Our guide on the US Cities where fear pickpockets and scammers the most for your next trip.
While the United States is a generally safe destination for travelers, certain cities and tourist-heavy areas have higher risks of pickpockets and scammers due to their bustling attractions and dense crowds.
Knowing where and how these risks manifest can help you stay vigilant and avoid common traps. Here’s a guide to the US cities where travelers are most wary of pickpockets and scams.
By staying aware and taking precautions, you can enjoy these vibrant cities without falling victim to pickpockets or scams.
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General Tips to Avoid Pickpockets and Scams
Stay Alert: Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded or busy areas.
Use Anti-Theft Gear: Invest in crossbody bags, RFID-blocking wallets, and money belts.
Trust Official Vendors: Buy tickets, tours, and souvenirs only from reputable businesses.
Avoid Flashing Valuables: Keep jewelry, phones, and expensive cameras out of sight.
Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Offers: Whether it’s a service, ticket, or donation request, always verify legitimacy.
Discussions about crime and scams in American cities often spark heated debates. Some locals argue that the media exaggerates safety concerns, unfairly labeling cities as dangerous and deterring tourism. Others insist that acknowledging these risks isn’t fearmongering—it’s realism. The truth likely lies somewhere in between. Tourist-heavy areas naturally attract opportunists, not because the cities are inherently unsafe, but because large crowds create easy targets.
Another controversial aspect is the perception gap between locals and travelers. Residents who understand the rhythm of their city can navigate it safely, but visitors often lack the same street smarts. Cities like Miami, Chicago, or Los Angeles may feel intimidating to newcomers but are second nature to those who live there. Locals often express frustration when tourists generalize their hometowns as “scam cities,” arguing that awareness—not avoidance—is the key to respectful travel.
Lastly, there’s a broader conversation about how tourism and inequality intersect. In some neighborhoods, economic hardship drives petty crime and street scams, creating tension between locals and visitors. Critics suggest that sustainable tourism—spending money in local businesses rather than tourist traps—helps reduce these disparities. Understanding that safety concerns are part of a larger social fabric allows travelers to approach destinations not with fear, but with empathy and mindfulness.
US Cities Where Travelers Fear Pickpockets
1. New York City, New York
Why:
As one of the most visited cities in the world, NYC’s crowded landmarks like Times Square, Central Park, and the subway system are prime locations for pickpockets and scammers.
Common Scams:
Street performers or “costumed characters” aggressively demanding tips after posing for photos.
Fake ticket sellers for Broadway shows or attractions.
Pickpockets in crowded subway trains.
How to Stay Safe:
Use a crossbody bag with zippers.
Avoid engaging with pushy street performers or unsolicited ticket offers.
Be alert on the subway, especially during rush hours.
2. Las Vegas, Nevada
Why:
The Las Vegas Strip and Fremont Street are bustling with tourists, making them hotspots for scams and pickpocketing.
Common Scams:
“Free” club entry wristbands or drink vouchers that require hidden fees.
Card trick hustlers or street gambling games designed to cheat participants.
Overcharging in bars or clubs, especially for unwitting tourists.
How to Stay Safe:
Avoid engaging with people offering deals on the street.
Stick to reputable venues for entertainment.
Monitor your belongings closely in crowded areas.
3. Miami, Florida
Why:
Miami’s nightlife and beaches, especially South Beach, are prime spots for pickpockets and scams targeting partygoers and tourists.
Common Scams:
Overpriced menu scams at beachfront restaurants.
“Helpful” locals offering parking assistance or fake valet services.
Pickpockets targeting distracted beachgoers.
How to Stay Safe:
Keep valuables secure while at the beach or nightlife venues.
Always verify menu prices before ordering.
Use official parking lots or valet services.
4. Los Angeles, California
Why:
Popular attractions like Hollywood Boulevard, Venice Beach, and Santa Monica Pier draw large crowds, making them fertile ground for scams.
Common Scams:
Street performers aggressively asking for tips.
Fake celebrity impersonators charging for photos.
Pickpockets targeting distracted tourists in busy areas.
