Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Depok, Jawa Barat, Indonesia

All Topics about Depok All Cities in Indonesia

1. Taxi Overcharging

Avoid overpriced taxi rides by agreeing on the fare before starting your journey.

Fixed Fare Knowledge: Know the average cost for common destinations.
Legitimate Taxis: Recognize legitimate taxis by their distinctive signage and meter.
Avoid Peak Hours: Travel during off-peak hours to avoid surge pricing.

Beware of counterfeit goods at local markets. Stick to reputable shops or malls for genuine items.

Check Quality: Inspect the product for poor craftsmanship and low-quality materials.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other shops to ensure reasonable pricing.
Legal Consequences: Purchasing counterfeit goods may lead to legal issues in some countries.

Protect your card from skimming at unauthorized ATMs. Use machines located inside banks or reputable facilities.

Secure Machines: Look for ATMs with security features like camera coverage and card slot covers.
Monitor Transactions: Regularly check your account balance and transactions to spot any unusual activity.
Use Credit Cards Sparingly: Limit the use of credit cards at ATMs to minimize risk.

Avoid sim card swap scams by securing your phone and keeping an eye on your phone at all times.

Secure Your Phone: Use a password or biometric security to protect your device.
Don't Share PINs: Never share your PIN with anyone, not even the police or shopkeepers.
Check Your Phone Regularly: Regularly check your phone's settings and apps to ensure no unauthorized changes.

Enjoy safe street food by only eating from popular, clean, and busy stalls.

Cleanliness: Look for a clean cooking area and utensils.
Busy Stalls: Choose stalls with many customers as they likely serve safe food.
Avoid Unfamiliar Foods: Stick to foods you recognize and avoid exotic dishes unless from a reputable source.

Avoid being ripped off when exchanging money. Use authorized exchange outlets or banks.

Authorized Outlets: Look for exchange outlets with licenses and good reviews.
Compare Rates: Compare exchange rates between different outlets to find the best deal.
Avoid Late Night Exchanges: Exchange money during business hours to avoid scams and less favorable rates.

Avoid giving money directly to beggars. Instead, donate to reputable charities or organizations.

Reputable Charities: Research local charities and verify their legitimacy before donating.
Avoid Giving Cash: Consider buying food or essentials instead of giving cash directly.
Stay Aware: Be cautious when approached by multiple beggars, as they may be working together to distract you.

Avoid being misled by fake tour guides. Book tours through reputable travel agencies or online platforms.

Reputable Agencies: Choose agencies with good reviews, licenses, and a proven track record.
Check Tour Prices: Compare tour prices with other operators to ensure reasonable pricing.
Check Itinerary: Ensure the itinerary is realistic and caters to your interests.

Avoid middlemen offering discounts or deals. They often charge inflated prices or offer poor quality services.

Direct Bookings: Book directly with attractions, restaurants, or shops whenever possible.
Check Reviews: Read reviews before making a booking to ensure quality and fair pricing.
Negotiate Prices: Negotiate prices for services or goods. Avoid immediately accepting the first offer.

Avoid overpriced hotel rooms or scam hotels. Book through reputable online travel agencies or well-known brands.

Reputable Booking Sites: Book through well-known booking sites with good reviews and secure payment options.
Check Room Conditions: Read room descriptions carefully before booking to ensure it meets your needs.
Avoid Street Bookings: Never book a hotel room directly from someone on the street.

Avoid overpriced transportation tickets. Purchase tickets from authorized vendors or ticket machines.

Authorized Vendors: Look for authorized vendors with uniforms, ID cards, and official signage.
Check Ticket Prices: Compare ticket prices with other passengers or online to ensure fair pricing.
Avoid Buying From Strangers: Never buy tickets from strangers, especially on crowded platforms.

Avoid fake accidents or emergencies intended to extort money. Call local authorities if you suspect a scam.

Call Local Authorities: Contact the local police or emergency services when in doubt.
Stay Aware: Be cautious of suspicious situations and trust your instincts.
Avoid Engaging Directly: Do not engage directly with the scammers. Call for help instead.

Avoid unwanted goods or services offered by street vendors or shopkeepers. Politely decline and move on.

Decline Politely: Decline politely but firmly to avoid pressure from vendors.
Trust Your Instincts: Listen to your instincts and be cautious of pushy salespeople.
Avoid Alleys and Dark Corners: Stay in well-lit, populated areas to avoid isolated scams.

Protect your data when using cybercafes. Avoid saving passwords or sensitive information on public computers.

Use a VPN: Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your online activity.
Secure Your Devices: Install security software on your devices before using public computers.
Avoid Financial Transactions: Do not conduct financial transactions or access sensitive accounts on public computers.

Be wary of fake police officers. Always ask for identification and verify their legitimacy before cooperating.

Ask for ID: Always ask for identification and verification from the officer.
Stay Calm: Remain calm and avoid aggressive behavior, even if you suspect a scam.
Contact Local Authorities: Contact the local police or embassy to verify the officer's legitimacy.