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Philadelphia, United States

Common scams in Philadelphia

10 reported scam patterns travellers run into in Philadelphia, what they look like, and how to sidestep them.

Last updated 2026-08-09

Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, Philadelphia
Photo: VinothChandar · CC BY 2.0 · source

Pictured: Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, Philadelphia.

high1. Other

Unofficial parking attendants charging at spaces that are free or already metered, particularly around event venues.

high2. Distraction theft

Phone snatching and pickpocketing on transit platforms and around the historic district during peak season.

medium3. Other

Unlicensed guides at historic sites charging for commentary alongside free national park tours.

medium4. Currency shortchange

Dynamic currency conversion at card terminals and independent cash machines at poor rates.

medium5. Counterfeit goods

Counterfeit sports merchandise and branded goods sold at street stalls as official.

medium6. Rental overbooking

Short-let listings taking deposits for properties unavailable or misrepresented on arrival.

medium7. Menu / bill switching

Restaurants applying automatic gratuity plus separate service charges, with tipping prompted again on the total.

medium8. Taxi meter fraud

Drivers taking extended routes from the airport and applying surcharges that do not apply.

medium9. Fake tickets

Resold attraction and sports tickets sold on the street or online that are counterfeit or already used.

low10. Other

Fake charity collectors with clipboards working the historic district and transit entrances.

Every entry above describes a pattern reported in an area of Philadelphia, not an accusation against a specific business. Sources are labelled on each entry.

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