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

All Topics about Sacramento All Cities in United States

1. Sacramento International Airport Scams

Avoid taxi scams by using only authorized taxis from the designated rank, or pre-book a reputable service.

Authorized Taxis: Look for official signs or ask airport staff to confirm.
Pre-Booking: Reserve your taxi service in advance online or through a reliable local company.
Designated Rank: Stick to the designated taxi rank areas for safety and legitimacy.

Avoid donating to unsolicited performers who may not be genuine; stick to registered street performer areas or official events.

Registered Street Performers: Look for a badge, permit, or other sign indicating they are registered.
Official Events: Attend only city-sanctioned events and festivals where performers are legitimate.
Donation Boxes: Use designated donation boxes or give directly to registered performers.

Avoid scam tours by researching tour companies and checking reviews; verify if the gold is real before purchasing.

Tour Company Reputation: Choose established, well-reviewed tour operators for a safe and authentic experience.
Gold Authenticity: Verify the gold's origin and quality with a professional or reputable source.
Customer Reviews: Read reviews from past customers to make an informed decision.

Avoid purchasing counterfeit goods at farmers markets by checking for quality and asking questions about authenticity.

Quality Assessment: Look for poor craftsmanship, inconsistent branding, or unusual pricing.
Asking Questions: Speak with vendors to confirm the origin and quality of their goods.
Reputable Vendors: Shop from established vendors with a good reputation and positive reviews.

Avoid renting bikes or kayaks from unofficial vendors; always use authorized rental services.

Authorized Rental Services: Look for official signs, booths, or ask riverfront staff to confirm.
Rent from Reputable Companies: Choose well-established rental companies with a good reputation and online presence.
Return Equipment Correctly: Follow all guidelines for returning equipment to authorized locations.

Avoid overpriced drinks or fake club entry fees by researching bars and clubs; stick to credit card transactions.

Research Prices: Check online reviews for average drink prices and entry fees.
Credit Card Transactions: Pay with credit cards to monitor transactions and ensure legitimacy.
Legitimate Clubs: Choose popular, well-established nightlife venues with positive reviews.

Avoid ticket scams by purchasing tickets from official outlets or verified resellers.

Official Outlets: Purchase tickets directly through the team's website or box office.
Verified Resellers: Use reputable, verified ticket resellers with a good track record.
Avoid Street Sales: Never buy tickets from street vendors or individuals to avoid counterfeits.

Avoid ticket scams by purchasing valid tickets from authorized vendors; watch for pickpockets in crowded areas.

Authorized Vendors: Purchase tickets at official ticket booths or vending machines.
Valid Tickets: Ensure the ticket is valid and properly stamped, if necessary.
Crowded Area Safety: Keep personal belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings in busy areas.

Avoid overpriced souvenirs or services by researching shops; haggle prices if necessary.

Research Prices: Compare prices with other nearby shops and online.
Haggle Prices: Negotiate prices, especially for large or unusual items.
Reputable Shops: Choose established shops with good reviews and a friendly atmosphere.

Avoid fake vendors or scams by checking the festival's official website; stick to registered vendors.

Official Website: Find the festival's official website for vendor information.
Registered Vendors: Look for signs or badges indicating registered vendors.
Crowded Area Safety: Keep personal belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings in busy areas.

Avoid bike or kayak rental scams by using authorized rental services; watch for pickpockets in crowded areas.

Authorized Rental Services: Look for official signs, booths, or ask park staff to confirm.
Rent from Reputable Companies: Choose well-established rental companies with a good reputation and online presence.
Return Equipment Correctly: Follow all guidelines for returning equipment to authorized locations.

Avoid ticket scams by purchasing tickets from the museum's official website or box office.

Official Outlets: Purchase tickets directly through the museum's website or box office.
Avoid Street Sales: Never buy tickets from street vendors or individuals to avoid counterfeits.
Guided Tour Scams: Check for guided tour authenticity by reading reviews and confirming with the museum.

Avoid ticket scams by purchasing tickets from the zoo's official website or box office.

Official Outlets: Purchase tickets directly through the zoo's website or box office.
Avoid Street Sales: Never buy tickets from street vendors or individuals to avoid counterfeits.
Animal Encounter Scams: Verify the authenticity of animal encounters by checking with zoo staff.

Avoid overpriced art or services by researching galleries; haggle prices if necessary.

Research Prices: Compare prices with other nearby galleries and online.
Haggle Prices: Negotiate prices, especially for large or unusual pieces.
Reputable Galleries: Choose established galleries with good reviews and a professional atmosphere.

Avoid overpriced goods or services by researching markets; haggle prices if necessary.

Research Prices: Compare prices with other nearby night markets and online.
Haggle Prices: Negotiate prices, especially for large or unusual items.
Reputable Markets: Choose established markets with good reviews and a lively atmosphere.