Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Zaporizhzhia, Zaporizka Oblast, Ukraine

All Topics about Zaporizhzhia All Cities in Ukraine

1. Currency Exchange Scams

Avoid exchanging money on the streets or with unofficial exchange offices. Use banks or authorized exchange centers for safer transactions.

Unregulated Market: Exchange rates can be unfavorable and you might receive counterfeit money.
Lack of Protection: There is no recourse if something goes wrong with the exchange.
Security Risks: Transactions in unofficial places could potentially involve pickpocketing or theft.

Avoid shared taxis that do not have a meter. Use official taxis or public transportation for safer travel.

Fraudulent Pricing: Shared taxis may charge inflated prices, and regular taxis without meters can also overcharge.
Safety Risks: Unregulated transportation can pose safety risks, as drivers might not adhere to traffic rules.
Language Barrier: Communication difficulties can make it harder for you to confirm the price or route with the driver.

Avoid street vendors offering accommodations. Book through reputable online platforms or authorized accommodation providers.

Deceptive Advertising: Accommodation quality can differ significantly from what is advertised.
Lack of Amenities: Rooms might not have promised amenities, such as Wi-Fi or air conditioning.
Fraudulent Bookings: Booked accommodations may not exist or be unavailable upon arrival.

Avoid purchasing goods from street vendors or unauthorized shops. Stick to reputable stores for authentic items.

Low Quality: Counterfeit goods are often of lower quality and may break or malfunction quickly.
Health Risks: Counterfeit cosmetics, for example, can contain harmful ingredients.
Legal Issues: Buying counterfeit goods can lead to legal problems when entering other countries.

Be wary of overly friendly locals who offer help or invite you somewhere. They may ask for money or try to take advantage of you.

Manipulation: Friends might try to manipulate your emotions or guilt you into giving them money.
Fraudulent Guides: Scammers may pose as guides and ask for payment for services not rendered.
Threats or Intimidation: Some scammers may use threats or intimidation to pressure you into giving them money.

Use ATMs located inside banks or well-lit, busy areas. Be cautious when using ATMs and cover the keypad to protect your PIN.

Skimming Devices: ATMs with skimming devices can steal your card information.
Shoulder Surfing: People might watch as you enter your PIN to steal it.
Card Trapping Devices: ATMs with card trapping devices can capture your card after you insert it.

Buy tickets for events from authorized sellers or the venue box office. Avoid buying tickets from street vendors or strangers.

Fraudulent Tickets: Scalpers might sell counterfeit or fake tickets.
Overpricing: Tickets sold by scalpers are usually more expensive than the original price.
No Refunds: If the event is cancelled, you will not receive a refund for your ticket.

Use pre-arranged airport taxis or take official city taxis. Avoid taxis offered by people at the airport.

Inflated Prices: Taxis offered at the airport usually charge higher prices than regular taxis.
Unsafe Drivers: Some unofficial drivers might not adhere to traffic rules, posing safety risks.
Language Barrier: Communication difficulties can make it harder for you to confirm the price or route with the driver.

Be cautious when using internet cafes. Do not leave your belongings unattended and protect your passwords.

Keylogging Devices: Internet cafes may have keyloggers that record your keystrokes to steal sensitive information.
Theft: Leaving valuable items unattended can lead to theft.
Virus Infections: Infected computers at internet cafes might install viruses or malware on your devices.

Avoid eating street food that looks unappetizing, seems to be prepared in unsanitary conditions, or is offered by suspicious vendors.

Foodborne Illnesses: Unsanitary preparation and storage can lead to foodborne illnesses.
Counterfeit Food: Some street vendors might sell counterfeit or low-quality food.
Overpricing: Street food prices can be significantly higher than in nearby restaurants.

Rent a car from reputable companies or through reliable online platforms. Be aware of hidden fees and damages to the car.

Hidden Fees: Some rental companies may charge additional, unexpected fees.
Unclear Terms: Rental agreements can have unclear or confusing terms, leading to unexpected charges.
Damage Claims: Rental companies might try to charge you for damage that existed before you rented the car.

Avoid donating to street charities or people asking for money. Research legitimate charities in Zaporizhzhia before making a donation.

Misuse of Funds: Donations might not be used for their intended purpose.
Fraudulent Collectors: Some people asking for donations may not be associated with a legitimate charity.
Lack of Transparency: It can be challenging to verify where the money is going or how it is being used.

Be wary of offers for free gifts or prizes. These scams usually require you to pay or provide personal information.

Request for Personal Information: Scammers may ask for sensitive personal information.
Upfront Payment: You might be asked to pay for shipping or other fees to receive the gift.
Identity Theft: Scammers may use your personal information for fraudulent purposes.

Avoid accessing sensitive information on public Wi-Fi networks. Use a VPN or wait until you have a secure internet connection.

Man-in-the-Middle Attacks: Public Wi-Fi networks can be intercepted, allowing attackers to steal your data.
Malware Distribution: Infected public Wi-Fi networks might install malware on your devices.
Data Theft: Public Wi-Fi can be used to steal sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers.

Book accommodations well in advance to avoid issues with overbooking. Confirm your reservation upon arrival.

Lack of Accommodation: Upon arrival, you might find out that the accommodation is already booked.
Inconvenience: Having to find alternative accommodations at short notice can be stressful and time-consuming.
Fraudulent Bookings: Booked accommodations may not exist or be unavailable upon arrival.