Chicago Locals Share 14 Common Scams For Tourists To Watch Out For

After a local Reddit user shared their story of being charged hundreds of dollars in a “basketball team fundraiser” scam, hundreds of Chicagoans chimed in with their own warnings.

Scammers are everywhere—from your front door to the CTA—and they rely on your kindness and distraction.

Here is a comprehensive list of the most common scams to watch for in Chicago, with each one broken down so you know exactly what to look for.

⚠️ 1. The ‘Basketball Team’ Fundraiser

This is the scam that started the conversation. Typically, young people will approach you with a laminated flyer or a story about raising money for a sports team or school activity.

They will ask for a small donation and present a handheld card reader.

They then either distract you while entering a much larger amount (e.g., $200 instead of $2.00) or quickly manipulate the screen before tapping your card.

⚠️ 2. The Energy Supplier Scam

Arguably the most-mentioned scam.

Someone will knock on your door wearing a vest and badge, claiming to be from “the energy company” or ComEd.

They will use a high-pressure tactic, saying they need to see your utility bill to “check for clean energy credits” or “ensure you’re not being overcharged.”

Their goal is to get your account number from the bill, which they will use to switch your service to an alternative supplier with exorbitant rates without your full consent. 

Rule: Never show your utility bill to a solicitor.

⚠️ 3. The Digital Payment & Distraction Scam

This modern grift involves apps like Venmo or Zelle. A person will approach you with a sob story (e.g., they need money for a funeral) and ask for a small donation.

If you agree, they may ask to see your phone to “confirm the payment went through.”

While their partner distracts you, they quickly and quietly send themselves a much larger sum of money from your unlocked phone.

⚠️ 4. The Predatory Towing Scam

If you are in a car accident, be extremely wary of tow trucks that show up without being called.

These predatory companies listen to police scanners to find accident sites.

They will offer a tow and seem helpful, but will take your car to their private lot and hold it hostage for thousands of dollars in exorbitant, non-standard “storage fees.” 

Rule: Only ever use a tow truck that you or your insurance company has called directly.

⚠️ 5. The Fake Monk ‘Gift’

Common in the Loop and near Millennium Park.

Individuals dressed as Buddhist monks will approach you and try to force a bracelet or a small trinket into your hand.

Once you are holding it, they will aggressively demand a “donation” and will not leave you alone until you pay.

⚠️ 6. The ‘What Time Is It?’ Phone Snatch

A simple but effective street robbery. A person will approach you and specifically ask, “Can you tell me the time on your phone?”

When you pull out your phone to check, they snatch it from your hand and run off.

⚠️ 7. The ‘Too Good To Be True’ Rental Scam

Scammers copy photos and details from a legitimate apartment listing and repost it on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace for a price that is far below market rate.

When you inquire, they’ll have an excuse for why they can’t show you the apartment in person (e.g., “I’m out of the country”).

They will then pressure you to send a deposit via Zelle or wire transfer to “hold” the apartment for you, after which they disappear with your money.

⚠️ 8. The Unsolicited Ride Offer

Outside of major venues like Soldier Field, Wrigley Field, or at O’Hare and Midway airports, people will approach you on foot asking if you need a taxi or an Uber. These are unlicensed, illegal rides.

They will not have a meter and will charge you an outrageous fare once you reach your destination. 

Rule: Only get into a rideshare you have booked through the app.

⚠️ 9. The CTA Shell Game

A classic con seen on the L, especially the Red Line.

A person will have three shells or cups and a small ball. A partner (a “shill”) will pretend to be a random passenger, place a large bet, and win easily.

This is done to make the game look legitimate and easy. It is a sleight-of-hand trick, and if you play, you are guaranteed to lose your money.

⚠️ 10. The Clipboard Charity Impersonator

These scammers operate in high-traffic areas, often outside grocery stores.

They will carry a clipboard and have a fake sign-up sheet for a well-known cause, like breast cancer research or a local tragedy.

They are direct, confident, and ask for a specific donation, usually $20 in cash. Once they get it, they move on quickly. 

Rule: If you want to support a cause, go to the organization’s official website and donate directly.

⚠️ 11. The ‘We’re Working Next Door’ Repair Scam

Someone will knock on your door and claim they were doing construction or pest control for your neighbor and noticed a “serious issue” with your roof, chimney, or foundation.

This is a high-pressure tactic to sell you overpriced, often unnecessary or shoddy, home repair services on the spot.

⚠️ 12. The Perpetual ‘Going Out of Business’ Sale

A long-running retail grift.

You’ll see furniture, rug, or electronics stores with massive signs claiming “EVERYTHING MUST GO!” or “FINAL DAYS!” for years on end.

This creates a false sense of urgency to trick customers into buying low-quality goods at supposedly “slashed” prices that are often still inflated.

⚠️ 13. The Pickpocket Bump

Common in any crowded area.

This scam is usually performed by a team. One person will “accidentally” bump into you, stumble in front of you, or cause a minor commotion.

While you are distracted by them, their partner will lift your wallet or phone from your pocket or purse.

⚠️ 14. The Classic Sob Story

This is a category of scams that prey on empathy. The story changes, but the goal is the same: to get cash. Watch for specific, oddly-detailed requests.

• “I need exactly $7.89 for a bus/Metra ticket to get home to my sick mother.”
• “I need money to refill my child’s inhaler prescription.”
• “We are raising money for our friend/brother’s funeral.”

General Rules to Stay Safe

Just Say No and Keep Walking. You are not obligated to stop, listen, or engage. It is not rude to protect yourself.

Never Hand Over Your Phone or Card. This is the number one rule. Do not let a stranger handle your financial tools.

If You Give, Use Cash. If you choose to give money to someone on the street, use a small amount of cash. This contains your risk.

Trust Your Gut. If a situation feels rushed, pressured, or strange, it is. Scammers thrive on making you act before you can think. Walk away.