Question 1

What is the "Sunset Celebration Pickpocketing" scam in Key West?

Accepted Answer

Mallory Square draws large crowds nightly for the sunset celebration. Professional pickpockets work the dense crowd, targeting wallets, phones, and cameras — often using the distraction of street performers to work in pairs. Use a front-pocket wallet or money belt. Keep phones in a secured inside pocket. Be especially alert when a stranger creates a distraction near you in a crowd.

Question 2

What is the "Street Performer Aggressive Tip Demand" scam in Key West?

Accepted Answer

Performers on Duval Street and Mallory Square physically involve tourists — placing items in hands, draping costumes on them, pulling them into performance space — then demand cash and become confrontational when refused. Maintain a clear physical boundary. If a performer makes contact with you without your consent, firmly return whatever was handed to you and walk away. You are not legally obligated to pay for unsolicited contact.

Question 3

What is the "Duval Street Drink Spike and Card Skim" scam in Key West?

Accepted Answer

On the Duval Street bar crawl strip, some venues or roaming individuals use the chaos of a busy night to switch or skim credit cards during tab payment. Tourists running a tab at multiple bars sometimes find unauthorized charges days later. In separate incidents, drinks are spiked to incapacitate victims and allow theft from wallets or bags. Use a cash budget for bar crawls on Duval Street rather than leaving a card behind the bar. Keep drinks in hand at all times and never accept drinks from strangers. Review card statements within 24 hours of a night out.

Street Scams in Key West

Sunset Celebration Pickpocketing

Street Performer Aggressive Tip Demand

Duval Street Drink Spike and Card Skim

Experienced a scam here?