Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Dongguan, Guangdong, China

All Topics about Dongguan All Cities in China

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid taxi scams by agreeing on the fare before starting your journey. Some drivers may refuse meters or overcharge.

Avoid buying counterfeit goods in unauthorized markets. These items may be of poor quality and can lead to legal issues.

Poor Quality: Counterfeit goods often have lower quality than authentic products
Legal Issues: Buying and possessing counterfeit items can lead to legal trouble
Support of Fraudulent Businesses: Purchasing from unauthorized markets supports illegal activities

Be cautious when hiring tour guides. Always verify their licensing and reviews before booking.

Lack of Licensing: Unlicensed guides may lack the necessary knowledge and skills
Overcharging: Some unlicensed guides may overcharge tourists for their services
Fraudulent Information: Unlicensed guides may provide misleading or false information about attractions and destinations

Be wary of Karaoke bars with hidden costs. Ensure the cost is agreed upon before starting to sing.

Hidden Costs: Some KTV bars have additional charges for food, drinks, and services
Overcharging: Prices at shady KTV bars may be significantly higher than average
Fraudulent Practices: Some KTV bars may engage in fraudulent practices such as demanding more money after the bill has been settled

Be cautious when approached by police offering to help. Always verify their identities and ask for proper documentation.

Identity Theft: Criminals posing as police officers can steal your personal information
Extortion: Fake police may extort money from tourists by fabricating charges or accusations
Scams Involving Arrest: Criminals may stage a fake arrest to scare tourists and demand money for release

Avoid purchasing SIM cards from street vendors. Buy them from authorized retailers to avoid being scammed.

Defective or Non-Functional Cards: Street vendors may sell defective or non-functional SIM cards
Overcharging: Street vendors may charge excessively for SIM cards
Data Theft: Some street vendors may gain access to your personal data through the SIM card

Avoid exchanging money on the streets. Use authorized exchange shops to avoid receiving less than agreed upon or counterfeit currency.

Counterfeit Currency: Street vendors may give you counterfeit currency
Underpaying: Some street vendors may give less than the agreed amount
Unfavorable Exchange Rates: Street vendors may offer unfavorable exchange rates compared to authorized shops

Be cautious when using cybercafes. Do not share sensitive information, and always log out completely after use.

Data Theft: Cybercafes may steal your personal data through keyloggers or other means
Virus Infections: Infected computers can harm your devices and steal sensitive information
Unsecured Connections: Cybercafes may have unsecured connections, making it easy for hackers to intercept data

Be cautious when buying drinks in bars. Some establishments may overcharge or serve less alcohol than requested.

Avoid massage parlors that do not have a legitimate front desk. These may be cover-ups for prostitution rings or other illegal activities.

Illegal Activities: Massage parlors without a legitimate front desk may engage in prostitution or other illegal activities
Unlicensed Massages: Massages may be performed by untrained and potentially unsafe practitioners
Extortion: Some massage parlors may extort money from clients for services or threaten to call the police

Be cautious when eating street food. Ensure the food is freshly cooked and prepared in a clean environment.

Unhygienic Conditions: Street food vendors may not maintain proper hygiene or use clean equipment
Food Poisoning: Consuming contaminated street food can lead to food poisoning
Overcharging: Some vendors may charge excessively for their food

Be wary of charity collectors on the street. Always verify the authenticity of the organization before donating.

Fake Charities: Some organizations are fake and do not use donations for their intended purposes
Scams Involving Fake Collectors: Individuals pretending to collect for charities may be scam artists
Unnecessary Donations: Some organizations may solicit for unnecessary or excessive donations

Avoid renting cars from unauthorized dealers. Always verify the rental agreement and vehicle condition before signing.

Unlicensed Dealers: Renting cars from unauthorized dealers can lead to legal trouble
Damaged Vehicles: Cars rented from unauthorized dealers may have existing damage that is not disclosed
Unfavorable Contract Terms: Rental contracts may contain unfavorable terms, such as high penalties or hidden fees

Be cautious when involved in accidents, especially those involving vehicles. Do not offer money or admit fault immediately.

False Accusations: Some criminals may stage accidents to scam tourists
Extortion: Criminals may extort money from tourists by fabricating accidents or falsely accusing them of causing the accident
Fraudulent Insurance Claims: Some criminals may file fraudulent insurance claims using tourist's information

Be cautious when using internet cafes. Do not share sensitive information, and always log out completely after use.

Data Theft: Internet cafes may steal your personal data through keyloggers or other means
Virus Infections: Infected computers can harm your devices and steal sensitive information
Unsecured Connections: Internet cafes may have unsecured connections, making it easy for hackers to intercept data