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Few scams

North America

Tourist scams in United States

The United States is generally safe for tourists, and few visitors experience crime. Visitors may face petty crime or aggressive requests for money, but there is not enough information here to say how common tourist scams are.
  1. 1 On the streetOccasionalAggressive requests for moneySomeone asks for money and becomes persistent or intimidating. This is not always a scam, but the pressure can make you feel you must pay.Urban streets, especially pedestrian areas 3Read
  2. 2 Fake officialsOccasionalMisleading police statements during an arrestPolice may give untrue information about your rights, the reason for your arrest, or evidence against you. This is a warning about official conduct rather than a typical tourist money scam.During an arrest or police questioning 1Read

Habits that keep you safe

Money

  • Carry some cash, including small bills, in case your card is not accepted.
  • Check the exchange rate before paying with foreign currency near the Canadian or Mexican border; rates may be poor.
  • Check prices before ordering. Restaurant wine can cost up to four times the liquor store price.
  • At a restaurant that allows you to bring wine, check for a corkage fee.

Cards and ATMs

  • Keep your card secure and check your account for unexpected charges.
  • Keep your card issuer's contact details somewhere separate from your card.
  • Report a missing card promptly and freeze it if your bank offers that option.

Your belongings

  • Keep your phone, wallet, and bag close in busy tourist areas.
  • Avoid leaving valuables unattended.
  • Stay alert even in heavily policed tourist areas, where petty crime can still happen.

Nights out

  • Check food and drink prices before ordering.
  • Check when happy-hour discounts start and end.
  • Keep track of your belongings while drinking.
  • Avoid heated disputes and leave if a situation becomes aggressive.

Where you stay

  • Confirm the room price when calling a motel from an airport courtesy phone.
  • Confirm whether the airport shuttle is free before accepting a pickup.
  • Allow for a driver tip even when the shuttle is free.

Police and officials

  • Stay calm and respectful during a police stop. Keep your hands visible.
  • Tell the officer before reaching for identification.
  • If you doubt an officer is genuine, ask for their name and badge number. They may not provide them.
  • Follow the payment instructions printed on a traffic ticket.
  • Never offer a bribe.

What travellers say about United States

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

Are tourist scams common in the United States?

The United States is generally safe for tourists, and few visitors experience crime. There is not enough information here to give a reliable rate for tourist scams.

What should I do if someone pressures me for money?

Say "No" or "No, sorry" and walk away. Keep your distance if the person becomes aggressive. Call 911 if you are threatened or in immediate danger.

Are busy tourist areas safe from theft?

Most urban tourist areas are heavily policed, but petty crime can still happen. Keep your phone, wallet, and bag close.

Should I carry cash as well as a card?

Yes. Some businesses accept only cash, while others do not accept cash at all. Carry small bills because some stores refuse $50 or $100 bills for small purchases.

Can I pay with foreign currency?

Foreign currency is rarely accepted. Some businesses near the Canadian and Mexican borders accept those currencies, usually at poor exchange rates. Check the rate before paying.

Is an expensive restaurant wine bill a scam?

A high price alone does not mean fraud. Restaurant wine can cost up to four times the liquor store price. Check the menu and ask about any corkage fee before bringing your own wine.

Are airport motel shuttles free?

They are usually free, but confirm with the motel before accepting a pickup. You should tip the driver.

What if I am unsure whether a police officer is genuine?

Stay calm, keep your hands visible, and ask for the officer's name and badge number. They may not provide them. Do not walk away when an officer signals for your attention.

What should I do about an unexpected card charge?

Contact your card issuer promptly through its official app or contact details. Report the charge, freeze the card if needed, and save receipts or messages.

What number should I call in an emergency?

Call 911 for police, fire, or ambulance assistance. The call is free, but ambulance services are not free.

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