Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Fengcheng, Liaoning, China

All Topics about Fengcheng All Cities in China

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid overcharging and unlicensed taxis by using registered taxi services or ride-hailing apps.

Registered Taxis: Official, licensed taxis have identifiable markings.
Ride-Hailing Apps: Apps like Didi Chuxing and Huaxia Taxi offer affordable, trackable rides.
Unlicensed Drivers: Avoid drivers without official identification or unmarked vehicles.

Beware of counterfeit goods being sold at local markets. Check for authenticity and buy from reputable stores.

Authenticity: Check for quality, missing logos or inconsistencies in the product.
Reputable Stores: Shop at malls and official stores to ensure authenticity.
Local Markets: Some markets are more prone to selling counterfeit goods than others.

Use registered tour guides or agencies. Be wary of unsolicited offers and check for official identification.

Registered Guides: Legitimate guides have proper registration and ID.
Unsolicited Offers: Avoid offers from unregistered guides approaching you in public areas.
Official Identification: Check for a valid tour guide ID, license number, and certification badge.

Use authorized exchange centers or banks to avoid overcharging. Be cautious of street vendors offering unfavorable rates.

Authorized Centers: Exchange at banks, airports, and reputable exchange centers.
Street Vendors: Be aware of vendors offering unusually high exchange rates.
Favorable Rates: Know the current exchange rate to avoid overpaying.

Use ATMs in well-lit, busy areas and be cautious of any suspicious devices attached to the machine.

Well-Lit Areas: Choose ATMs in busy, well-lit locations to reduce the risk of theft.
Suspicious Devices: Check for any unofficial card readers or devices attached to the machine.
Cover Your Hand: Cover your hand while entering your PIN to prevent observation by potential thieves.

Keep belongings secure and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Be cautious in crowded areas.

Secure Belongings: Use zippers, hidden pockets, or anti-theft bags to keep belongings secure.
Crowded Areas: Be aware of your surroundings and monitor your belongings in crowded areas.
Carrying Cash: Limit the amount of cash you carry, or split it among multiple locations.

Avoid street food that appears undercooked or not fresh. Eat at reputable restaurants and ensure food is cooked thoroughly.

Undercooked Food: Street vendors may serve food that hasn't been properly cooked.
Reputable Restaurants: Choose well-known, reputable restaurants for meals.
Fresh Food: Avoid food that looks old or has been sitting out for extended periods.

Avoid temples and religious sites where monks or priests ask for money. Stick to reputable attractions.

Monks Asking for Money: Some temples may use monks to solicit donations.
Reputable Attractions: Visit popular, well-known religious sites instead of lesser-known ones.
Official Donation Boxes: Use official donation boxes if you wish to make a contribution.

Book accommodation through reputable websites or agencies. Check for hidden fees and confirm the location of the hotel.

Reputable Websites: Use popular travel booking sites to ensure legitimacy.
Hidden Fees: Be wary of accommodation options with additional, hidden fees.
Hotel Location: Confirm the location of your hotel to avoid being scammed with a false address.

Buy sim cards from official stores or authorized resellers. Avoid street vendors offering cheap sim cards.

Official Stores: Purchase sim cards at carrier retail stores or authorized resellers.
Street Vendors: Avoid vendors selling sim cards on the street, as they may be unauthorized or counterfeit.
Hidden Charges: Check for any hidden charges or fees before making a purchase.

Buy tickets from authorized outlets or official websites. Be wary of ticket scalpers offering discounted prices.

Authorized Outlets: Purchase tickets at the venue box office or authorized ticket agents.
Ticket Scalpers: Avoid individuals selling tickets outside venues, as they may be counterfeit.
Official Websites: Buy tickets from the official event website or app to ensure legitimacy.

Use password-protected networks or VPNs. Avoid using unsecured WiFi hotspots.

Password-Protected Networks: Use networks that require a password for access.
VPNs: Use a VPN to encrypt your data and protect your online activities.
Unsecured Hotspots: Avoid using unsecured WiFi hotspots in public places.

Be cautious when interacting with children who seem to be begging or asking for money. Report any suspicious activities.

Caution Interaction: Avoid giving money to children who are asking for it, as they may be part of a scam.
Report Suspicious Activities: Inform local authorities if you witness any suspicious or potentially fraudulent activities involving children.
Legitimate Activities: Participate in organized charitable events or donate to reputable organizations.

Rent cars from reputable agencies. Inspect the vehicle thoroughly and document any damage before driving away.

Reputable Agencies: Choose well-known car rental agencies to reduce the risk of scams.
Inspecting the Vehicle: Thoroughly inspect the car before driving away and document any existing damage.
Returning the Car: Return the car in the same condition as when you received it to avoid additional charges.

Use secure networks or VPNs. Avoid using cyber cafes that look old, unsecured, or poorly maintained.

Secure Networks: Use password-protected networks or VPNs in cyber cafes.
Unsecured Cyber Cafes: Avoid cyber cafes that look outdated, poorly maintained, or have unsecured WiFi networks.
VPNs: Use a VPN to encrypt your data and protect your online activities.