Tourists visiting Upstate New York during the fall are often captivated by the region’s stunning landscapes, vibrant fall foliage, and charming small towns. However, the influx of visitors during this popular season also attracts scammers looking to exploit unsuspecting travelers. As the number of tourists grows, so do the opportunities for fraudsters to take advantage of people’s excitement and unfamiliarity with the area. This article highlights seven scams targeting fall tourists in Upstate New York and provides practical advice to help travelers avoid falling victim.
1. Fake Vacation Rentals: A Beautiful Stay That Doesn’t Exist
Vacation rental scams have become increasingly prevalent with the rise of online platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. Scammers capitalize on the popularity of Upstate New York’s fall foliage season by posting attractive rental listings in desirable areas. The listings often feature pictures of luxurious cabins or lakeside homes at a discounted price, luring tourists to book quickly.
Once payment is made, usually through wire transfer or other untraceable methods, the listing vanishes. Tourists arrive at the location, only to discover that the rental doesn’t exist or is already occupied by someone else. These scams not only result in financial loss but can also ruin vacation plans. Avoid this by booking through verified platforms, reading reviews, and never paying outside the platform’s secure payment system.
2. Phishing Scams: Exclusive Fall Foliage Tours That Steal Personal Information
During the fall, tourists flock to Upstate New York to witness the breathtaking foliage. Scammers know this and often set up fake websites advertising “exclusive” fall foliage tours or limited-time deals. These websites look legitimate, offering attractive packages, including guided tours through the Adirondacks or Catskills, and even “VIP” access to private viewing spots.
The scam unfolds when tourists enter their personal and payment information to secure these “deals.” Their credit card information is then stolen, or worse, they become victims of identity theft. To avoid this, always verify the legitimacy of a website by checking reviews or calling local tourist offices to confirm whether the tour exists.
3. Gift Card Payment Requests: A Payment Method that Raises Red Flags
Another common scam involves fraudsters posing as local vendors or tour operators and requesting payment via gift cards. This scam usually starts with an attractive offer on a local tour or experience that appears too good to pass up. Once tourists express interest, the scammers request that payment be made using gift cards, claiming it is a secure method or offering a discount for doing so.
Once the scammer receives the gift card information, they disappear, leaving the tourist with no service and no way to recover the funds. Reputable businesses will never ask for payment through gift cards. Any request for this form of payment should be considered a red flag.
4. Airline Phone Number Scam: Misleading Numbers Lead to Financial Loss
Flight cancellations and delays are common, particularly during busy travel seasons. Scammers have taken advantage of this by posting fake airline customer service numbers online. When travelers search for a number to rebook their flight, they might unwittingly call a scammer who pretends to be an airline representative.
The fake representative asks for personal details, including credit card information, to book a new flight or pay a “service fee.” Tourists who fall for this scam not only lose money but may also have their credit card details used for further fraudulent transactions. Always verify airline numbers through official channels, such as the airline’s website or mobile app.
5. Fake Event Tickets: Autumn Festivals Turn into Costly Disappointments
Upstate New York is famous for its fall festivals, which celebrate everything from apples to pumpkins. These festivals draw huge crowds, making them prime targets for ticket scammers. Fraudsters create fake websites selling counterfeit tickets to popular events, such as the Cooperstown Pumpkin Festival or the Adirondack Balloon Festival.
Tourists purchase tickets, only to find out at the event that their tickets are invalid. In some cases, the event doesn’t even exist. Protect yourself by purchasing tickets only from official event websites or trusted vendors. Additionally, if a deal on tickets seems too good to be true, it likely is.
6. Overpriced Scenic Tours: Paying a Premium for a Lackluster Experience
Many tourists dream of taking a scenic tour of Upstate New York’s fall landscapes, driving through winding roads or hiking through forests ablaze with autumn colors. Some tour operators, however, prey on tourists by overcharging for subpar or misleading experiences. Unscrupulous guides may promise exclusive access to restricted areas or off-the-beaten-path locations, but deliver nothing more than a standard tour at a hefty price tag.
Researching tour operators beforehand is key to avoiding this scam. Look for reviews from previous customers and ask locals for recommendations. Trusted operators will have an established presence and will not make unrealistic promises.
7. ATM Skimming: An Unexpected Risk in Tourist Areas
ATM skimming, where criminals place devices on ATMs to capture card information, is an increasingly common scam in tourist-heavy areas. Fall travelers visiting small towns in Upstate New York may use local ATMs without realizing they’ve been compromised. The scammer installs a skimming device that reads the card’s magnetic strip and records the PIN number, allowing them to drain the tourist’s account later.
This scam can be particularly damaging, as tourists may not realize their information has been stolen until days or weeks after their trip. Using ATMs inside banks or well-lit, busy areas is a safer option. Additionally, shielding your PIN when entering it and regularly checking your bank statements can help detect fraud early.
How to Protect Yourself from Tourist Scams
Staying vigilant is the best way to protect yourself from falling victim to scams while traveling in Upstate New York this fall. Some key tips include:
- Book accommodations and tours through trusted platforms. Stick to well-known websites and avoid paying with non-traceable methods like wire transfers or gift cards.
- Double-check website URLs. Scammers often create fake websites that closely resemble legitimate ones. Ensure you’re on the correct website by checking the URL carefully.
- Research tour operators. Before booking a tour, read reviews from previous customers to ensure the operator is reputable.
- Use official channels for airline rebooking. Download your airline’s app or call their official customer service number, which can be found on their website.
- Be cautious with ATMs. Use ATMs located in secure, well-lit locations and check your bank statements for any unauthorized transactions.
While scammers are always evolving their methods, being aware of the common traps can help ensure your fall trip to Upstate New York remains focused on enjoying the beautiful scenery and local experiences, rather than dealing with the aftermath of fraud.
