Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia

1. Street Food Scam

Overpriced or contaminated street food sold in crowded areas.

Authentic Vendors: Seek out established, popular vendors with a good reputation.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other nearby vendors to avoid overpaying.
Food Hygiene: Choose food that is well-prepared and properly stored.

Unscrupulous taxi drivers overcharging passengers.

Metered Taxis: Always take a metered taxi or negotiate the price beforehand.
Reputable Companies: Choose taxis from reputable companies with recognizable logos.
Avoid Late Nights: Avoid traveling alone at night to reduce the risk of overcharging.

Fake goods sold in local markets.

Authentic Shops: Purchase from authorized dealers or reputable shops.
Quality Check: Inspect the product for poor workmanship and check for authentic logos.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other similar items to avoid overpaying.

Fake or overpriced tickets for tourist attractions.

Official Sources: Purchase tickets from the official ticket booths at attractions.
Online Booking: Book tickets online through reputable travel websites in advance.
Avoid Street Vendors: Avoid purchasing tickets from street vendors to reduce the risk of scams.

Locals offering friendship or help with intent to deceive.

Trust Your Instincts: Be cautious of strangers who approach you offering help.
Avoid Isolated Areas: Avoid visiting isolated areas alone, especially at night.
Mind Your Belongings: Keep your belongings secure and be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas.

Hotels or guesthouses charging high prices for poor-quality rooms.

Online Reviews: Read online reviews and compare prices with other accommodations.
Reputable Websites: Book through reputable travel websites to ensure the accommodation is legitimate.
Location: Choose accommodations in safe, central areas to minimize risk of scams.

Unlicensed or dishonest tour guides leading tourists to overpriced shops and attractions.

Licensed Guides: Book tours with licensed, reputable tour companies.
Check Reviews: Read reviews of the guide and company before booking a tour.
Avoid Street Solicitations: Avoid tours offered by unlicensed guides who approach you in person.

Fraudsters using skimming devices on ATMs to steal card data.

Secure ATMs: Use ATMs located in well-lit, busy areas and avoid ones that appear tampered with.
Cover Card Slot: Cover the card slot and keypad when entering your PIN to prevent keyloggers.
Limit Cash Withdrawals: Limit cash withdrawals and monitor your account transactions regularly.

Unauthorized charges or stolen personal information from unofficial SIM card vendors.

Official Shops: Purchase SIM cards from official telecommunications company stores.
Check Your Bill: Monitor your mobile data usage and charges regularly to identify unauthorized usage.
Lock Your Phone: Set a password or use biometrics to secure your phone from unauthorized access.

Tourists lured into cultural performances and charged excessive fees.

Research Beforehand: Research local customs and traditions to avoid being deceived by fake performances.
Avoid Street Performances: Avoid performances that approach you in the street, opt for established cultural venues instead.
Check Prices: Compare prices with other similar performances to avoid overpaying.

Tourists targeted by scammers while in port.

Stick with the Group: Stay with your tour group or travel companion to avoid getting lost.
Avoid Isolated Areas: Avoid visiting isolated areas alone, especially at night.
Research Shore Excursions: Research shore excursions offered by the cruise line to ensure they are legitimate.

Unfavorable exchange rates or hidden fees at currency exchange booths.

Authorized Shops: Exchange money at banks or authorized currency exchange shops.
Compare Rates: Compare exchange rates with other providers to find the best deal.
Limit Cash Carry: Limit the amount of cash you carry and use credit cards whenever possible.

Tourists asked to help pull in a fishing net with hidden costs.

Check Costs Upfront: Always ask about the cost of participating before helping.
Avoid Street Solicitations: Avoid fishing trap opportunities offered by street vendors.
Check Reviews: Read reviews of the fishing experience to ensure it is legitimate.

Tourists approached with offers to participate in a local lottery.

Ignore Approaches: Politely decline offers and avoid participating in unsolicited lotteries.
Avoid Isolated Areas: Avoid visiting isolated areas alone, especially at night.
Stay Alert: Be cautious of strangers who approach you with offers that seem too good to be true.

Tourists offered gold jewelry at a low price, but it is counterfeit.

Buy from Reputable Shops: Purchase gold jewelry from reputable jewelers or shops.
Check Gold Purity: Inspect the jewelry for purity markings and test its authenticity with a magnet.
Compare Prices: Compare prices of gold jewelry with other shops to avoid overpaying.