Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Tampa, United States
1. Busker's Square Scam
Street performers overcharging tourists for photos or services, Ybor City. Stay aware and set prices beforehand.
- Unexpected Charges: Be cautious of street performers who may inflate their prices without warning.
- Bystander Effect: Don't be afraid to ask for a fair price, even if others seem to pay more.
- Crowded Area: Be mindful of pickpockets and distractions in busy locations like Busker's Square.
2. Fishbowl Scam at the Florida Aquarium
Fishbowl prize scams where participants are encouraged to guess a fish, but never win. Avoid playing these games.
- Rigged Game: The game is rigged, and the winners are carefully selected to maintain the illusion.
- Pressure Tactics: Crowd pressure may make participants feel obligated to play the fishbowl game.
- Fake Winnings: The promised prize is usually a trinket of low value, not a real fish as suggested.
3. Parking Ticket Scam
Misleading or fake parking tickets sold by scammers in popular tourist spots. Park legally and be aware of your surroundings.
- Illegal Sellers: Scammers may pose as legitimate ticket sellers to deceive tourists.
- Fraudulent Tickets: Fake tickets can lead to actual fines or car impoundment by authorities.
- High Prices: Legitimate parking ticket prices are regulated, so be wary of unusually high costs.
4. Overpriced Rideshare Scam
Rideshare drivers charging higher prices or offering longer routes to unsuspecting tourists. Use reputable rideshare services and agree on fares beforehand.
- Price Markups: Rideshare drivers may inflate prices during peak hours or in tourist areas.
- Lengthy Routes: Some drivers may use longer routes to increase fares, so check the route beforehand if possible.
- Unlicensed Drivers: Be cautious of unregistered or unlicensed rideshare drivers posing as legitimate services.
5. Counterfeit Merchandise Scam
Selling counterfeit goods in popular tourist shops. Be aware of branded items' authenticity and research local retailers.
- Low Quality: Counterfeit goods are often poor quality, with subpar materials or construction.
- Brand Violations: Counterfeits may infringe on trademarks and intellectual property rights.
- Health Risks: Counterfeit cosmetics, food, or medicine can pose health risks to consumers.
6. ATM Skimming Scam
Fraudsters installing devices on ATMs to steal card information. Use secure and well-lit ATMs, and avoid using your card at suspicious machines.
- ATM Tampering: Skimmers can be attached to the card reader or keypad to steal card data.
- Fake Machines: Scammers may place fake ATMs in isolated areas to target unsuspecting tourists.
- Card Data Theft: Stolen card data can be used for identity theft or fraudulent transactions.
7. Coin-Operated Phone Scam
Phones with inflated calling rates in public areas. Use apps or free WiFi to make calls instead.
- High Rates: Coin-operated phones may charge exorbitant fees for calls.
- Unsecured Transactions: Inserting coins or cards can make transactions insecure and vulnerable to theft.
- Outdated Phones: Many coin-operated phones are outdated, offering poor call quality or slow service.
8. Rental Property Scam
Fraudulent rental properties advertised online. Verify the property's existence and landlord information before making payments.
- Fake Listings: Scammers may create fake listings to defraud tourists.
- Upfront Fees: Be wary of landlords asking for excessive or unusual upfront fees.
- Payment Scams: Scammers may request payment through untraceable methods like Western Union or MoneyGram.
9. Dining Bill Scam
Restaurant staff inflating bills or overcharging tourists. Check your bill carefully and pay with a credit card if possible.
- Hidden Charges: Extra charges may appear on the bill, such as service fees or taxes.
- Menu Inflation: Prices on menus may differ from the actual cost of dishes.
- Credit Card Fraud: Be cautious of restaurants requesting your credit card details for bill settlement.
10. Timeshare Presentation Scam
High-pressure timeshare presentations offering free gifts or discounts in exchange for attending. Politely decline and avoid these offers.
- Time Consumption: Presentations can last several hours, consuming valuable time during your trip.
- Sales Tactics: Scammers may use aggressive or manipulative sales tactics to pressure you into signing up.
- Hidden Fees: Timeshares often have hidden fees, making the overall cost much higher than advertised.
11. Trolley Tours Scam
Scammers posing as trolley tour operators and overcharging for rides or services. Only use reputable tour companies and research pricing beforehand.
- Inflated Prices: Tours may be priced higher than those offered by reputable operators.
- Crowd Factors: Scammers may use crowded areas to blend in with legitimate tour companies.
- Ticket Counterfeiting: Counterfeit tickets may be sold by scammers, so verify the ticket's authenticity before boarding.
12. Waterfront Cruise Scam
Scammers posing as boat tour operators offering low-cost or free cruises and then asking for excessive fees upon boarding. Research prices and verify the operator's legitimacy.
- Excessive Fees: Scammers may charge significantly more than advertised or ask for payment in unusual forms.
- Fake Operators: Fraudsters may pose as legitimate operators to lure tourists onto their boats.
- Unsafe Conditions: Boats operated by scammers may not be properly maintained or staffed, posing a safety risk.
13. Counterfeit Ticket Scam
Fake tickets sold for events such as concerts and sports games. Only buy tickets from reputable sources or box offices.
- Low Quality Counterfeits: Fake tickets may have poor print quality or other obvious flaws.
- Ticket Fraudsters: Scammers may pose as ticket sellers to defraud unsuspecting buyers.
- No Refund Policy: Counterfeit tickets are non-refundable, even if they are not authentic.
14. Pier Fishing Scam
Scammers offering fishing equipment rentals with inflated prices or faulty gear. Research rental companies and be cautious of unlicensed vendors.
- High Prices: Rental equipment may cost more than similar offerings from reputable companies.
- Faulty Equipment: Scammers may rent out damaged or low-quality fishing gear to tourists.
- Licensing Issues: Unlicensed vendors may not adhere to safety regulations, posing a risk to consumers.
15. Airbnb Rental Scam
Fraudulent Airbnb listings offering subpar accommodations or no lodging at all. Verify the property's existence and the host's identity before making payments.
- No Accommodation: Scammers may accept payment for nonexistent or subpar lodging.
- Low Quality Rentals: Rentals may be in poor condition, not as advertised, or in unsafe areas.
- Payment Scams: Scammers may request payment through untraceable methods like Western Union or MoneyGram.