Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Provo, Utah, United States
1. Rental Car Scams
Be cautious when renting cars from unofficial or unknown companies. Check for proper documentation and double-check the vehicle before leaving the lot.
- Document Verification: Ensure that the rental company has valid business permits and insurance documents.
- Vehicle Inspection: Thoroughly inspect the car before leaving the lot for any damage not noted in the rental agreement.
- Reputation: Rent from well-known and reputable companies to minimize risks.
2. ATM Scams
Stick to ATMs located inside banks or businesses to avoid skimming devices. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
- Location: Choose ATMs in secure locations such as banks and business establishments.
- Cover Keypad: Always cover the keypad when entering your PIN to protect your information from potential thieves.
- Monitor Your Account: Regularly monitor your account for any unauthorized transactions.
3. Taxi Scams
Use officially licensed taxis and always agree on the fare before starting your journey.
- Licensed Taxi: Always use licensed taxis with proper identification.
- Fare Agreement: Agree on the fare before starting your journey to avoid any confusion or overcharging.
- Safe Payment Methods: Use safe payment methods such as credit cards or mobile wallets for a paper trail.
4. Fake Tour Operators
Book tours only through reputable companies and read reviews before making a decision.
- Reputation: Choose tour operators with positive online reviews and testimonials.
- Agreement in Writing: Ensure that all agreements, terms, and conditions are clearly outlined in writing.
- Payment Methods: Use safe payment methods such as credit cards or secure online platforms for transactions.
5. Fraudulent Ticket Sales
Buy tickets only from authorized vendors and always verify ticket authenticity.
- Authorized Vendors: Purchase tickets from official vendors or authorized sellers.
- Ticket Authentication: Verify ticket authenticity by checking for holograms, watermarks, and other security features.
- Event Verification: Double-check event details with the official event organizer before making any purchases.
6. Counterfeit Merchandise
Shop only at reputable stores and be wary of bargains that seem too good to be true.
- Store Reputation: Choose well-known and reputable stores for your shopping needs.
- Bargain Wariness: Be cautious when encountering bargains that seem unusually cheap or too good to be true.
- Product Quality: Inspect items carefully before purchasing and look for signs of poor craftsmanship or low-quality materials.
7. Accommodation Scams
Book accommodations only through trusted platforms or directly from the property management.
- Trusted Platforms: Book accommodations through reputable online travel agencies.
- Direct Booking: Contact the property management directly for bookings to avoid double-booking or fake listings.
- Reviews and Ratings: Check reviews and ratings before booking accommodations for a better understanding of the quality of service provided.
8. Street Performers Scams
Be cautious when giving money to street performers and never force coins into collection containers.
- Voluntary Contributions: Give money voluntarily, never under pressure or coercion.
- Secure Collection Methods: Place coins directly into the performer's hands for a secure transaction.
- Respectful Interactions: Always be respectful and maintain a friendly demeanor when interacting with street performers.
9. Charity Scams
Donate to well-known charities or legitimate organizations and never share sensitive information.
- Reputable Charities: Donate to well-established, reputable charities.
- Secure Payment Methods: Use secure payment methods such as credit cards or trusted online platforms for donations.
- Personal Information Protection: Never share sensitive information like bank account numbers when making a charitable donation.
10. Internet Café Scams
Be cautious when using public computers and avoid accessing sensitive information.
- Computer Usage: Use only necessary applications on public computers and avoid saving any personal data.
- Secure Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all online accounts to minimize the risk of unauthorized access.
- Sensitive Data Protection: Avoid accessing sensitive data on public computers and use a VPN if necessary.
11. Beware of Street Vendors
Stick to well-known street vendors and be cautious when purchasing food or drinks.
- Reputable Vendors: Choose well-established, reputable street vendors.
- Proper Food Preparation: Ensure that food is prepared in a clean and sanitary environment.
- Safe Payment Methods: Use safe payment methods such as credit cards or mobile wallets for transactions.
12. Be Wary of Wi-Fi Hotspots
Avoid using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks to protect sensitive information.
- Secure Connections: Always use a secure, password-protected connection when accessing sensitive data.
- VPN Usage: Use a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic and protect your online activities.
- Avoid Sensitive Data Access: Minimize access to sensitive data on unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.
13. Unlicensed Massage Parlors
Only visit licensed massage parlors and check for certification before booking a service.
- Licensed Massage Parlor: Visit only officially licensed massage parlors.
- Certified Staff: Ensure that the massage therapist is certified and has the proper qualifications.
- Secure Payment Methods: Use safe payment methods such as credit cards or secure online platforms for transactions.
14. Dating Scams
Be cautious when communicating with strangers online and never share sensitive personal information.
- Verification of Identity: Verify the identity of your online acquaintance before sharing any personal information.
- Avoid Sensitive Data Sharing: Never share sensitive data such as bank account numbers or social security numbers online.
- Meet in Public Places: Always meet new acquaintances in public places and let someone know where you are going.
15. Beware of Fake City Guides
Only use official city guides or reputable tourist information resources.
- Official City Guides: Use only officially approved city guides or tourism resources.
- Reputable Information Resources: Choose reputable tourist information resources such as travel websites and guidebooks.
- Information Verification: Always verify information obtained from city guides or tourism resources with official sources.