Question 1

What is the "Fake Parking Attendant Scam" scam in Asheville?

Accepted Answer

Unofficial individuals wearing fluorescent vests position themselves near Pack Square Park, the Lexington Avenue corridor, and Haywood Road parking areas, directing tourists to "private" lots and collecting $10–$25 cash fees. These spots are often public city lots where parking is free or metered, or they are private lots where the attendants have no authority. Cars parked based on this guidance have been towed at owner expense. Use the City of Asheville's official parking app (ParkMobile) or look for city signage on the meter. Verify any attendant's authorization by asking which company they work for and requesting a written receipt. If the lot has no visible signage naming an operator, do not pay cash to any individual.

Question 2

What is the "Rideshare and Taxi Overcharging at River Arts District" scam in Asheville?

Accepted Answer

The River Arts District along Riverside Drive and Depot Street—home to artist studios in the Phil Mechanic Building and Cotton Mill Studios—is a 15-minute drive from downtown but is consistently misrepresented by drivers as farther. Unlicensed taxi operators near the Asheville Regional Airport on Terminal Drive quote flat rates for city trips that are 3–4× the metered equivalent, and surge pricing during Bele Chere-adjacent events and fall foliage season is applied without disclosure. Use the Uber or Lyft app within Asheville rather than hailing unregistered taxis. Verify the estimated fare before confirming your ride. For airport transfers, pre-book through a licensed shuttle service rather than accepting solicitations inside the terminal.

Taxi & Transport Scams in Asheville

Fake Parking Attendant Scam

Rideshare and Taxi Overcharging at River Arts District

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