Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Spokane, Washington, United States
1. Spokane Downtown Malls Scam
Avoid fake charity collectors at the Riverfront Park and Downtown Spokane malls by confirming they represent a registered organization.
- Recognizable Charity: Check for official charity logos or ID badges before donating.
- Busy Hours: Avoid giving during peak tourist seasons when scammers are most active.
- Local Police Station: Contact the Spokane Police Department if you suspect a scam.
2. Airport Taxi Scams
Avoid overcharges at Spokane International Airport by pre-booking with licensed taxi services or using airport shuttles.
- Pre-Booking: Book your taxi ride in advance to secure a fixed price.
- Official Taxis: Use taxis with official logos and proper identification.
- Airport Shuttle: Opt for airport shuttle services, especially if traveling in a group.
3. Fake Tour Operators
Choose reputable tour companies to avoid disappointing experiences and overcharges. Check reviews, licenses, and customer feedback.
- Licensed Operator: Ensure the tour company is legally registered in Spokane.
- Reviews and Ratings: Read customer feedback to assess the quality of service.
- Transparent Pricing: Avoid operators that do not provide a clear breakdown of tour costs.
4. Street Performers Scams
Support genuine street performers by offering tips after the performance; be cautious when they ask for money upfront.
- Post-Performance Tips: Offer tips only after the performance is complete.
- Avoid Upfront Payments: Never give money upfront for a promised performance.
- City Ordinances: Learn about city ordinances regarding street performances to avoid any confusion.
5. Public Transportation Scams
Be vigilant when using public transportation in Spokane; beware of pickpockets and bogus operators.
- Secure Wallet/Bag: Keep your belongings secure to avoid theft.
- Official Operators: Ensure the bus or train you are taking is an official Spokane Transit Authority vehicle.
- City Transportation App: Download the Spokane Transit app for real-time updates and schedule information.
6. Hotel Scams
Book from reputable hotel websites to avoid overpriced or fraudulent listings. Verify the location and reviews before booking.
- Reputable Hotel Websites: Book your stay through well-known travel websites.
- Location Verification: Check the hotel's exact location and distance to tourist attractions.
- Reviews and Ratings: Read customer reviews and ratings before booking your hotel.
7. Parking Scams
Park in authorized parking lots or garages to avoid fines and ticket scams. Look for well-lit and populated areas when parking your vehicle.
- Authorized Parking Areas: Park in official city parking lots or garages.
- Well-Lit and Populated: Choose well-lit, busy areas for safer parking options.
- City Parking Regulations: Familiarize yourself with Spokane's parking regulations to avoid fines and violations.
8. Ticket Scalping Scams
Avoid purchasing tickets from unofficial sellers or online marketplaces. Buy your event tickets directly from the venue or authorized outlets.
- Official Sellers: Buy event tickets from the official venue box office or authorized ticket vendors.
- Event Website: Check the event website for updates on ticket availability and sales.
- Ticketmaster Verification: Use Ticketmaster's verification tool to ensure your tickets are valid.
9. Restaurant Scams
Choose popular restaurants with good reviews to avoid subpar food and overpriced dishes. Ask about menu prices before ordering.
- Popular Restaurants: Dine at well-known, well-reviewed restaurants in Spokane.
- Menu Prices: Ask about the prices before ordering your meal.
- Local Cuisine: Try local dishes to get an authentic Spokane dining experience.
10. ATM Scams
Use ATMs in well-lit, populated areas and inside banks to avoid skimming devices and other fraudulent activities. Monitor your account for unusual activity.
- Well-Lit, Populated Areas: Use ATMs in well-lit, populated areas or inside banks.
- Bank ATMs: Use bank-operated ATMs to avoid potential scams.
- Account Monitoring: Regularly monitor your account for any unauthorized transactions.
11. Rental Car Scams
Book rental cars from reputable companies to avoid overpriced or damaged vehicles. Thoroughly inspect the vehicle before driving off.
- Reputable Companies: Rent your car from well-known, trusted rental companies.
- Vehicle Inspection: Inspect the vehicle for any damages before driving away.
- Excess Insurance: Consider purchasing excess insurance to protect yourself against potential damages.
12. Flea Market Scams
Bargain wisely and be cautious when buying high-value items at flea markets. Check for authenticity and functionality before purchasing.
- Authenticity: Confirm the authenticity of high-value items before purchase.
- Functionality: Test items for functionality before committing to a purchase.
- Negotiating Prices: Bargain wisely and don't be afraid to walk away if the price isn't right.
13. Public Wi-Fi Scams
Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive activities such as banking or shopping. Use a VPN to secure your connection.
- Sensitive Activities: Avoid using public Wi-Fi for banking or shopping transactions.
- VPN Usage: Use a VPN to encrypt your data and secure your connection.
- Private Networks: Consider using a private network if available for added security.
14. Bicycle Rental Scams
Rent bicycles from reputable companies to avoid damaged or overpriced bikes. Inspect the bike before riding.
- Reputable Companies: Rent your bicycle from a well-known, trusted company.
- Inspection: Thoroughly inspect the bike before riding.
- Insurance: Consider purchasing insurance for your rental to protect against damages or theft.
15. Social Media Scams
Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown apps from social media accounts. Verify the identity of your contacts before sharing personal information.
- Suspicious Links: Never click on suspicious links from unknown sources.
- Verifying Contacts: Verify the identity of your contacts before sharing personal information.
- Antivirus Software: Install and regularly update antivirus software on your devices.