Tourist Scams in USA — Safety Guide 2026
USA has 311+ documented tourist scams across 30 cities in our database. Scam activity is rated high. The most common risks are street scams, tour & activities, taxi & transport.
Overall risk
High
Scams documented
311+
Cities covered
30
High severity
109
All 30 covered cities in USA
New York
19 documented scams
Las Vegas
13 documented scams
Miami
12 documented scams
New Orleans
11 documented scams
Denver
11 documented scams
Chicago
11 documented scams
Atlanta
11 documented scams
Boston
11 documented scams
Washington DC
10 documented scams
Seattle
10 documented scams
Sedona
10 documented scams
Key West
10 documented scams
Houston
10 documented scams
Austin
10 documented scams
Charleston
10 documented scams
Honolulu
10 documented scams
Los Angeles
10 documented scams
Nashville
10 documented scams
Orlando
10 documented scams
Philadelphia
10 documented scams
Phoenix
10 documented scams
Portland
10 documented scams
San Antonio
10 documented scams
San Diego
10 documented scams
San Francisco
10 documented scams
Savannah
10 documented scams
Dallas
8 documented scams
Salt Lake City
8 documented scams
Tampa
8 documented scams
Minneapolis
8 documented scams
Most common scam types in USA
Street Scams
85 reports
Tour & Activities
53 reports
Taxi & Transport
45 reports
Other Scams
32 reports
USA travel safety questions
Is USA safe for tourists?
USA is visited by millions of tourists every year and is generally safe with preparation. Our database documents 311+ tourist scams across 30 cities in USA. Scam activity is rated high overall. The most common risks are street scams, tour & activities, taxi & transport scams. Reviewing the specific warnings for your destination before you travel significantly reduces your risk.
What are the most common tourist scams in USA?
The most frequently documented tourist scams in USA are Street Scams, Tour & Activities, Taxi & Transport, Other Scams. New York has the highest documented scam count with 19 reported incidents. Scam operators typically target tourists near transit hubs, major attractions, and busy markets.
Which city in USA has the most tourist scams?
New York has the highest number of documented tourist scams in USA with 19 recorded incidents in our database. Other cities with significant scam activity include Las Vegas and Miami.
How can I stay safe from scams in USA?
The most effective protection in USA is knowing the specific scams used before you arrive. Key precautions: use app-based transport instead of street taxis, verify prices before agreeing to any service, keep valuables secured in crowded areas, and be cautious of unsolicited help or attention from strangers near tourist sites. Review the detailed warnings for each city you plan to visit.
Editorial note: Scam warnings for USA are compiled from government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT), verified news sources, and traveler reports. Read our methodology →
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