Destinations › United States › Philadelphia › Scams
Philadelphia, United States
10 reported scam patterns travellers run into in Philadelphia, what they look like, and how to sidestep them.
Unofficial parking attendants charging at spaces that are free or already metered, particularly around event venues.
Phone snatching and pickpocketing on transit platforms and around the historic district during peak season.
Unlicensed guides at historic sites charging for commentary alongside free national park tours.
Dynamic currency conversion at card terminals and independent cash machines at poor rates.
Counterfeit sports merchandise and branded goods sold at street stalls as official.
Short-let listings taking deposits for properties unavailable or misrepresented on arrival.
Restaurants applying automatic gratuity plus separate service charges, with tipping prompted again on the total.
Drivers taking extended routes from the airport and applying surcharges that do not apply.
Resold attraction and sports tickets sold on the street or online that are counterfeit or already used.
Fake charity collectors with clipboards working the historic district and transit entrances.