Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Dasmariñas, Cavite, Philippines
1. Taxi Scams
Unscrupulous taxi drivers may try to overcharge or take longer routes. Be aware of the official taximeter rate and always agree on a fare before starting your journey.
- Official Taxis: Look for officially registered taxis, usually with a yellow color or sign
- Meter Usage: Insist the driver uses the taximeter to calculate the fare.
- Avoid Late Night Travel: Travel during daylight hours and avoid isolated areas for increased safety
2. Bogus Tour Guides
Fake tour guides may approach you offering services. Always confirm your guide is licensed by the local tourist office and carry a valid ID.
- Licensed Guide: Ask for proof of licensing from the local tourist office.
- Official Tour Operator: Book tours through reputable tour operators to ensure guides are legitimate.
- Reviews and Recommendations: Check reviews and recommendations before choosing a guide or tour operator.
3. Currency Exchange Scams
Some exchange booths may give you less than the agreed rate. Use reputable exchange services and always count your money before leaving.
- Reputable Exchange Booths: Choose exchange booths in banks or hotels to minimize risks.
- Check the Exchange Rate: Always compare the offered rate with real-time online rates before exchanging your money.
- Use ATMs for Small Amounts: For smaller amounts, use ATMs to avoid exchange fees and potential scams.
4. Counterfeit Goods
Sellers may offer counterfeit or low-quality goods. Buy from established stores or markets to ensure authenticity.
- Established Stores and Markets: Look for shops and markets with a good reputation and many positive reviews.
- Brand Authenticity: Check for holograms, serial numbers, or other security features on branded goods to confirm authenticity.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors often sell counterfeit goods. It's safer to shop in established stores.
5. Fake Charity Collections
Some people may claim to be collecting for charity but are actually scammers. Only donate to recognized and reputable charities.
- Recognized Charities: Only donate to charities registered with the Philippine National Council for the Welfare of Children or similar organizations.
- Official Donation Receipts: Ask for an official receipt for your donation as proof.
- Avoid Street Donations: Do not give money to people collecting on the street, it's safer to donate through recognized channels.
6. Overpriced Accommodation
Some accommodation providers may overcharge tourists. Research your options online and compare prices before booking.
- Online Reviews: Read reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor, Booking.com or Agoda to find the best value for money.
- Comparable Prices: Compare prices of similar accommodations in the same area to ensure you're getting a fair deal.
- Secure Bookings: Book through reputable booking platforms or contact the accommodation provider directly for secure transactions.
7. Food Poisoning
Some restaurants may use poor hygiene practices, leading to food poisoning. Choose restaurants with good reviews and clear hygiene standards.
- Good Reviews: Look for restaurants with many positive reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor or Zomato.
- Hygiene Standards: Check if the restaurant has visible food handling and sanitation practices.
- Cooked to Order: Opt for meals cooked to order, rather than pre-prepared foods.
8. ATM Scams
Some ATMs may skim your card or charge hidden fees. Use ATMs inside banks or in well-lit and crowded areas.
- Inside a Bank: Use ATMs located inside banks for added security.
- Well-lit and Crowded: Choose ATMs in well-lit areas and avoid using them if they seem suspicious or secluded.
- Monitor Account Statements: Regularly monitor your account statements for any unauthorized transactions.
9. Bus and Jeepney Scams
Some bus or jeepney drivers may try to overcharge you. Always agree on a fare before starting your journey.
- Agreement on Fare: Agree on the fare with the driver before boarding the vehicle.
- Official Routes: Stick to official routes and avoid any detours offered by the driver.
- Beware of 'Change': Be wary of drivers returning 'change' in a manner that gives them an opportunity to overcharge you.
10. Sim Card Scams
Some sim card vendors may sell faulty SIM cards or charge hidden fees. Buy from reputable retailers or authorized dealers.
- Reputable Retailers: Look for stores with a good reputation and many positive reviews.
- Authorized Dealers: Buy SIM cards from authorized dealers like Smart or Globe stores.
- Check Coverage Maps: Check coverage maps to ensure the sim card will work in your intended areas of use.
11. Drug Scams
Some people may offer illegal drugs as a means of extortion or exploitation. Stay away from any situation involving drugs and report any suspicious behavior to the authorities.
- Avoid Drugs Altogether: It's best to avoid any contact with illegal drugs.
- Report Suspicious Behavior: Report any suspicious behavior to the authorities.
- Know Local Laws: Be aware of local drug laws and penalties, as they can be severe.
12. Pickpocketing
Pickpockets may operate in crowded areas or on public transportation. Keep your belongings close and avoid displaying valuable items.
- Keep Belongings Close: Keep your belongings close at hand, preferably in a zipped bag or pocket.
- Avoid Displaying Valuables: Minimize the display of valuable items like wallets, phones, and jewelry.
- Use a Hidden Money Belt: Consider using a hidden money belt or neck pouch to secure your valuables.
13. Roadside Assistance Scams
Some 'roadside assistance' providers may charge exorbitant fees for services or perform unnecessary repairs. Use reputable and recognized roadside assistance companies.
- Reputable Roadside Assistance Companies: Look for well-known and reputable roadside assistance providers like AAA or Auto Express.
- Check Contract Details: Carefully review the contract details before agreeing to any services.
- Ask for ID and Proof of Registration: Request identification and proof of registration from the service provider before allowing them to assist you.
14. Tout Services
Touts may offer services such as transportation or accommodation but at inflated prices. Research your options and negotiate prices before accepting their offers.
- Research Options: Research your accommodation, transport, and tour options online.
- Negotiate Prices: Negotiate prices with touts before accepting their offers to ensure fairness.
- Ask for Recommendations: Ask locals or hotel staff for recommendations instead of relying on touts.
15. Friendly Scams
Locals may seem friendly and offer help, only to later ask for money or other valuables. Be cautious of overly friendly strangers.
- Be Wary of Overly Friendly Strangers: Be cautious and maintain a level of skepticism when interacting with strangers.
- Don't Share Personal Information: Avoid sharing personal information like your address, phone number or financial details.
- Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, trust your instincts and remove yourself from the situation.