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Washington D.C., United States
10 reported scam patterns travellers run into in Washington D.C., what they look like, and how to sidestep them.
Sellers offering timed-entry passes for free museums and monuments at a price, when those passes are issued free online.
Unofficial 'tour' sellers on the national mall charging for access to monuments and museums that are free to enter.
Fake charity collectors with clipboards working the mall and transit entrances.
Dynamic currency conversion at card terminals and independent cash machines at poor rates.
Counterfeit branded goods and souvenirs sold from street stalls as official.
Short-let listings taking deposits for properties unavailable or unlicensed, spiking around inauguration and event periods.
Restaurants applying automatic gratuity plus separate service charges, with tipping prompted again on the total.
Unofficial parking attendants charging at spaces that are free or already metered near the mall.
Drivers taking extended routes from the airports and applying surcharges that do not apply.
Pickpocketing on crowded transit lines and around the mall during peak season and major events.
