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

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

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1. Capital Area Transit Scams

Be cautious when using Capital Area Transit in Raleigh. Watch out for pickpockets and overcharging by unofficial transit helpers.
  • Official Uniform: CAT officials always wear uniforms with ID badges.
  • Payment Methods: Only use official payment methods on CAT buses and stations.
  • Avoid Isolated Areas: Avoid traveling alone in isolated areas, especially at night.

2. Airport Parking Scams

Some unscrupulous individuals may offer to park your car for a higher price or damage it while it's parked in unofficial spots at Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
  • Official Parking Spaces: Always park in official parking spaces provided by the airport.
  • Parking Rates: Be aware of the standard parking rates at RDU and report any suspiciously low or high offers.
  • Report Suspicious Activity: Immediately report any suspicious activity to airport staff or security.

3. Tour Guide Scams

Unlicensed tour guides may offer misleading information or charge excessive fees in Raleigh.
  • Check Credentials: Ask for credentials and verify that the guide is licensed by the city.
  • Group Tours: Join group tours to ensure you're not being overcharged.
  • TripAdvisor Reviews: Check reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor before booking a tour guide.

4. Food Truck Scams

Some food trucks may use substandard ingredients or overcharge customers in Raleigh.
  • Check Hygiene Ratings: Look for high hygiene ratings on the food truck.
  • Ask About Ingredients: Ask about ingredients to ensure they are fresh and of good quality.
  • Popular Spots: Visit popular food truck locations for a higher chance of good food.

5. Hotel Scams

Some hotels in Raleigh may overbook or charge hidden fees.
  • Book Directly: Book directly with the hotel to avoid booking scams.
  • Check Reviews: Check reviews on platforms like Booking.com and TripAdvisor before booking.
  • Ask About Hidden Fees: Ask about any hidden fees when making a reservation.

6. Car Rental Scams

Some car rental companies in Raleigh may charge for damages that were already present.
  • Inspect the Car: Thoroughly inspect the car before accepting it.
  • Check Contract Details: Carefully check the rental contract for any hidden fees or charges.
  • Rent from Reputable Companies: Rent from reputable companies with good reviews.

7. Ticket Scalping Scams

Scalpers may sell fake or overpriced tickets for events in Raleigh.
  • Buy from Official Outlets: Always buy tickets from official outlets.
  • Check Event Websites: Check event websites for the latest ticketing information.
  • Report Suspicious Activity: Immediately report any suspicious activity to local authorities or event organizers.

8. ATM Scams

Some ATMs in Raleigh may skim your card information or charge high fees.
  • Use Bank ATMs: Use ATMs provided by your bank to avoid being skimmed.
  • Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent keylogging.
  • Check ATM for Tampering: Check the ATM for any signs of tampering before using it.

9. Public Wi-Fi Scams

Public Wi-Fi spots in Raleigh may be set up to steal your data.
  • Use a VPN: Use a VPN when using public Wi-Fi.
  • Avoid Logging in: Avoid logging into sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi.
  • Secure Websites Only: Only visit websites with 'https' when using public Wi-Fi.

10. Charity Scams

Some individuals may pose as charity workers to solicit donations in Raleigh.
  • Check the Charity: Check the charity's authenticity before donating.
  • Official Receipts: Request an official receipt for your donation.
  • Donate Online: Donate online to avoid face-to-face scams.

11. Craigslist Scams

Some listings on Craigslist in Raleigh may be fraudulent or involve identity theft.
  • Meet in Public Places: Always meet in public places when using Craigslist.
  • Check Seller's Information: Thoroughly check the seller's information before transacting.
  • Use PayPal or Venmo: Use secure payment methods like PayPal or Venmo for transactions.

12. Timeshare Presentation Scams

Some timeshare presentations in Raleigh may be high-pressure sales tactics leading to excessive fees.
  • Research the Company: Research the company before attending a presentation.
  • Check Contract Details: Carefully check the contract for any hidden fees or charges.
  • Avoid High-Pressure Tactics: Avoid presentations that use high-pressure sales tactics.

13. Festival Scams

Some vendors at festivals in Raleigh may sell fake or low-quality items.
  • Check Prices: Compare prices with other vendors to avoid overpaying.
  • Buy from Reputable Vendors: Buy from reputable vendors with good reviews.
  • Check Event Websites: Check the event's website for any warnings or advisories about scams.

14. Taxi Scams

Some taxis in Raleigh may overcharge or take a longer route.
  • Use App-Based Services: Use app-based taxi services for a more reliable experience.
  • Ask for Receipts: Always ask for a receipt at the end of the trip.
  • Avoid Isolated Routes: Avoid isolated routes and stick to busy streets when traveling by taxi.

15. Street Performer Scams

Some street performers in Raleigh may use tricks to get more money.
  • Set a Limit: Set a limit for how much you're willing to donate.
  • Check the Performance: Watch the performance before donating to ensure it's worthwhile.
  • Donate at Your Discretion: Donate only if you feel the performance is worthy and not under pressure.
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