risk
Delayed Arrivals: Transfers may be delayed due to the driver's carelessness or poor navigation skills

Tour guides offering discounted tours but with reduced service quality.

Reduced Service Quality: Guides may provide inadequate or misleading information
Hidden Fees: Additional charges are added for transportation, entrance fees, and tips
Poor Safety Measures: Guides may disregard safety precautions or fail to provide necessary equipment

Performers asking for payment for a performance not enjoyed.

Unwanted Performances: Performances may be forced or aggressive, making them unwanted
No Payment Owed: Payment is not required for unsolicited performances
Distraction Tactics: Performers may distract victims to steal personal belongings or wallets

Fraudsters posing as charity representatives asking for donations.

No Proof of Legitimacy: Scammers may not provide documentation or proof of their cause
Donations Going to Fraudsters: Money donated may not go towards the intended charity
Aggressive Solicitation Tactics: Scammers may use high-pressure tactics or emotional manipulation to solicit funds

Pedicabs charging inflated fares or taking longer routes.

Inflated Fares: Prices may be significantly higher than the agreed-upon rate
Longer Routes: Drivers may take longer routes to increase fares
Unsafe Vehicles: Pedicabs may not be properly maintained or inspected, increasing risk

Artists drawing intricate designs on tourists' arms and charging for it.

Unexpected Charges: Prices may be significantly higher than the initial offer or may include additional charges
Tattoo-like Designs: Designs may be permanent and difficult to remove
Poor Quality: Artwork may fade quickly or not meet the expected quality

Individuals posing as friendly locals who later ask for money.

Request for Money: Friends may ask for money under the guise of an emergency or financial need
Lack of Authenticity: Individuals may not be locals or may have ulterior motives
Potential Theft: Friends may try to steal personal belongings or wallets