Unfortunately, there are many ways that travelers are targeted by scammers, and there are shady practices that taxis, hotels, and others in the industry sometimes use. It's a good idea to familiarize yourself with some of the most common scams that affect those who are traveling so that you can take steps to avoid them. Here are a few of the issues and scams we hear about most often.
Taxis
If you decide to use a taxi service instead of ridesharing, you'll want to make sure your driver uses the meter. Sometimes cab drivers tell travelers that the meter is broken, which can equal an overcharge for the passenger. Check the meter when you get in to see what it says, make sure it's working, and get info about the rate before you take off. If something seems amiss, take a different cab.
Similarly, there have been some reports of a scam that targets travelers staying in hotels and using taxis. The driver takes the passenger to a different hotel and says that the original is overbooked. To avoid this, always double (and triple) check your reservations, and go to the hotel of your reservation before you go anywhere else.
Street Scammers
There are a few different scams that are pretty common on the streets of any city or vacation destination. These range from free jewelry to scammers impersonating officers. Some scams happen at ATMs, and there are pick-pockets and thieves that will try to take money in overt or covert manners. Keep your belongings close to you and don't get involved with anyone trying to "help" you with expensive items or money.
Take a Shuttle
One easy way to start the trip off right and avoid some of those scams is to take a reputable shuttle to your destinations. In the Treasure Valley, you can use Caldwell Transportation for an airport shuttle, corporate events, and more. We take care of the commute so you can relax.
Find out how Caldwell Transportation can alleviate the pain of traveling by contacting us today!