
Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Jianguang, Jiangxi, China
1. Taxi Scams
Avoid overcharging and unofficial taxis by using only licensed cabs or ride-hailing apps. Never agree to a fixed price without checking it first.
- Know the Fare: Always check the metered fare before starting your journey.
- Use Licensed Cabs: Only take licensed taxis and avoid unofficial cabs to avoid scams.
- Avoid Fixed Prices: Never agree to a fixed price without checking it first as they might overcharge.
2. Counterfeit Goods Market
Avoid buying counterfeit goods from street vendors. Opt for official retailers or authorized resellers.
- Check for Quality: Legitimate products come with warranties and quality assurance.
- Beware of Low Prices: If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Official Retailers: Avoid street vendors and purchase from official retailers or authorized resellers.
3. Tour Guide Scams
Choose licensed tour guides or join group tours with reputable agencies. Beware of unofficial guides approaching you.
- Licensed Tour Guides: Always choose licensed tour guides for reliable information and guidance.
- Group Tours: Join group tours with reputable agencies to ensure safety and authenticity.
- Avoid Unofficial Guides: Beware of unofficial guides approaching you as they might lead you to scams or overcharge.
4. ATM Scams
Use ATMs located inside banks or shopping malls instead of standalone machines. Cover the keypad while entering your PIN.
- Use Secure ATMs: ATMs located inside banks or shopping malls are generally safer.
- Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad while entering your PIN to prevent shoulder surfing and keylogging.
- Monitor Your Account: Regularly monitor your account transactions for any unusual activity.
5. Overpriced Restaurants
Avoid restaurants near tourist attractions as they often overcharge. Look for local eateries or ask locals for recommendations.
- Local Eateries: Local eateries offer authentic food at reasonable prices.
- Avoid Tourist Areas: Restaurants near tourist attractions often overcharge tourists.
- Ask Locals: Ask locals for recommendations to find affordable and authentic eateries.
6. Sim Card Scams
Buy sim cards only from official retailers or authorized dealers. Avoid street vendors to avoid getting a non-functional or overpriced card.
- Official Retailers: Always buy sim cards from official retailers or authorized dealers.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors might sell non-functional or overpriced sim cards.
- Check Coverage: Ensure the coverage area and data speed are suitable for your needs before purchasing a sim card.
7. Business Card Scams
Avoid accepting business cards with unfamiliar or generic names. Verify the person's identity and position before exchanging cards.
- Verify Identity: Always verify the person's identity before exchanging business cards.
- Avoid Generic Names: Business cards with unfamiliar or generic names might be fake.
- Check Position: Ensure the person's position and affiliation are legitimate before exchanging business cards.
8. Casino Scams
Avoid casinos offering unrealistic odds or winnings. Research and choose reputable casinos for a fair gaming experience.
- Reputable Casinos: Choose reputable casinos with good ratings and reviews.
- Avoid Unrealistic Odds: Be wary of casinos offering unrealistic odds or winnings.
- Know the Rules: Understand the rules and regulations of the casino games before playing.
9. Overpriced Accommodation
Book accommodation in advance through reputable websites or travel agencies. Avoid street vendors offering accommodations at unusually low prices.
- Reputable Websites/Agencies: Book accommodation through reliable online platforms or travel agencies.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors might offer accommodations at unusually low prices which could be scams.
- Check Reviews: Always check reviews before booking accommodation to ensure quality and safety.
10. Street Performance Scams
Avoid street performances that ask for donations. They might not be genuine or could lead to further scams.
- Legitimate Performances: Enjoy legitimate performances in theatres, museums, and other cultural venues.
- Avoid Donation Requests: Do not participate in street performances asking for donations as they might be scams.
- Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid getting distracted by performances that seem suspicious.
11. Fake Tickets Scams
Purchase tickets only from authorized ticket sellers or official venues. Avoid third-party vendors to avoid getting fake tickets.
- Authorized Ticket Sellers: Always purchase tickets from authorized ticket sellers or the official venue.
- Avoid Third-Party Vendors: Third-party vendors might sell fake or overpriced tickets.
- Check for Authenticity: Verify the authenticity of the tickets before using them to enter venues.
12. Currency Exchange Scams
Exchange money only at authorized banks or exchange offices. Avoid street vendors offering unfavorable exchange rates.
- Authorized Banks/Offices: Always exchange money at authorized banks or exchange offices.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors might offer unfavorable exchange rates and could scam you.
- Check Exchange Rates: Always compare exchange rates before exchanging money to get the best deal.
13. Fraudulent Money Transfers
Transfer money only through banks or reliable money transfer services. Avoid strangers offering cash for help or assistance.
- Use Banks/Reliable Services: Always use banks or reliable money transfer services to transfer money.
- Avoid Strangers: Do not accept offers of cash from strangers as it might be a scam.
- Secure Transfers: Ensure the money transfer process is secure and confidential to avoid falling victim to fraud.
14. Fake Charity Scams
Donate only to reputable charities or verified causes. Be cautious about unsolicited charity requests on the street.
- Reputable Charities: Always donate to reputable charities with a proven track record.
- Verify Causes: Verify the cause and legitimacy of any charity before making a donation.
- Avoid Unsolicited Requests: Be wary of unsolicited charity requests, especially on the street as they might be scams.
15. Dating Scams
Be cautious when communicating with strangers online. Never share personal information or send money to someone you have not met in person.
- Protect Personal Information: Never share sensitive personal information with strangers online.
- Meet in Person First: Always meet someone in person before sharing any financial or personal information.
- Avoid Sending Money: Never send money to someone you have not met in person as it might be a scam.