Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
1. Surrey Visitor Centre Scams
Stay vigilant at the Visitor Centre for offers that seem too good to be true. Avoid sharing personal information carelessly.
- Personal Information: Never share sensitive data unnecessarily.
- Unrealistic Offers: Be wary of deals that seem excessively generous or unusual.
- Public Spaces: Remain aware in public areas like the Visitor Centre.
2. Guildford Town Centre Pickpocketing
Stay alert while shopping at Guildford Town Centre to prevent pickpocketing. Keep wallets in front pockets and bags zipped.
- Pickpockets: Crowded areas can attract opportunistic thieves.
- Valuables Storage: Store valuables securely in zipped bags or pockets.
- Public Awareness: Stay informed about local safety tips and trends.
3. Fake Tour Guides at Historic Sites
Avoid unofficial tour guides at historic sites like Bear Creek Park. Always book tours through official channels.
- Unofficial Guides: Unauthorized guides may try to scam you.
- Official Channels: Book tours through authorized park services or visitor centers.
- Park Safety: Ensure your safety by following official guidelines.
4. ATM Skimming at Mall Atriums
Be cautious when using ATMs in mall atriums. Watch for suspicious devices and cover the keypad with your other hand.
- ATM Skimming: Thieves can install skimming devices on ATMs.
- Suspicious Devices: Look for any unusual attachments on the ATM.
- Keypad Coverage: Cover the keypad to prevent keylogging.
5. Fraudulent Taxi Services
Only use licensed taxis in Surrey, such as those from Yellow Cab or Flash Cab. Confirm the fare before starting your journey.
- Licensed Taxis: Legitimate taxi services should be licensed and easily identified.
- Fare Agreement: Always agree on the fare before starting your trip.
- Avoid Street Hails: Don't hail taxis from the street to avoid unlicensed operators.
6. Counterfeit Goods at Local Markets
Be cautious when shopping for goods in local markets. Check for signs of counterfeits and only purchase from trusted vendors.
- Counterfeit Goods: Some sellers may offer fake or low-quality items.
- Trusted Vendors: Seek out reliable vendors with positive reviews and reputation.
- Quality Checks: Perform quality checks on the items before purchasing.
7. Phishing Emails at Accommodations
Be wary of suspicious emails claiming to be from your accommodation. Never click on links or provide sensitive information.
- Suspicious Emails: Phishing attempts can come via email.
- No Sensitive Info Sharing: Never share sensitive data through emails or unverified links.
- Verify Communication: Contact your accommodation directly to verify any communication.
8. Crowd Gatherings Scams
Stay alert during crowd gatherings, especially near popular attractions. Be wary of strangers offering help or services.
- Crowd Gatherings: In a crowd, it can be easier for scammers to blend in.
- Strangers Offering Help: Some individuals may take advantage of the chaos to scam you.
- Public Awareness: Stay informed about local scam trends and remain vigilant.
9. Ferry Terminal Ticket Scalpers
Avoid purchasing ferry tickets from unauthorized vendors near the terminal. Only buy tickets from official ticket offices.
- Unauthorized Vendors: Scalpers may sell fake or overpriced tickets.
- Official Ticket Offices: Always buy tickets from authorized ticket vendors.
- Ferry Safety: Ensure your safety by traveling on legitimate ferries.
10. Parking Lot Scams at Popular Venues
Only park in official parking lots when visiting popular venues. Be wary of individuals offering to watch your car or help with parking.
- Official Parking Lots: Avoid unofficial parking areas to prevent scams.
- Parking Assistance: Refuse any unsolicited offers for help with parking.
- Vehicle Security: Keep your vehicle locked and valuables hidden.
11. Fraudulent Wifi Hotspots
Avoid using unsecured WiFi hotspots in public areas. Use a VPN to secure your connection when needed.
- Unsecured WiFi: Public WiFi can be insecure, allowing hackers to access your data.
- VPN Protection: Use a VPN to encrypt your internet connection.
- Data Security: Protect sensitive information from potential hackers.
12. Fraudulent Charity Collectors
Only donate to recognized charities. Be wary of individuals asking for money in public places without a visible charity affiliation.
- Recognized Charities: Donate to well-known and trusted charitable organizations.
- Visible Affiliation: Charity collectors should be identifiable as representatives of the organization.
- Donation Security: Ensure your donation goes directly to those in need.
13. Street Performer Scams
Enjoy street performances, but be cautious of any requests for payment or personal information. Only give willingly.
- Requests for Payment: Street performers may ask for money or donations.
- Personal Information: Performers should not request personal information from spectators.
- Entertainment Value: Evaluate the performance before deciding to donate.
14. Fake Guides at Cultural Centers
Avoid unofficial guides at cultural centers. Always book guided tours through official channels.
- Unofficial Guides: Unauthorized guides may try to scam you.
- Official Channels: Book tours through authorized park services or visitor centers.
- Cultural Education: Ensure an authentic learning experience at cultural sites.
15. Airbnb Rental Scams
Book only verified Airbnb listings. Be cautious of last-minute changes or requests for additional payments.
- Verified Listings: Always book verified and well-reviewed rentals.
- Last-Minute Changes: Avoid any last-minute changes to your rental arrangements.
- Additional Payments: Never make additional payments outside the Airbnb platform.