Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Shanghai, China

Shanghai, China, Shanghai, Local Insights & Practical Info, Common Scams & How to Avoid Them

Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Shanghai, China

Tea House Scam

1. Tea House Scam

In Shanghai, scammers may invite you to a traditional tea ceremony. After enjoying the tea, you're presented with a large bill. This scam is a threat to travelers' finances.
  • Awareness: Know that strangers inviting you for tea might not have good intentions.
  • Research: Familiarize yourself with popular and reputable tea houses.
  • Companion: Travel with a trusted local or fellow tourist.
  • Price Query: Always ask about prices upfront.
  • Escape Strategy: Have polite excuses ready to leave if uncomfortable.
Fake Goods Scam

2. Fake Goods Scam

Many markets in Shanghai sell counterfeit items branded as luxury goods. Travelers often pay high prices for fake products. This addresses the challenge of losing money on scams.
  • Verification: Purchase such items only from official brand stores.
  • Quality Check: Learn how to identify genuine goods.
  • Price Check: Remember, if it’s too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Local Contacts: Get advice from locals on trustworthy shops.
  • Receipt Use: Always ask for a receipt to check for purchase legitimacy.
Taxi Overcharging

3. Taxi Overcharging

Unofficial taxi drivers may not use meters and charge exorbitant rates. This prevents overpayment and encourages efficient transportation.
  • Licensed Taxis: Only use taxis from official taxi ranks.
  • App-Based Taxis: Use applications like Didi for standard rates.
  • Meter Watch: Confirm the driver is using the meter.
  • Route Knowledge: Know approximate routes and fares.
  • Hotel Assistance: Ask your hotel to call a taxi.
Pickpocketing

4. Pickpocketing

Crowded areas are prime spots for pickpockets. Thieves aim to exploit distractions during busy times, like events or rush hours.
  • Secure Belongings: Use anti-theft bags and keep them in front.
  • Crowd Vigilance: Be extra careful in crowded places.
  • Valuables Limit: Carry only necessary items.
  • Distrust Distraction: Be wary of people creating distractions.
  • Local Awareness: Follow local advice on safe areas.
Fake Jewelry Scam

5. Fake Jewelry Scam

Tourists may be offered cheap jewelry that is fake or overpriced. This scam targets unaware tourists looking for souvenirs.
  • Reputable Stores: Shop at established jewelry stores.
  • Quality Knowledge: Learn basic checks for jewelry authenticity.
  • Avoid Streets: Don’t buy from street vendors.
  • Expert Opinion: If possible, seek a local jeweler's advice.
  • Return Policy: Ensure there’s a good return policy.
Art Student Scam

6. Art Student Scam

"Students" invite you to see their art show, leading to pressure sales. They exploit cultural interest to sell mass-produced art.
  • Invitation Caution: Be suspicious of unsolicited art invites.
  • Mass Production Awareness: Understand it's rarely unique art.
  • Legit Museums: Visit known galleries for legitimate art.
  • Trusted Sources: Buy art from government-endorsed exhibitions.
  • Time Excuse: Prepare to politely decline and leave.
Tour Guide Scam

7. Tour Guide Scam

Some tours may skip attractions or add hidden costs. The scam complicates a traveler's itinerary and increases costs.
  • Recognized Businesses: Book through licensed agencies.
  • Cost Transparency: Clarify any potential additional fees.
  • Research Provider: Check online reviews thoroughly.
  • Itinerary Confirmation: Validate all promised attractions.
  • Local Recommendation: Seek tour advice from reliable locals.
ATM Fraud

8. ATM Fraud

Skimming devices or hidden cameras can capture card details. This can lead to financial loss and card misuse.
  • Secure Machines: Use ATMs in well-lit, busy areas.
  • Bank Branch ATMs: Prefer ATMs inside bank branches.
  • Cover PIN: Shield your PIN entry with your hand.
  • Daily Limits: Set withdrawal limits for safety.
  • Transaction Monitoring: Regularly check your account activities.
Rental Scams

9. Rental Scams

Apartments may be rented by imposters who disappear after payment. This leads to accommodation loss and financial duping.
  • Official Listings: Rent through well-known platforms.
  • Physical Inspection: Verify the property in person.
  • Upfront Payment Caution: Be wary of large upfront payments.
  • Legal Documentation: Always insist on legal contracts.
  • Third-Party Verification: Use real estate agents to vet properties.
Currency Exchange Scam

