Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Toronto, Canada

1. Street performers at Yonge-Dundas Square

Talented musicians and entertainers often gather here. Be cautious of overly eager 'helpers' or overpriced tips.

Unexpected Tips: Avoid giving your belongings to strangers offering help, as they might ask for unnecessary payments later.
Overpriced Gifts: Beware of overpriced or fake items offered as gifts by the performers. Never pay more than the actual worth.
Donation Boxes: Check for donation boxes nearby if you'd like to support the performer; avoid giving money directly to them.

Some taxis may offer inflated fares or lead you to unauthorized taxi services. Use only approved airport taxis.

Approved Taxi Stands: Always take a taxi from the designated airport taxi stands.
Fixed Rates: Ask for the fare before getting in; some taxi scams offer fixed rates which can be much higher than standard fares.
Payment Methods: Ensure the taxi takes credit cards or exact change. Avoid paying with large bills if possible.

During festivals, beware of pickpockets and overpriced goods in this vibrant neighborhood.

Crowd Awareness: Keep your belongings secure in crowded areas and avoid flashing valuable items.
Price Verification: Check prices against multiple vendors to ensure you're getting a fair deal.
Local Police Presence: Find out if the police are present at the festival. If not, contact local authorities for assistance.

Some restaurants overprice dishes or serve low-quality food to tourists. Research restaurants beforehand.

Online Reviews: Read reviews from locals and past visitors online.
Avoid Busy Streets: Restaurants on busy streets may cater more to tourists, so try dining in quieter locations.
Menu Translation: Look for restaurants with menus translated into English or ask a local for recommendations.

Be cautious when purchasing branded items; some sellers may offer counterfeit goods.

Legal Concerns: Buying counterfeit goods can lead to legal issues, so avoid them altogether.
Authenticity Check: Look for signs of poor quality or inconsistencies in the item. Ask for receipts and warranty information.
Local Shops: Shop at reputable stores or markets, preferably those recommended by locals.

Some guides may offer unauthorized tours at the CN Tower. Look for licensed guides to ensure authenticity.

Licensed Guide Identification: Ask to see their official guide's license and ID.
CN Tower's Official Tours: Take tours directly from the CN Tower; they will only hire licensed guides.
Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect someone is an unlicensed guide, report them to local authorities.

Some individuals may try to sell fake or expired parking tickets near Rogers Centre. Buy from authorized vendors only.

Authorized Vendors: Buy parking tickets from official parking booths or authorized ticket vendors.
Check Expiration Date: Ensure the ticket you buy is valid and has not expired.
Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect someone is selling fake tickets, report them to local authorities.

Some free public Wi-Fi hotspots may pose security risks. Use trusted Wi-Fi networks when possible.

VPN Usage: Use a VPN to secure your connection and protect your data.
Avoid Personal Details: Never enter personal details or sensitive information while using public Wi-Fi networks.
Hotspot Verification: Verify the name of the Wi-Fi network before connecting. Avoid networks with misspellings or vague names.

Some individuals may scratch your car in a parking lot and then demand payment. Park in well-lit areas with surveillance.

Well-Lit Areas: Choose well-lit parking lots or garages for added security.
Surveillance Cameras: Park in areas with surveillance cameras to deter potential scammers.
Document Damage: Take photos of any damage before leaving your car, so you have evidence if needed.

Some ATMs may skim card information or request a PIN. Use trusted ATMs and protect your PIN.

Bank ATMs: Use ATMs located within banks for added security.
Cover Your Keypad: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent potential cameras from recording it.
Monitor Accounts Regularly: Regularly monitor your accounts for unauthorized transactions.

Some individuals may offer unsolicited help or overcharge for ferry tickets. Purchase tickets from authorized vendors.

Authorized Ticket Vendors: Buy your ferry ticket from the authorized ticket booths.
Avoid Unwanted Help: Decline help from strangers offering to assist with tickets or bags, as they may demand payment later.
Check Fare Rates: Know the standard fare rate before boarding the ferry, so you can avoid overcharges.

During events or festivals, some performers may demand excessive tips. Be cautious and research performer reputation.

Event Information: Research the event schedule to know which performances are official.
Avoid Overpriced Tips: Avoid giving excessive tips and check for donation boxes nearby.
Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect someone is asking for excessive or fraudulent tips, report them to event staff or local authorities.

Some individuals may try to sell fake lottery tickets or offer you winnings in exchange for money. Avoid such offers.

Official Lottery Outlets: Buy your tickets from official lottery outlets only.
Avoid Unsolicited Approaches: Decline offers for winnings or lottery tickets from strangers.
Verify Official Communication: If you suspect a winning, verify the communication through official channels.

Some sellers may offer poor-quality goods or try to overcharge for items. Research the seller beforehand.

Seller Reputation: Research the seller online and read reviews from past buyers.
Check Item Quality: Inspect items carefully before buying, especially if they seem too good to be true.
Meet in Public Places: Always meet for car boot sales in well-lit, public places with plenty of people nearby.

Some individuals may pose as charity collectors but are actually scammers. Donate to trusted organizations only.

Official Charity Identification: Ask for official identification from the collector and verify their affiliation with a recognized charity.
Direct Donations: Donate directly through the charity's website or contact them to confirm legitimacy.
Avoid Cash Donations: If possible, avoid giving cash donations. Use credit cards or check donation boxes instead.