Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Bekasi, Jawa Barat, Indonesia
1. Golden Mile Shopping Mall Scam
Beware of aggressive shopkeepers offering discounts, then demanding inflated prices later. Always agree on a price before purchase.
- Aggressive Sellers: Some sellers may use pressure tactics to get you to buy.
- Price Inflation: Prices can increase after the initial offer.
- No Written Receipt: Some sellers may refuse to give a written receipt.
2. Currency Exchange Scam
Always exchange money at official banks or licensed exchange centers. Avoid street vendors offering better rates.
- Street Vendors: Risk of receiving less currency than agreed.
- Unfavorable Exchange Rates: Rates may be worse compared to banks or licensed centers.
- Counterfeit Bills: Risk of receiving counterfeit bills from street vendors.
3. Taxis Overcharging
Always use metered taxis or ride-hailing apps. Negotiate a fixed price beforehand if using bluebird taxis.
- Meter Tampering: Taxis may tamper with the meter to charge more.
- No Receipt: Some drivers may refuse to provide a receipt.
- Unfair Fixed Rates: Bluebird taxis may charge unfair fixed rates.
4. Simcard Scam
Buy sim cards only at official stores like Telkomsel or Indosat. Avoid street vendors offering cheaper deals.
- Street Vendors: Risk of receiving a faulty card or no service.
- No Warranty: Official stores provide warranty and after-sales services.
- Counterfeit Cards: Risk of receiving counterfeit cards from street vendors.
5. Pickpocketing at TransJakarta Stations
Keep your belongings close and be aware of crowded areas. Use zippered pockets or backpacks with security features.
- Crowded Areas: Pickpockets often target crowded places.
- Zippered Pockets: Use zippered pockets to secure your valuables.
- Security Backpacks: Backpacks with lockable compartments can help protect your belongings.
6. Fake ATMs
Always use ATMs inside banks or shopping malls. Avoid standalone ATMs in secluded areas.
- Standalone ATMs: Risk of skimming devices on these machines.
- Inside Banks or Shops: ATMs inside banks and shops are safer.
- Covered Cameras: Some fake ATMs have cameras to record your PIN.
7. Counterfeit Goods in Pasar Bekasi
Be wary of counterfeit goods sold in the market. Look for reputable shops or check quality and branding carefully.
- Reputable Shops: Shop at stores with good reputation to avoid counterfeits.
- Quality and Branding: Check for poor quality or missing brand logos.
- Cheap Prices: If the price is significantly cheaper than usual, it may be a counterfeit.
8. Transportation Ticket Fraud
Always purchase tickets at official counters. Be cautious of sellers approaching you on the street offering discounted tickets.
- Official Counters: Purchasing from official counters ensures legitimacy.
- Street Sellers: Sellers may sell fake or expired tickets.
- Expired Tickets: Check the validity of the ticket before boarding.
9. Cybercafe Scams
Use cybercafes with good reviews and avoid leaving your devices unattended. Keep an eye on your screen while using the computer.
- Good Reviews: Choose cafes with positive feedback from other users.
- Unattended Devices: Leaving devices unattended can lead to theft or hacking.
- Keeping an Eye on Your Screen: Monitor your screen to prevent hacking attempts.
10. Tour Guide Scams
Book tours through reputable agencies. Be cautious of guides approaching you unsolicited on the street.
- Reputable Agencies: Agencies with good reviews and licenses are more trustworthy.
- Unsolicited Approaches: Guides approaching you on the street may not be legitimate.
- Overcharging: Reputable agencies have fixed prices while unsolicited guides may overcharge.
11. Dining Establishment Scams
Avoid restaurants with empty tables and choose those with visible menus. Always check the bill before payment.
- Visible Menus: Restaurants without visible menus may inflate prices.
- Empty Tables: Restaurants with empty tables may not be popular or legitimate.
- Checking the Bill: Ensure the bill is accurate before payment.
12. Counterfeit Money
Always check your money for irregularities such as incorrect holograms or watermarks.
- Incorrect Holograms: Counterfeit bills may have incorrect holograms.
- Watermarks: Counterfeit bills may lack proper watermarks.
- Feel and Look: Counterfeit bills often feel different or have poor print quality.
13. Drug Offerings
Ignore any drug-related solicitations. Report such incidents to the local authorities.
- Authorities: Report all drug-related activities to the police.
- Illegal Activities: Drug possession is illegal and can result in severe penalties.
- Health Risks: Drugs can be harmful to your health and lead to legal problems.
14. Fake Charity Collection
Donate only to recognized charities. Be cautious of people asking for donations on the street.
- Recognized Charities: Donate to organizations with a good reputation.
- Street Collections: Collections on the street may not benefit the intended charity.
- Fraudulent Collections: Some collections are fraudulent and do not support the intended cause.
15. Theft on Public Transportation
Keep a close eye on your belongings while using public transportation. Use bags with lockable compartments.
- Bags with Lockable Compartments: Lockable compartments can help secure your valuables.
- Crowded Areas: Thieves often target crowded places.
- Pickpocketing: Be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas.