Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Riverside, California, United States

All Topics about Riverside All Cities in United States

1. Riverside's Downtown Street Performers

Avoid street performers asking for money or offering fake gems. They may distract you while pickpockets strike.

Unauthorized Solicitation: Performers without official permits are breaking the law.
Distraction Theft: Thieves often work in groups, one distracting while another steals.
Counterfeit Merchandise: Fake gems or merchandise might be offered as a scam.

Watch out for overpriced or undercooked food at the market's food trucks. Ensure they have health department permits.

Price Gouging: Some food trucks may charge excessive prices.
Unhealthy Food Preparation: Poorly cooked or unsanitary food can lead to illness.
Absence of Health Department Permit: Food trucks without permits may not adhere to health and safety regulations.

Avoid shops selling overpriced or fake souvenirs near popular tourist attractions. Find local craft markets instead.

Overpriced Items: Tourist trap shops often mark up prices significantly.
Counterfeit Merchandise: Some shops may sell fake or low-quality merchandise.
Lack of Local Craftsmanship: Items in tourist traps may not be made by local artisans.

Avoid unlicensed taxi services or those without visible meters. Use only authorized taxis or ride-sharing apps.

Unauthorized Transportation: Unlicensed drivers may overcharge or take longer routes.
Safety Risks: Unregistered vehicles may not have insurance coverage.
Lack of Accountability: Authorized taxis and ride-sharing apps offer customer support and tracking features.

Avoid fake parking attendants who may ask for extra payment or damage your vehicle. Park in official city-run lots instead.

Excessive Fees: Fake attendants may demand more than the legitimate meter cost.
Vehicle Damage: Scammers may purposely damage your vehicle to extort money.
Unauthorized Parking Enforcement: These attendants have no authority to enforce parking rules.

Beware of ticket scalpers offering fake or overpriced tickets near popular events. Purchase tickets only from authorized vendors.

Counterfeit Tickets: Scalpers may sell you fake or invalid tickets.
Overpriced Tickets: Tickets sold by scalpers are often significantly more expensive.
Lack of Event Access: Without proper tickets, you may be denied entry to events.

Be wary of receiving counterfeit bills in change. Check bills for security features and use ATMs from banks.

Security Feature Absence: Counterfeit money often lacks the tactile and visual security features.
Loss of Money: Spending counterfeit money may lead to loss of your own funds.
Legal Consequences: Passing counterfeit money can result in criminal charges.

Be cautious of emails requesting personal information or clicking on suspicious links. Never share sensitive data online.

Identity Theft: Scammers may steal your identity for financial gain.
Financial Loss: You could lose money if scammers gain access to your accounts.
Cyberbullying or Harassment: Scammers may use your information to harass or intimidate you online.

Use only well-lit and busy ATMs. Cover the keypad to prevent keylogging devices. Monitor your account for unauthorized transactions.

Avoid responding to unsolicited lottery notifications. Do not send money or personal information to claim prizes.

Financial Loss: You may lose money by sending fees or purchasing 'insurance'.
Identity Theft: Scammers may steal your identity for fraudulent purposes.
Legal Consequences: Responding to these scams could lead to legal trouble.

Avoid donating money to unverified collectors at events. Research legitimate charities and donate online instead.

Fraudulent Charities: Scammers may use fake charities to solicit funds.
Lack of Transparency: Unverified collectors may not disclose how donations are used.
Donation Mishandling: Your donation might not reach the intended recipients.

Avoid stopping for strangers claiming to need help after an accident. Contact local authorities instead.

Identity Theft: Scammers may steal your identity or rob you.
Theft: You could lose personal belongings or money.
Legal Trouble: Assisting in a staged accident could lead to criminal charges.

Avoid buying counterfeit goods from unauthorized vendors or online marketplaces. Support local businesses instead.

Substandard Quality: Counterfeit goods may not meet safety or quality standards.
Legal Consequences: Possession of counterfeit goods can lead to criminal charges.
Supporting Illicit Trade: Buying counterfeit goods funds organized crime.

Avoid rental properties with demanding upfront fees or poor living conditions. Research properties and landlords thoroughly.

Property Theft: Scammers may steal your deposit or rent money.
Unsanitary Conditions: Rental properties may be unfit for habitation.
Legal Trouble: Renting from unauthorized landlords could lead to eviction or legal issues.

Be wary of listings with poor reviews, excessive upfront fees, or no verified host. Use the Airbnb platform for booking and communication.

Property Theft: Scammers may steal your deposit or payment.
Unsanitary Conditions: Rentals may be unfit for habitation.
Legal Trouble: Renting from unauthorized hosts could lead to eviction or legal issues.