Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Tucson, United States

1. Taxi Scam Alert

Watch out for overcharging taxi drivers at night or near popular tourist spots. Use official taxis only.

Be wary of unofficial tour guides offering services around popular attractions. Only use licensed guides.

Licensed Guides: Check for a valid guide's license and look for their ID.
Avoid Unofficial Offers: Don't accept unsolicited tour offers from strangers.
Research Tours: Book tours in advance with reputable companies.

Beware of counterfeit goods being sold at low prices in some markets. Stick to reputable shops.

Reputable Shops: Look for well-known brands or shops with good reviews.
Avoid Dodgy Areas: Stay away from areas known for selling counterfeit goods.
Check Quality: Inspect the item carefully and compare prices with other stores.

Be cautious when using ATMs, especially those in tourist areas or hidden from view. Use well-lit and secured ATMs.

Secured ATMs: Choose ATMs located in well-lit, busy areas.
Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent keyloggers.
Monitor Transactions: Check your account balance and transactions regularly.

Some vendors may start with a higher price but not intend to barter in good faith. Research prices beforehand and be firm with your offer.

Research Prices: Know the going rates for items before you start bargaining.
Firm Offer: Make a firm offer and be prepared to walk away if the vendor is not willing to negotiate fairly.
Recognize Tactics: Be aware of common bartering tactics like feigning reluctance to sell.

Watch out for people offering to 'watch' your car in a parking lot. Park only in secure and well-lit areas.

Secure Parking: Choose a secured, well-lit parking area.
Avoid Unattended Cars: Never leave valuables visible in your car.
Stay Alert: Remain vigilant when returning to your vehicle and avoid parking late at night.

Be cautious when dining alone in busy restaurants. Request the bill upfront to avoid being scammed.

Request the Bill: Ask for the check as soon as you finish eating.
Pay Attention: Stay alert and avoid distractions during your meal.
Avoid Solo Dining: Dine with others or in a busy, well-lit restaurant when possible.

Street performers may insist on payment even if you did not enjoy the performance. Only tip for good performances.

Quality of Performance: Only offer tips for quality performances.
Avoid Pressure: Do not feel obligated to tip if you did not enjoy the performance.
Know Local Customs: Research local customs and expectations for tipping street performers.

Check the rental car thoroughly before leaving the lot for any damage. Take photos and report any issues immediately.

Inspect the Car: Thoroughly inspect the rental car before driving away.
Document Damage: Take photos of any damage and report it to the rental company.
Return on Time: Return the car on time and fill up the fuel tank before returning.

Be cautious when booking an Airbnb. Verify the host, property, and reviews before making a reservation.

Verify Host: Check the host's profile, reviews, and verification status.
Inspect Property: Check photos and descriptions to ensure the property meets your needs.
Communicate with Host: Stay in touch with the host before, during, and after your stay.

Beware of ticket scalpers offering event tickets at inflated prices. Purchase tickets only from official outlets.

Official Outlets: Only buy tickets from the venue box office or authorized sellers.
Compare Prices: Research ticket prices beforehand and be wary of significantly higher prices.
Avoid Late Purchases: Purchase tickets well in advance to avoid last-minute stress and potential scams.

Be cautious when approached by timeshare salespeople. Avoid giving out personal information or signing contracts.

Avoid Personal Info: Do not share sensitive personal information.
Be Wary of High-Pressure Tactics: Do not feel pressured to sign any contracts immediately.
Check with the BBB: Research the timeshare company with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Be cautious when donating to street charities. Research the charity before giving any money.

Research Charity: Look up the charity online and research its reputation.
Donate Directly: Donate to the charity directly instead of through street collectors.
Avoid High-Pressure Tactics: Do not feel pressured to donate immediately.

Be aware of fake parking tickets placed on your car. Park only in legal spots and check for official parking signs.

Legal Parking Spots: Park only in clearly marked, legal parking spaces.
Check for Signs: Look for official parking signs and restrictions before leaving your car.
Report Suspicious Tickets: If you receive a suspicious ticket, report it to the local authorities.

Avoid connecting to unsecured public WiFi networks. Use your mobile data or a trusted VPN service.

Use Mobile Data: Use your mobile data instead of public WiFi.
Secure VPN Service: Use a secure VPN service when connecting to unknown networks.
Avoid Sensitive Transactions: Do not conduct sensitive transactions over public WiFi.