Is Dallas Safe for Tourists in 2026?

Unlicensed drivers posing as Uber or Lyft drivers approach travelers in the ground transportation areas at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field, claiming to be their requested rideshare. Victims are overcharged or taken on longer routes, and in some cases personal safety is compromised by riding with an unverified driver.

How to avoid: Always verify the driver's name, license plate, and car model within the rideshare app before getting in. Use designated rideshare pickup zones and never accept rides from anyone who approaches you inside the terminal.

Where: Ground transportation levels at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) Terminal D and Love Field (DAL) rideshare pickup zones

Scalpers and scammers sell counterfeit or already-used tickets outside AT&T Stadium in Arlington for Cowboys games and near American Airlines Center in downtown Dallas for Mavericks, Stars, and concert events. Tickets are sold as genuine but are invalid at the gate. Digital ticket scams via social media are also common leading up to high-demand events.

How to avoid: Purchase tickets only through official team websites, Ticketmaster, or AXS. If buying resale, use verified platforms with buyer guarantees. Never buy tickets from strangers outside the venue.

Where: Parking lots and sidewalks outside AT&T Stadium in Arlington, sidewalks surrounding American Airlines Center on Victory Park Plaza, Dallas

Ahead of large events at AT&T Stadium (Cowboys games, concerts) and during major Dallas conventions, fraudulent short-term rental listings appear on Craigslist and social media offering properties near the venue at below-market rates. After payment is made via Zelle or wire transfer, the renter arrives to find the property does not exist, is already occupied, or is nothing like the listing photos.

How to avoid: Book only through platforms with buyer protection (Airbnb, Vrbo) and never transfer money via Zelle, Venmo, or wire transfer for rental payments. Verify the address on Google Maps Street View before booking. Be skeptical of any listing that is dramatically cheaper than others for the same dates.

Where: Short-term rental listings targeting addresses near AT&T Stadium (Arlington), American Airlines Center (Victory Park), and Dallas Convention Center

In and around the Dallas Convention Center and hotel corridors on Commerce Street and Elm Street, fraudulent Wi-Fi hotspots mimicking hotel or venue network names are set up to intercept logins and financial data from connecting devices. Travelers connecting to networks labeled "Hilton_Guest," "Convention_WiFi," or similar generic names are at risk.

How to avoid: Verify the exact Wi-Fi network name with front desk staff before connecting. Use a VPN on any public or hotel network. Avoid logging into banking or sensitive accounts on convention or hotel Wi-Fi. Use mobile data for anything sensitive.

Where: Dallas Convention Center (650 S Griffin St), hotels on Commerce St and Elm St in downtown Dallas, Dallas Market Center area