Question 1

What is the "Unlicensed wine country tour operators with no schedule" scam in Santa Barbara?

Accepted Answer

Operators booked through random sites or via street flyers offer Santa Ynez and Santa Rita Hills wine tours at 90-140 dollars per person. Tours either do not show up, skip advertised wineries, or dump guests at tasting rooms where the "tour" ends without the return trip. Book wine tours only through established operators like Santa Barbara Wine Country Tours, Silver Horse Tours, or Sustainable Vine Wine Tours. Verify their CPUC Charter-Party Carrier license and read TripAdvisor reviews dating back over a year.

Question 2

What is the "Fake whale-watching and harbor tour ticket sellers" scam in Santa Barbara?

Accepted Answer

Individuals sell "discount whale watching" or "harbor cruise" tickets at Stearns Wharf and the Harbor claiming to represent legitimate operators like Condor Express or Santa Barbara Sailing. Tickets are often expired, for a different operator, or fabricated; victims are turned away at the dock. Buy tickets only at each operator's own booth at the Harbor or through their official website. Condor Express, SEA Landing, and Santa Barbara Sailing each have branded on-site booths.

Question 3

What is the "Santa Barbara Bowl ticket resale scams" scam in Santa Barbara?

Accepted Answer

Before concerts at the Santa Barbara Bowl, individuals sell "spare" tickets at or above face value that are counterfeit, already scanned, or for the wrong date. Modern barcoded tickets are verified at the gate and fakes are refused. Buy tickets through Axs or the Santa Barbara Bowl official site. Use Axs-authorized resale only. Avoid street resellers regardless of apparent price.

Tour & Activity Scams in Santa Barbara

Unlicensed wine country tour operators with no schedule

Fake whale-watching and harbor tour ticket sellers

Santa Barbara Bowl ticket resale scams

Experienced a scam here?