Miami Emergency Card

Tourist Police / Authorities

• Miami Beach Police (Ocean Drive)
  305-673-7900
  1100 Washington Ave — 24/7
• Florida Consumer Services
  1-800-435-7352
  fdacs.gov — jet-ski, timeshare, restaurant
• FL Attorney General Fraud Hotline
  1-866-966-7226

First 10 minutes if something happens

1. 1.Get to a safe, public spot (café, hotel lobby, shop) and call All emergencies on 911 if anyone is hurt or in immediate danger.
2. 2.Freeze cards immediately in your bank app (do this before calling the bank — it's faster). Revoke Apple Pay / Google Pay from a trusted device if your phone was taken.
3. 3.Change the password on your primary email from a trusted device, then sign out of every other session. Email is the master key to everything else.
4. 4.Contact Miami Beach Police (Ocean Drive) on 305-673-7900 to file a report — you'll need the reference number for insurance, banks, and your embassy.

Full 8-step checklist at gacs.app/safe-traveller/miami

Top 5 scams to watch for

1. 1. South Beach restaurant auto-gratuity + tip line
   18–20% auto-added; the receipt then asks for another 20%.
   Avoid: Read the bottom of the menu for 'gratuity added' — it must be disclosed under Florida law.
   If it happens: Ask the server to remove double-tips — most will.
2. 2. Jet-ski 'damage' claim on South Beach
   Rental returns fine; operator invents $500–$2,000 in 'damage' and charges the card on file.
   Avoid: Rent only from established marinas (Boucher Brothers, licensed hotel rentals).
   If it happens: Dispute the extra charge with your card issuer — send your photos and video.
3. 3. Unmetered taxi from MIA airport
   Driver refuses meter, quotes $80 flat for a $30 metered trip.
   Avoid: Use the official taxi rank; insist on the meter or the posted flat rate.
   If it happens: Refuse the trip if meter is refused; photograph medallion.
4. 4. Club VIP 'host' bait
   Promoter promises 'free VIP entry'; $500 bottle minimum inside, no exit until paid.
   Avoid: Ignore promoters offering 'free' bottle service — nothing is free at Miami clubs.
   If it happens: Refuse to sign a bill for items you didn't order.
5. 5. Timeshare 'free breakfast / cruise' pitch
   '90-minute presentation' becomes 5 hours of high-pressure sales you can't leave.
   Avoid: Skip all 'free' offers requiring a presentation.
   If it happens: Florida law gives you 10 days to rescind a signed timeshare contract in writing — use it.