Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Portland, Oregon, United States
1. Downtown Portland Food Cart Scam
Be wary of food carts that offer unusually low prices or pressure you to pay in cash only. Some may serve expired or contaminated food.
- Unusually Low Prices: If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Pressure to Pay in Cash Only: Legitimate businesses usually accept multiple forms of payment.
- Expired or Contaminated Food: Avoid carts that appear unsanitary or do not have health department certification visible.
2. Maximum occupancy Taxi Scam
Taxi drivers may try to charge you for more passengers than are actually in the taxi. Always check the taxi meter before entering.
- Checking the Taxi Meter: Ensure it's set correctly and matches your destination.
- Extra Passengers: Never pay for passengers who didn't travel with you.
- Unfair Fare: Ask for a receipt to verify the fare at the end of your journey.
3. Counterfeit Goods Market Scam
Beware of vendors selling counterfeit goods in popular markets. These items may be low quality or even dangerous.
- Low Quality Items: Check for signs of poor craftsmanship or unusual pricing.
- Dangerous Goods: Some counterfeit items may contain harmful substances.
- Vendor Reputation: Research the market beforehand and avoid vendors with negative reviews.
4. Fake Tour Guide Scam
Some unlicensed tour guides may offer cheap tours but provide poor service or lead you to scams. Always verify your guide's licence.
- Checking for a Licence: A legitimate guide will have a licence and be able to provide proof.
- Cheap Tours: If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Poor Service: Avoid guides who do not provide a clear itinerary or rush through sites.
5. ATM Skimming Scam
Criminals may attach skimmers to ATMs to steal your card information. Use ATMs in well-lit, busy areas and cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
- Well-Lit, Busy Areas: ATMs in high traffic locations are less likely to be tampered with.
- Cover the Keypad: Prevent others from seeing your PIN.
- Monitor Account Statements: Regularly check your account statements for unauthorized transactions.
6. Airbnb Scam
Some Airbnb hosts may offer substandard accommodation or even cancel at the last minute. Always review the host's profile and communication history.
- Reviewing the Host's Profile: Look for positive reviews, responsiveness, and a complete profile.
- Communication History: Ensure the host responds promptly to your inquiries.
- Last-Minute Cancellations: Cancel any reservation if the host cancels at the last minute without a valid reason.
7. Street Performance Scam
Some street performers may demand excessive payment or harass you for money. Only tip if you are satisfied with the performance.
- Excessive Payment Demands: Avoid performers who demand more than a few dollars.
- Harassment: Do not engage with performers who become aggressive or pushy.
- Satisfaction with the Performance: Tip only if you are satisfied with the performance.
8. Pickpocketing in Public Places
Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas such as markets, festivals, and tourist attractions. Keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuable items.
- Crowded Areas: Pickpocketing is more common in busy locations.
- Secure Belongings: Use a money belt or keep your belongings close to your body.
- Displaying Valuable Items: Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or carrying large amounts of cash.
9. Pretend Friend Scam
Be cautious of overly friendly locals who offer to show you around or help with directions. They may lead you to scams or ask for money.
- Overly Friendly Locals: Trust your instincts if someone seems overly friendly.
- Leading to Scams: Avoid accepting help from strangers, especially in unfamiliar areas.
- Asking for Money: Do not give money to people you don't know.
10. Parking Lot Scam
Some parking lot attendants may charge for unauthorized services or even damage your vehicle. Only use reputable parking lots and check receipts.
- Reputable Parking Lots: Choose parking lots with good reviews and clear signs.
- Check Receipts: Ensure the receipt matches the services provided.
- Unauthorized Services: Avoid parking lots where attendants offer unasked-for services.
11. Counterfeit Ticket Scam
Some ticket sellers may offer counterfeit tickets for events or attractions. Purchase from authorized vendors only.
- Authorized Vendors Only: Always buy tickets directly from the venue or a reputable ticketing agency.
- Counterfeit Tickets: Be wary of tickets that seem too good to be true or have poor quality printing.
- Check Ticket Validity: Ensure the ticket has the correct date, time, and event information.
12. Rideshare Scam
Some rideshares may charge inflated prices or take longer routes. Use the official app and compare the estimated fare with the actual cost.
- Official App: Always book through the official rideshare app.
- Estimated Fare vs. Actual Cost: Check that the fare matches the estimated cost before starting your journey.
- Longer Routes: Avoid rideshares that take significantly longer routes to reach your destination.
13. Hotel Room Maid Scam
Some hotel maids may steal valuables from your room. Use the hotel's safe for valuable items and keep a close eye on your belongings.
- Hotel Safe: Store valuable items in the hotel's safe.
- Keep a Close Eye on Belongings: Do not leave valuable items unattended in your room.
- Room Inspection: Inspect the room for any missing items before checking out.
14. Wi-Fi Theft Scam
Public Wi-Fi networks may be used to steal your personal information. Use a VPN to encrypt your connection.
- VPN Usage: Always use a VPN when accessing public Wi-Fi.
- Personal Information Theft: Avoid logging in to sensitive accounts on public networks.
- Secure Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts.
15. Charity Scam
Some charity collectors may not be affiliated with legitimate organizations. Research charities before donating and give directly to the organization's website if possible.
- Research Charities: Verify the legitimacy of a charity by researching it online.
- Give Directly to the Organization: Donate through the organization's official website if possible.
- Ask for Identification: Ask collectors for identification and confirm they are affiliated with a legitimate organization.