Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Fushun, China

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid overpriced taxi rides by agreeing on a price before starting your journey.

Unfamiliar Routes: Drivers may take longer routes to charge more.
Fake Meters: Some taxis have fake meters that can be manipulated.
Language Barrier: Communication difficulties can lead to misunderstandings about the fare.

Be cautious when shopping at local markets where counterfeit goods are common.

Low Prices: Extremely low prices for popular brands may indicate counterfeits.
Quality Issues: Counterfeit goods often have lower quality compared to authentic items.
Health Risks: Counterfeit electronics or cosmetics may pose health risks.

Ensure street food is fresh and cooked in a sanitary manner to avoid foodborne illnesses.

Unclean Conditions: Poor hygiene practices increase the risk of foodborne illness.
Expired Food: Eating expired or improperly stored food can cause sickness.
Overpriced Items: Vendors may overcharge tourists for their food.

Exchange currency at banks or reputable exchange centers to avoid receiving counterfeit money.

Low Exchange Rates: Some exchange locations offer lower exchange rates.
Counterfeit Money: Receiving counterfeit money is a common scam.
Unlicensed Locations: Exchanging money at unlicensed locations increases the risk of being scammed.

Verify tour guides are licensed and reputable to ensure a safe and informative experience.

Unlicensed Guides: Unlicensed guides may lead you to scammy shops or overcharge.
Language Barrier: Misunderstandings can occur due to language barriers.
Inflated Prices: Tour guides may overcharge for attractions or services.

Use ATMs located in well-lit and secure areas to prevent your card from being skimmed.

Unsafe Locations: ATMs in dark or isolated areas are more susceptible to skimming.
Card Readers: Skimmers can be attached to card readers.
Shoulder Surfing: Thieves may observe your PIN as you enter it.

Be cautious when giving money to beggars as some may be part of a scam.

Group Beggars: Groups of beggars often work together to maximize donations.
Distraction Techniques: Beggars may use distractions to steal from you.
Fake Disabilities: Some beggars may fake disabilities to solicit more money.

Keep your belongings close and avoid overly crowded areas to prevent pickpocketing.

Overcrowded Areas: Crowded areas make it easier for pickpockets to work unnoticed.
Distractions: Distractions such as spilled drinks or loud noises can be used as a distraction.
Unzipped Pockets: Leaving pockets unzipped or easily accessible increases the risk of pickpocketing.

Buy tickets for attractions from reputable sources to avoid counterfeit or invalid tickets.

Invalid Tickets: Counterfeit or invalid tickets may not grant entry.
High Prices: Tickets sold by unofficial vendors are often overpriced.
Unsafe Conditions: Attractions may be unsafe or poorly maintained if tickets were bought from unauthorized vendors.

Research accommodations thoroughly and compare prices to avoid overpaying.

Location: Accommodations in popular tourist areas are often more expensive.
Booking Fees: Some booking platforms charge hefty fees.
Hidden Charges: Additional charges may be added upon check-in for services or facilities.

Purchase SIM cards from official retailers to avoid scams and ensure proper service.

Counterfeit Cards: Counterfeit SIM cards may not work or drain your phone battery quickly.
Data Theft: Unreliable sellers may steal your personal data.
Incorrect Prices: Unauthorized vendors may charge inflated prices or offer incorrect plans.

Be wary of overly friendly locals who may try to lead you into scammy situations.

Distraction Techniques: They may distract you while their accomplices steal from you.
Fraudulent Goods: They may offer 'free' goods or services that have hidden costs.
Scam Locations: They may lead you to scammy shops or ATMs.

Use reputable internet cafes to protect your personal information from cyber threats.

Unsecured Wi-Fi: Unsecured Wi-Fi can be vulnerable to hacking.
Malware: Computers may have malware that can steal your personal information.
Data Theft: Unscrupulous staff members may collect your data.

Choose licensed and reputable taxis to ensure a safe ride.

Unlicensed Drivers: Unlicensed drivers may not follow traffic rules, increasing the risk of accidents.
Vehicle Condition: Poorly maintained vehicles may be unsafe.
Overcharging: Unreliable taxi drivers may overcharge you for your journey.

Exchange business cards cautiously as some people may swap your card with a fake one.

Fake Contacts: The swapped card may contain false contact information.
Identity Theft: Swapping cards can lead to identity theft.
Network Infiltration: The swapped card may be used to infiltrate your professional network.