Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Singapore, Singapore

All Topics about Singapore All Cities in Singapore

1. Taxi Scam

Unlicensed taxis may overcharge or take a longer route. Always use only authorized taxi companies.

Recognize Authorized Taxis: Look for the company's logo on the vehicle and check the meter is turned on.
Avoid Unlicensed Taxis: Do not take taxis without a company logo or with no meter.
Check Fare Estimates: Use apps like Grab or Gojek to check approximate fares before traveling.

Bogus sellers offer expensive-looking jewelry at discounted prices. Purchase only from reputable stores.

Check Store Reputation: Research the store's history and customer reviews online.
Inspect Jewelry Quality: Look for any flaws or inconsistencies, and check for certifications like Hallmark.
Use Secure Payment Methods: Avoid paying in cash; use credit or debit cards whenever possible.

Bogus vendors sell counterfeit goods at popular tourist destinations. Buy only from authorized retailers.

Recognize Authorized Retailers: Look for official logos, certifications, and prices that are too good to be true may indicate counterfeit goods.
Avoid Unauthorized Vendors: Do not buy from street vendors or unlicensed shops.
Check Receipts and Packaging: Authentic goods should come with proper receipts, packaging, and warranties.

Locals offer help or start friendly conversations to lure victims into ATM scams. Maintain vigilance and be cautious of strangers.

Avoid Isolated Areas: Stick to well-lit, populated areas when using ATMs.
Cover Pin Entry: Shield your PIN from onlookers and use secure ATMs in banks or shopping centers.
Limit Cash Withdrawals: Withdraw smaller amounts of money to minimize potential loss.

Contaminated food or drink can cause illness. Stick to reputable eateries and avoid street food unless recommended.

Choose Clean Restaurants: Look for cleanliness, well-trained staff, and good hygiene practices in restaurants.
Avoid Street Food Risks: Research street food vendors with good reviews or ask locals for recommendations.
Stay Hydrated and Healthy: Drink bottled water and maintain a healthy diet to boost your immune system.

Street performers may insist on payment or claim that payment is for a good cause. Enjoy performances freely but tip generously if you wish.

Recognize Unlicensed Performers: Look for the presence of a permit, or check with local authorities.
Avoid Coerced Payments: Do not feel obligated to pay if you did not enjoy the performance or if it was unsolicited.
Support Licensed Performers: Pay attention to legitimate performers and encourage their talent by tipping them.

Unlicensed tour guides may overcharge or take visitors to less desirable locations. Use only authorized tour companies.

Check Tour Company Reputation: Research the company's history and customer reviews online.
Inspect Guides' Credentials: Ask to see their tour guide licenses before committing to a tour.
Compare Tour Prices: Ensure the price of your tour is in line with other reputable companies.

Unscrupulous vendors may sell fake SIM cards or overcharge for services. Purchase only from authorized retailers.

Recognize Authorized Retailers: Look for official logos, certifications, and prices that are too good to be true may indicate fake SIM cards.
Avoid Unauthorized Vendors: Do not buy from street vendors or unlicensed shops.
Check Coverage and Data: Ensure the SIM card has adequate coverage for your travel needs, and check data allowances if necessary.

Finders of lost property may claim to return it in exchange for a reward or payment. Report any found items to the authorities.

Report Found Property: Contact local police stations, embassies, or tourist information centers if you find lost property.
Avoid Rewarding Finders: Do not reward finders of lost property as they may attempt to scam you.
Secure Your Possessions: Keep personal items safe and avoid displaying valuable items in public areas.

Over-poured drinks may be much more expensive than expected. Be cautious when ordering drinks at bars and clubs.

Choose Reputable Bars: Research bars with good reviews online or ask locals for recommendations.
Check Drink Prices: Compare drink prices at different establishments before making your choice.
Stay Alert and Aware: Be cautious of overly friendly strangers offering drinks, as they may have ulterior motives.

Fraudulent landlords or hotel managers may rent subpar accommodations at high prices. Book only through reputable channels.

Check Accommodation Reviews: Research the accommodation's history and customer reviews online.
Book Through Reputable Channels: Use booking sites or travel agencies with good reputations for a secure transaction.
Inspect Accommodation Quality: Visit the accommodation before finalizing your reservation to ensure it meets expectations.

Unlicensed drivers may overcharge or take longer routes. Use only authorized public transport options.

Recognize Authorized Transport Options: Look for official logos, licenses, and fare prices on buses, trains, and taxis.
Avoid Unauthorized Drivers: Do not take unlicensed rideshares or private transport without proper documentation.
Check Fare Estimates: Use apps like Gojek, Grab, or TransitLink to check approximate fares before traveling.

Game machines may offer rigged games or charge excessive fees. Choose reputable arcades and monitor your spending.

Recognize Reputable Arcades: Look for well-maintained facilities, cleanliness, and friendly staff.
Monitor Your Spending: Set a spending limit to avoid overspending on games.
Avoid Rigged Games: Stay away from unfamiliar or suspicious-looking game machines.

Unlicensed massage parlors may offer sexual services or overcharge for massages. Use only licensed and reputable establishments.

Check Massage Parlor Licenses: Look for official licenses, certifications, and prices that are too good to be true may indicate unlicensed parlors.
Avoid Unauthorized Massages: Do not get massages from street vendors or unlicensed shops.
Request Female Masseuses: If available, request a female masseuse for privacy and comfort.

Bogus gift shops sell low-quality or counterfeit goods at inflated prices. Purchase only from authorized retailers.

Recognize Authorized Retailers: Look for official logos, certifications, and prices that are too good to be true may indicate fake goods.
Avoid Unauthorized Vendors: Do not buy from street vendors or unlicensed shops.
Check Receipts and Packaging: Authentic goods should come with proper receipts, packaging, and warranties.