Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Bacolod, Bacolod, Philippines

All Topics about Bacolod All Cities in Philippines

1. Grand City Mall Scam

Watch for unattended luggage or valuables left in shopping carts. Thieves may target distracted shoppers.

Valuable Targets: Targets high-value items like laptops, cameras, and jewelry
Distraction Tactics: Thieves often use distractions such as dropping items to steal from victims
Shopping Center Environment: Busy shopping centers can make it easier for thieves to blend in and carry out scams undetected

Avoid unsolicited offers from strangers posing as tour guides. They may charge inflated prices or lead you to scams.

Inflated Prices: Charge excessive fees for services that are readily available at lower costs
Unauthorized Locations: May lead you to unauthorized or dangerous locations for personal gain
Identity Theft: Collect sensitive personal information for fraudulent purposes

Use regulated taxis or ride-sharing apps. Be aware of common overcharging tactics like longer routes and inflated meter rates.

Longer Routes: Drivers may take longer routes to increase fares
Inflated Meter Rates: Manipulate taxi meters to show higher prices
Regulated Taxis: Regulated taxis have set fares and are held accountable for overcharging

Inspect your change carefully. Counterfeit bills are often used in transactions.

Counterfeit Bills: Use of fake money to make change, especially in larger denominations
Inspecting for Authenticity: Learn to identify counterfeit bills by checking security features
Reporting Counterfeits: Report any suspected counterfeit bills to authorities immediately

Be cautious of overzealous beggars at churches. They may distract you while pickpockets operate.

Overzealous Beggars: Aggressive begging can be a distraction for pickpocketing
Pickpockets in Action: Pickpockets may work in pairs, one distracting while the other steals
Securing Your Belongings: Keep your valuables secure and avoid displaying them openly

Eat at established restaurants instead of food court stands. Some stands may serve undercooked or contaminated food.

Undercooked Food: Food may not be properly cooked, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses
Contaminated Food: Poor sanitation practices can lead to contamination of food items
Established Restaurants: Restaurants with a good reputation and cleanliness standards are safer options

Buy from reputable vendors. Counterfeit goods or overpriced items may be sold at street markets.

Counterfeit Goods: Vendors may sell counterfeit goods, such as branded clothing and accessories
Overpricing Items: Items may be overpriced, especially popular souvenirs or tourist items
Reputable Vendors: Look for vendors with good reviews and a long-standing reputation in the market

Avoid responding to unsolicited messages on social media from strangers offering deals or assistance. They may be scams.

Deceptive Offers: Offers that seem too good to be true often are
Identity Theft: Scammers may collect sensitive personal information for fraudulent purposes
Cybersecurity Risks: Clicking links from unknown sources can expose your device to viruses and malware

Use ATMs in well-lit areas or inside banks. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent shoulder-surfing.

Unsafe Locations: ATMs in dark or isolated locations are more susceptible to scams
Shoulder-Surfing: Criminals may watch as you enter your PIN to steal your account information
Card Skimmers: ATMs with card skimming devices can capture your account and PIN information

Avoid giving money to street performers who are aggressive or intimidating. Some may use confrontational tactics to extract money.

Aggressive Performers: Performers may become aggressive or confrontational when asking for money
Unwanted Solicitation: Performers may harass or follow tourists to extract money
Supporting the Local Art Scene: Donate to local art programs or established charities instead of individual performers

Negotiate fares before boarding any transportation. Some drivers may try to overcharge unsuspecting tourists.

Unsuspecting Tourists: Tourists may be unfamiliar with local pricing and negotiating practices
Negotiating Fares: Ask around for fair prices before agreeing to pay
Bargaining Skills: Practice your bargaining skills to get the best price

Be wary of free Wi-Fi in coffee shops. Public networks can be insecure and used for data theft.

Insecure Networks: Public networks may lack security measures, making them vulnerable to data theft
Unencrypted Connections: Data transmitted over these networks can be easily intercepted by hackers
VPN Use: Use a VPN to encrypt your internet connection and protect your data

Negotiate fares before starting the journey. Some tuk-tuks may try to overcharge or take longer routes.

Eat at established food stalls with good reviews. Some street vendors may serve undercooked or contaminated food.

Undercooked Food: Food may not be properly cooked, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses
Contaminated Food: Poor sanitation practices can lead to contamination of food items
Established Food Stalls: Look for vendors with good reviews and a long-standing reputation in the area

Be cautious of strangers who offer friendship or assistance too quickly. They may be scammers attempting to extract money or personal information.

Overly Friendly Behavior: Friendship offers that seem too good to be true often are
Identity Theft: Scammers may collect sensitive personal information for fraudulent purposes
Cybersecurity Risks: Clicking links from unknown sources can expose your device to viruses and malware