Avoid Getting Scammed on your Washington DC Tour!

Avoid Getting Scammed on your Washington DC Tour!

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction 1.1 About Trip Hacks DC Tours 1.2 Purpose of the Article
2. The Two Tens for a 20 Scam 2.1 How the Scam Works 2.2 Tips to Avoid the Scam
3. The Fake Monk Scam 3.1 How the Scam Works 3.2 Tips to Avoid the Scam
4. The Venmo Scam 4.1 How the Scam Works 4.2 Tips to Avoid the Scam
5. The Metro and Smart Trip Card Scam 5.1 How the Scam Works 5.2 Tips to Avoid the Scam
6. Scams to Watch Out for in Airbnb and Home Rentals 6.1 The Neighbor Bruce Scam 6.2 The Utility Company Scam 6.3 The Fake Rental Scam 6.4 Tips to Avoid Scams in Airbnb and Home Rentals
7. Conclusion

The Tourist Scams to Watch Out for When Traveling to Washington DC

If you're planning a trip to Washington DC, it's important to be aware of the scams that can target tourists. While the city has a relatively low number of tourist scams, it's always better to be prepared and avoid falling victim to con artists. In this article, we will discuss some common scams in Washington DC and provide tips on how to protect yourself and your money. So, let's dive in and learn how to outsmart these scammers.

1. The Two Tens for a 20 Scam

1.1 How the Scam Works

One of the first scams you should be cautious of is the "Two Tens for a 20" scam. The scammer will approach you and ask if they can trade their twenty dollar bill for two ten dollar bills. However, during the exchange, they will quickly swap one of your tens for a one dollar bill and claim that you only gave them eleven dollars. They will then ask for another ten, promising to give back the original twenty. This leaves you with nine dollars less than what you started with.

1.2 Tips to Avoid the Scam

Avoid breaking large bills for strangers on the street. Reputable businesses have the ability to accept and break twenty dollar bills. Also, banks offer this service, so there is no need to participate in such cash exchanges on the street.

2. The Fake Monk Scam

2.1 How the Scam Works

Another scam to watch out for in Washington DC is the "Fake Monk" scam. Individuals dressed up as monks will try to hand you a bracelet as you walk by. Once you accept the bracelet, they will demand a donation, pressuring you to give them money. If you try to return the bracelet, they will refuse it, claiming that you have already touched it and they cannot take it back.

2.2 Tips to Avoid the Scam

It is best to decline any items offered by strangers on the street. Politely say "no thanks" and continue walking. If you're traveling with children, make sure they are aware of this scam and know not to accept anything from strangers.

3. The Venmo Scam

3.1 How the Scam Works

The Venmo scam is a relatively new but costly scam. Scammers approach you with a distress story and request to use your phone to make a call. While distracting you with their story, they will try to find the Venmo app on your phone and send money from your account to their own. They will pretend to make a call, but in reality, they haven't made any call at all.

3.2 Tips to Avoid the Scam

Never give your phone to a stranger, especially without unlocking it. Ensure that you have enabled security settings on financial apps like Venmo or PayPal, so no transactions can be made without entering a pin or scanning your fingerprint. If someone appears to be in distress, offer to call 911 on their behalf instead of letting them use your phone.

4. The Metro and Smart Trip Card Scam

4.1 How the Scam Works

If you plan on using the Metro in Washington DC, be cautious of the Metro and Smart Trip card scam. Scammers will offer to sell you a Smart Trip card that supposedly has ten dollars loaded on it for a discounted price. They might even show you that it works at an actual Metro machine. However, once you buy the card, they will report it as lost and transfer the balance to a new card that they own, leaving you with a useless card.

4.2 Tips to Avoid the Scam

To avoid this scam, simply purchase a Smart Trip card at any Metro station. Do not buy it from strangers on the street. By purchasing directly from authorized sellers, you can ensure the validity of the card and the funds loaded onto it.

5. Scams to Watch Out for in Airbnb and Home Rentals

5.1 The Neighbor Bruce Scam

One type of scam that can occur in Airbnb or other home rentals is the "Neighbor Bruce" scam. A person will knock on your door, claiming to be your neighbor in need of money because they left their keys and wallet at their office. They will ask for a small loan to take a taxi back to the office, promising to repay it with interest later. However, once they receive the money, they disappear and never return.

5.2 The Utility Company Scam

Another scam targeting Airbnb or home rental occupants is the utility company scam. Scammers will knock on your door, pretending to work for the electric company or Verizon. They will request entry to your property to conduct a systems check, but their real motive is to gain access for malicious purposes.

5.3 The Fake Rental Scam

The fake rental scam is a prevalent scam on websites like Craigslist. Scammers post rental ads for homes they don't own, typically using high-quality photos downloaded from real estate websites. They will convince you to pay a deposit or rental fee, but when you arrive at the property, the real homeowner is unaware of the situation, and your money is gone.

5.4 Tips to Avoid Scams in Airbnb and Home Rentals

Stick to reputable websites like Airbnb or VRBO when booking home rentals. Be cautious of new listings or those that lack credibility. It is best to choose properties with verified reviews from previous guests. If in doubt, consider booking a hotel instead to ensure a secure and legitimate accommodation.

7. Conclusion

While Washington DC is a relatively safe destination for tourists, it is important to be aware of potential scams targeting visitors. By familiarizing yourself with these scams and following the provided tips, you can protect yourself from falling victim to con artists. Remember to stay vigilant and use reputable channels for transactions and bookings, ensuring a safe and enjoyable trip to the nation's capital.