10. Currency Exchange Scam

Incorrect rates or counterfeit money may be given. This challenge addresses the loss due to financial misdealings.
  • Authorized Dealers: Use banks or official currency exchanges.
  • Rate Awareness: Know the current exchange rates.
  • Receipt Demand: Always request a receipt post-exchange.
  • Verification Skills: Check banknotes for security features.
  • Small Amounts: Exchange large sums in parts.
Fake Charity Scam

11. Fake Charity Scam

Appeals for donations to fake charities, often on the street. Travelers are tricked into unethical contributions.
  • Research Causes: Support only recognized charities.
  • No Cash: Avoid giving cash on the street.
  • Informative Research: Verify charity legitimacy beforehand.
  • Ignore Pressure: Do not fall for emotional pressure.
  • Support Alternatives: Contribute through official websites.
Internet Phishing

12. Internet Phishing

Scammers might pose as hotel staff via emails asking for card details. This protects travelers from data theft.
  • Secure Passwords: Use complex, different passwords.
  • Email Vigilance: Be cautious of unexpected email requests.
  • Direct Verifications: Call hotels directly for confirmations.
  • Secure Connections: Only enter details on secure sites.
  • Two-Factor Authentication: Enable where possible to protect accounts.
Bargaining Trap

13. Bargaining Trap

Sellers dramatically increase prices knowing tourists will haggle. This manipulates tourists into overpayment.
  • Market Research: Know average prices beforehand.
  • Start Low: Begin bargaining well below the asking price.
  • Walk Away Tactic: Be prepared to walk away to gauge price flexibility.
  • Fixed Pricing Knowledge: Determine if prices are fixed.
  • Local Advice: Ask locals about the fair price range.
Switch and Bait Scam

14. Switch and Bait Scam

After paying for a quality item, a cheaper one may be substituted secretly. Prevents loss due to transaction deceit.
  • Final Check: Inspect items at the point of purchase.
  • Bag Monitoring: Watch as goods are packed.
  • Trusted Retailers: Purchase from known, reputable stores.
  • Transaction Review: Make transactions in well-lit areas.
  • Immediate Follow-Up: Check the purchase immediately upon receipt.
Hotel Fee Scam

15. Hotel Fee Scam

Unexplained fees appear on the bill at checkout. Protects against unexpected financial loss.
  • Booking Platform Verification: Reserve through trusted booking sites.
  • Bill Review: Scrutinize entries upon checkout.
  • Clear Policies: Confirm all fees upfront.
  • Confirmation Documents: Keep initial booking confirmations for disputes.
  • Local Credit Card: Use a local bank card for fewer fees.
Guided Temple Donations

16. Guided Temple Donations

Guides in temples may coerce donations or inflated services. Shields travelers from pressure-based financial loss.
  • Self-Guided Visits: Explore temples independently.
  • Donation Limits: Donate small, manageable amounts.
  • Informational Reads: Obtain temple history from guidebooks.
  • Guide Verification: Use temple-endorsed guides.
  • Neutral Space: Avoid secluded areas for discussions.
Fake Police

17. Fake Police

Con artists impersonate police to extort fines. This prevents personal and financial safety breaches.
  • Identification Demand: Ask for official ID cards and badge numbers.
  • No On-Spot Fine: Know that police don’t demand cash fines.
  • Embassy Contact: Reach out to your embassy for guidance.
  • Refusal of Bribes: Do not pay any "fine" without official documentation.
  • Local Law Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with local laws.
Bus Station Scams

18. Bus Station Scams

Scammers may sell fake tickets or mislead on routes. Travelers face unexpected delays and financial exploitation.
  • Official Counters: Buy tickets at authorized stations only.
  • Route Knowledge: Double-check route numbers and destinations.
  • Purchase Early: Buy tickets in advance for verification.
  • Language Aids: Use translation apps for clarity.
  • DOC Verification: Keep a copy of purchase and travel Route.
Massage Parlor Scam

19. Massage Parlor Scam

Low-cost massages charge extremely high service fees afterward. Addresses financial transparency and service reliability.
  • Price Inquiry: Clarify entire service packages and fees.
  • Recommended Venues: Use hotels for safe referrals.
  • Service Boundaries: Stipulate the service you want explicitly.
  • Local Check-Ins: Consult locals about good parlors.
  • Official Materials: Always accept official receipts.
Dishonest Porters

20. Dishonest Porters

Porters might demand inflated fees after helping with luggage. Prevents exploitation of traveler goodwill.
  • Price Pre-Establishment: Agree on fees before engaging service.
  • Hotel Porters Use: Use hotel porters for known fees.
  • Refusal: Politely refuse unsolicited porter services.
  • Minimal Luggage: Travel light to avoid excessive help.
  • Currency Preparedness: Keep small change for services.