Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Suihua, China

1. Taxi Scams

Fraudulent taxi drivers overcharging or misdirecting passengers. Avoid by agreeing on price beforehand or using licensed taxis.

Price Negotiation: Negotiate the fare before starting the journey to avoid overcharging.
Licensed Taxis: Use licensed taxis with visible logos and meters.
Avoid Deserted Areas: Avoid taking a taxi in deserted areas or late at night.

Unlicensed tour guides offering services at lower prices. Avoid by verifying their credentials.

Licensed Guides: Verify that the guide is licensed and carries official identification.
Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Don't accept offers from unlicensed guides, especially in tourist areas.
Research Tour Operators: Research and book tours through reputable tour operators.

Buying fake souvenirs thinking they are authentic. Avoid by purchasing from licensed stores.

Licensed Shops: Purchase souvenirs only from shops with a license or certification.
Avoid Street Vendors: Avoid buying souvenirs from street vendors, especially in unregulated markets.
Check for Quality: Inspect items carefully before purchasing; authentic souvenirs are of higher quality.

Unfavorable exchange rates or being given counterfeit money. Use official banks or licensed exchange centers.

Official Banks: Use official banks for currency exchange to avoid scams.
Licensed Exchange Centers: Choose licensed exchange centers with a good reputation.
Check Exchange Rates: Compare exchange rates before choosing an establishment.

Low-quality accommodations or being overcharged for stays. Research hotels and read reviews before booking.

Research Hotels: Research hotels online, read reviews from other travelers.
Booking Agencies: Book through reputable agencies or directly with the hotel.
Check Location: Check the location of the hotel, ensure it's in a safe area and convenient for your travel plans.

Eating contaminated food that leads to illness. Stick to established restaurants with good reviews.

Reputable Restaurants: Choose well-established restaurants with good reviews.
Avoid Street Food: Avoid eating street food unless it's from a reputable vendor.
Check Hygiene Levels: Look for cleanliness in the restaurant and ensure proper handling of food.

Skimming devices installed on ATMs to steal card information. Use ATMs inside banks or hotels when possible.

Inside Banks or Hotels: Use ATMs located inside banks, hotels, or other secure locations.
Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent others from observing it.
Check for Unusual Devices: Inspect the ATM for unusual devices or irregularities before using it.

Unauthorized access to personal information on computers. Use secure Wi-Fi networks or your own device.

Secure Wi-Fi Networks: Use only secured and trusted Wi-Fi networks.
Avoid Using Public Computers: Avoid using public computers for sensitive activities like banking or email.
Use Your Own Device: If possible, use your own device to access the internet.

Fraudulent emails or texts attempting to steal personal information. Be cautious of unsolicited messages and verify their authenticity.

Verify Sender's Identity: Always verify the identity of the sender before responding.
Avoid Clicking Links: Do not click on links in unsolicited messages, especially if they ask for personal information.
Contact the Organization Directly: If uncertain, contact the organization directly through a known and trusted channel.

Scammers posing as friendly locals to extort money. Be cautious of overly friendly individuals offering help.

Avoid Giving Personal Information: Avoid sharing personal information with strangers, even if they seem friendly.
Be Cautious of Financial Requests: Be wary of requests for money or favors, especially from people you've just met.
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, trust your instincts and keep your distance.

Buying tickets for popular events at inflated prices from unauthorized vendors. Purchase tickets through official channels.

Official Channels: Purchase tickets only through official channels or authorized ticket sellers.
Avoid Street Vendors: Do not buy tickets from street vendors, especially in unregulated areas.
Check for Authenticity: Inspect the ticket for authenticity before purchasing.

Buying fake or invalid transportation tickets. Purchase tickets only from authorized vendors.

Authorized Vendors: Purchase tickets only from authorized vendors.
Avoid Street Vendors: Do not buy tickets from street vendors, especially in unregulated areas.
Check for Validity: Inspect the ticket for authenticity before boarding transportation.

Booked accommodation that is not available or overpriced. Research accommodations carefully and book through reputable channels.

Reputable Channels: Book accommodations only through reputable channels.
Check Availability: Confirm the availability of accommodation before making a reservation.
Read Reviews: Read reviews from other travelers to ensure the accommodation is reliable.

Prepaid transportation that is not available or canceled at the last minute. Purchase flexible travel insurance and have backup plans.

Flexible Travel Insurance: Purchase flexible travel insurance to cover such eventualities.
Backup Plans: Have backup plans for transportation, especially when traveling during peak seasons.
Check Cancellation Policies: Check the cancellation policies of transportation providers before booking.

Scammers pretending to be in need or selling items that do not exist. Be cautious of overly aggressive beggars or vendors.

Avoid Giving Money: Avoid giving money to beggars, especially if they seem pushy.
Be Wary of Items for Sale: Be wary of items for sale from street vendors or aggressive sellers.
Support Local Charities Instead: If you wish to help, donate to local charities or organizations instead.