Question 1

What is the "Atlantic Ave Boardwalk Pickpockets" scam in Virginia Beach?

Accepted Answer

Pickpockets operate along the 3-mile Virginia Beach boardwalk, particularly during crowded summer evenings when beachgoers are distracted by street performers and vendors. Thieves work in pairs: one bumps or distracts the target while the other lifts wallets, phones, or bags from back pockets or open totes. The boardwalks dense weekend crowds between 17th and 25th Streets are the primary hotspots. Use a front-pocket wallet or money belt on the boardwalk. Keep phones in a zipped pocket or bag rather than back pockets. Stay alert near street performers where crowds naturally concentrate.

Question 2

What is the "Beach Souvenir Overpricing" scam in Virginia Beach?

Accepted Answer

Souvenir shops clustered on Atlantic Avenue and along the boardwalk resort area inflate prices on standard beach merchandise — shell decorations, Virginia Beach branded apparel, and novelty items — well above what is sold at shops a mile or two off the oceanfront. Some shops display items without clear price tags and quote prices only when a buyer shows interest, allowing them to gauge willingness to pay. Apparent bargain deals often involve artificially inflated reference prices crossed out on the tag. Compare prices between at least two or three souvenir shops before buying. Shops on 19th Street and in the Oceanfront Town Center tend to have more competitive pricing. Struck-through reference prices on tags are a common retail inflation tactic — the sale price is simply the actual price.

Question 3

What is the "Fake Charity Solicitors on the Boardwalk" scam in Virginia Beach?

Accepted Answer

Individuals carrying clipboards and wearing vests claiming to represent veterans foundations, childrens hospitals, and animal rescue organizations approach tourists along the Virginia Beach boardwalk and in the resort area, requesting cash donations. Many of these operations are not registered nonprofits under Virginia law and the funds collected go directly to the solicitors rather than any charitable cause. Ask for the charitys registered nonprofit name and EIN, then verify on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search. Decline to donate cash on the street and instead contribute directly to verified charities online. Virginia also maintains a charity registration database at sos.virginia.gov.

Street Scams in Virginia Beach

Atlantic Ave Boardwalk Pickpockets

Beach Souvenir Overpricing

Fake Charity Solicitors on the Boardwalk

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