How to Stay Safe:
Politely decline interactions with performers or impersonators.
Avoid displaying valuables like smartphones or wallets in crowded places.
Stick to well-lit, populated areas at night.
5. Orlando, Florida
Why:
With theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios attracting millions of tourists, scams often target families and groups.
Common Scams:
Fake ticket sellers offering discounted entry passes.
Overpriced souvenirs or “official” merchandise sold by unauthorized vendors.
Pickpockets in crowded theme park queues.
How to Stay Safe:
Purchase tickets only from official websites or authorized vendors.
Keep bags and wallets secure in crowded areas.
Avoid last-minute souvenir purchases from unverified sellers.
6. San Francisco, California
Why:
Areas like Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, and Golden Gate Park are popular but also prone to petty theft and scams.
Common Scams:
“Fake monks” asking for donations.
Pickpockets on crowded public transportation, especially cable cars.
Overpriced “souvenirs” or tours sold by street vendors.
How to Stay Safe:
Avoid engaging with people asking for donations in tourist zones.
Use anti-theft bags in crowded areas.
Verify prices before buying souvenirs or booking tours.
7. Chicago, Illinois
Why:
Tourist-heavy areas like Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and public transportation are common spots for theft and scams.
Common Scams:
Overpriced parking lot scams or fake parking attendants.
Distracting techniques like asking for directions while an accomplice pickpockets.
Counterfeit tickets for local attractions.
How to Stay Safe:
Park only in official lots with clear signage.
Keep belongings secure and avoid multitasking in crowded spaces.
Purchase tickets through verified sources.
8. Washington, D.C.
Why:
With attractions like the National Mall and Smithsonian museums, scammers target tourists unfamiliar with the area.
Common Scams:
Fake tour guides offering bogus or overpriced tours.
Pickpockets in crowded Metro stations and trains.
Street vendors selling counterfeit or overpriced merchandise.
How to Stay Safe:
Book tours through reputable companies.
Keep bags close and secure in public transportation.
Avoid buying souvenirs from unlicensed street vendors.
9. New Orleans, Louisiana
Why:
The lively atmosphere of Bourbon Street and the French Quarter attracts both tourists and opportunistic scammers.
Common Scams:
The “shoe shine” scam, where someone claims they know where you got your shoes and charges for a trivial service.
Street performers aggressively soliciting tips.
Pickpockets during Mardi Gras or other crowded events.
How to Stay Safe:
Politely decline unsolicited services or interactions.
Secure your belongings in crossbody bags with zippers.
Avoid carrying large sums of cash.
10. Honolulu, Hawaii
Why:
Hawaii’s beaches and resorts attract tourists, making them targets for scams and theft.
Common Scams:
Overpriced or fake tour packages for attractions like Pearl Harbor.
Rental car break-ins at popular beaches.
Pickpockets targeting distracted beachgoers.
How to Stay Safe:
Book tours through trusted vendors.
Avoid leaving valuables in rental cars.
Keep personal items close and attended at the beach.
Final Thoughts
Traveling across the United States can be as thrilling as it is unpredictable. Each city has its own rhythm, energy, and charm—but also its risks. From bustling tourist hubs like New York City and San Francisco to entertainment capitals like Las Vegas, travelers consistently report concerns about pickpockets, scammers, and street hustlers targeting visitors. These incidents don’t define the cities themselves, but they do serve as a reminder that even in familiar destinations, vigilance is essential.
The good news is that awareness is the most powerful defense. Most scams thrive on distraction and overconfidence—two things that can easily happen when you’re relaxed on vacation. By understanding the local environment and staying alert in crowded places, you can enjoy your trip without falling victim to common tricks. Every city has its share of opportunists, but the same urban spaces that attract scams also offer incredible culture, history, and food worth exploring.
Ultimately, traveling safely in these high-risk cities doesn’t mean avoiding them altogether. It means engaging smartly. By taking small, consistent precautions—like securing valuables, researching neighborhoods, and trusting your instincts—you can experience America’s greatest destinations with confidence and peace of mind.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.