Regional Guide
Tourist Scams in North America
North America spans 8 countries and 101 documented destinations in our database. With 1353+ verified scam reports across the region, this is one of the most comprehensive regional scam databases available. North America has a lower overall scam risk compared to other regions, though pockets of activity exist — particularly in New York (24 documented scams). Standard traveler awareness applies throughout. Across the region, street scams are the most frequently reported category, followed by other incidents. These patterns are consistent across most North America destinations, making category-specific preparation highly effective.
Lower
Overall risk
1353+
Scams documented
101
Destinations
8
Countries
The Tourist Scam Landscape in North America
North America's tourist scam environment is dominated by the United States' major tourist cities — New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Miami. Canada's tourist-facing fraud rate is significantly lower, with isolated documented incidents in Toronto and Vancouver. Mexico's border cities present a different risk profile from the resort corridor, with documented personal safety concerns in some areas.
New York City's documented scams are concentrated in Times Square: "comedy club" ticket pressure, CD hustlers who place albums in tourists' hands and demand payment, costumed characters who charge for photos, and three-card monte operations. Las Vegas documents consistent taxi overcharging (the "long way" to the Strip from the airport is a historically documented pattern that improved with ride-hailing apps) and ticket scalping fraud. New Orleans' Bourbon Street area documents consistent bar overcharging and brass band tip manipulation. Most North American tourist fraud is low-severity financial loss rather than personal safety risk.
Overall risk
Lower
Scams documented
1353+
Destinations
101
Countries
8
Scam risk by country in North America
Countries ranked by total documented scam incidents. Higher counts typically correlate with higher tourist volume, not necessarily greater inherent danger.
USA
60 cities · 801 documented scams
Mexico
18 cities · 261 documented scams
Canada
18 cities · 229 documented scams
Belize
1 city · 14 documented scams
Guatemala
1 city · 13 documented scams
Honduras
1 city · 13 documented scams
Panama
1 city · 12 documented scams
Nicaragua
1 city · 10 documented scams
All 101 covered destinations in North America
Safety tips for travelling in North America
Research scams for your specific destination within North America — risk levels vary enormously between cities and countries in this region.
Street scams are the most documented risk across North America. Review the dedicated guide for this category before travelling.
Use app-based transport rather than street taxis in North America destinations where this is available. Transport scams are among the most frequently reported in the region.
Carry photocopies of travel documents in a separate location from originals. This applies across all North America destinations.
Be cautious of unsolicited assistance near major tourist attractions anywhere in North America. Distraction-based scams operate across national borders using similar tactics.
Check government advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT) for your specific destination within North America before travelling. Regional conditions can change rapidly.
North America travel safety questions
Is North America safe for tourists?
North America is visited by millions of tourists annually and is generally safe with preparation. Our database documents 1353+ tourist scams across 101 destinations in 8 countries. Scam activity is rated lower overall. The most common risks are scams. Reviewing destination-specific warnings before travel significantly reduces your risk.
What are the most common tourist scams in North America?
The most frequently documented scams across North America are . New York has the highest documented scam count in the region with 24 reported incidents. These scam types are consistent across most North America destinations, making category-specific research an efficient way to prepare.
Which destination in North America has the most tourist scams?
New York (USA) has the highest number of documented tourist scams in North America with 24 recorded incidents. Other high-activity destinations include Tijuana (21), Cozumel (21), Mexico City (19).
Which country in North America has the most tourist scams?
USA leads with 801 documented scam incidents across 60 cities. Mexico follows with 261 scams across 18 destinations. Higher scam counts often correlate with higher tourist volume rather than inherently greater danger.
How can I stay safe from scams in North America?
The most effective protection in North America is destination-specific preparation. Key precautions: use app-based transport instead of street taxis, verify prices before agreeing to any service, keep valuables secured in crowded tourist areas, and be cautious of unsolicited help from strangers near attractions. Review the detailed warnings for each city you plan to visit — scam tactics vary by destination even within the same country.
Is North America safe for solo travelers?
Solo travel in North America is popular and generally safe with standard precautions. Solo travelers face slightly higher targeting rates for distraction scams and transport fraud because they lack a group deterrent. Stay in well-reviewed accommodation, share your itinerary with someone at home, use app-based transport at night, and review the scam database for your specific destination before arrival. The region has strong traveler infrastructure across most countries.
Editorial note: Scam warnings for North America are compiled from government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT), verified news sources, and traveler reports. Read our methodology →
Quick stats