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Street Scams in Key West, USA

Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas. Below are the street scams scams reported in Key West — how they work and how to avoid them.

For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Las Vegas, Miami, and Tulum.

Last updated: April 2, 2026

2

Street Scams Scams

10

Total in Key West

How it works

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.

How it works

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.

See all scams in Key West

10 total warnings across all categories

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