Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Marikina City, Marikina, Philippines

All Topics about Marikina City All Cities in Philippines

1. Jeepney Overcharging

Avoid overpriced rides by bargaining for the correct fare in Marikina's jeepneys.

Knowledge of Standard Fares: Familiarize yourself with standard jeepney fares to avoid being overcharged.
Negotiation Skills: Develop bargaining skills to ensure a fair price for your ride.
Awareness of Common Scams: Stay informed about common scams in Marikina's public transportation system.

Avoid fake tour guides who charge excessive fees or lead you to scams. Stick with accredited guides.

Accreditation Check: Ensure your guide is accredited by the Department of Tourism.
Fee Awareness: Be aware of standard tour fees and negotiate with caution.
Research: Research accredited tour guides before your trip to Marikina City.

Avoid purchasing counterfeit goods by shopping at authorized dealers in Marikina City's shoe factories.

Authorized Dealer Identification: Identify authorized shoe dealers to ensure authentic products.
Price Awareness: Be aware of the prices of genuine shoes to avoid overpaying for counterfeits.
Warranty and Customer Support: Check for warranty and customer support services as a sign of authenticity.

Avoid street food poisoning by choosing well-known food stalls and ensuring proper food handling.

Food Handler Hygiene: Observe the cleanliness of food handlers and their equipment.
Familiarity with Local Restaurants: Research popular, safe, and hygienic street food stalls before visiting.
Cooking Method Observation: Observe cooking methods to ensure proper temperature control and cross-contamination prevention.

Avoid ATM skimming by using well-maintained, official ATMs and shielding your PIN.

Official ATM Identification: Identify official bank ATMs to avoid skimming devices.
ATM Maintenance: Choose well-maintained and properly functioning ATMs.
PIN Protection: Shield your PIN from prying eyes while using the ATM.

Avoid identity theft in cybercafés by creating strong passwords and avoiding public Wi-Fi.

Password Strength: Create strong, unique passwords for each account.
Secure Connections: Use a VPN to secure your connection when accessing sensitive information.
Avoidance of Public Wi-Fi: Opt for a mobile hotspot instead of public Wi-Fi in cybercafés.

Avoid fraudulent accommodations by booking through reputable platforms and researching rental properties.

Reputable Booking Platforms: Book accommodations through established, reputable online platforms.
Rental Property Research: Research rental properties to ensure they are legitimate and safe.
Payment Method Security: Use secure payment methods, such as credit cards, through established booking platforms.

Avoid taxi overcharging by using ride-hailing apps or negotiating a fare in advance.

Ride-Hailing Apps: Use popular, reliable ride-hailing apps to book your taxi ride.
Advance Fare Negotiation: Negotiate a fare before starting the ride to avoid surprises.
Awareness of Standard Rates: Familiarize yourself with standard taxi rates in Marikina City.

Avoid scams at local markets by bargaining fairly and checking product quality.

Fair Bargaining: Bargain fairly to avoid overpricing or low-quality products.
Product Quality Check: Inspect items carefully before purchasing to ensure quality.
Trusted Sellers: Establish a relationship with trusted local market sellers for reliable transactions.

Avoid street performer scams by not giving money without a show or performance.

Performance Requirement: Only give money after the performer delivers their promised show.
Scam Awareness: Recognize common scams and avoid falling victim to them.
Generosity within Limits: Be generous within your means, but remain cautious when dealing with street performers.

Avoid charity scams by researching legitimate organizations and donating responsibly.

Legitimate Charities Research: Research charities before donating to ensure they are legitimate.
Donation Methods: Use secure, official methods to make your donations.
Transparency: Look for transparency in how donations are used and their impact on the community.

Avoid pickpocketing by keeping valuables secure and being aware of your surroundings.

Secure Storage: Keep valuable items hidden and secure in a bag or pockets.
Awareness of Surroundings: Stay alert to your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
Pickpocket Hotspot Avoidance: Avoid known pickpocket hotspots like busy tourist attractions and public transportation.

Avoid telephone scams by not sharing personal information over the phone and verifying calls.

Personal Information Protection: Never share sensitive personal information over the phone.
Verification of Calls: Verify calls from unknown numbers or suspicious individuals.
Secure Connections: Use secure, encrypted connections when accessing personal information online.

Avoid business scams by researching the company and checking reviews before making a transaction.

Company Research: Research companies thoroughly to ensure their legitimacy.
Reviews Check: Check online reviews for insights into the company's reputation and customer satisfaction.
Payment Security: Use secure payment methods to protect your financial information.

Avoid tourist trap restaurants by seeking out local favorites or recommendations.

Local Favorites Identification: Identify and choose local favorites over tourist traps.
Recommendations: Ask for recommendations from locals or fellow travelers.
Menu Pricing: Be aware of unusually high prices, as they may indicate a tourist trap.