Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Klang, Malaysia
1. Street Food Scams
Avoid overpriced or fake food stalls in busy markets by checking for official health certificates and asking locals for recommendations.
- Official Health Certificate: Ensures the food is prepared under sanitary conditions.
- Locals' Recommendations: Recommended by locals, likely to serve authentic and delicious food.
- Busy Market Locations: Popular stalls in crowded areas are often frequented due to good reputation.
2. Taxi Scams
Avoid unofficial taxis and insist on using a meter or negotiate the fare before starting the journey.
- Unofficial Taxis: Does not use a meter, may overcharge.
- Meter Usage: Ensures fair pricing based on distance traveled.
- Fare Negotiation: Agreement before the journey helps to avoid any disputes regarding fare.
3. ATM Scams
Use well-lit and busy ATMs, cover the keypad while entering your PIN, and never accept help from strangers.
- Well-lit and Busy ATMs: Less susceptible to tampering or surveillance.
- Cover Keypad: Prevents shoulder surfing and skimming of card details.
- Avoid Help from Strangers: Reduces the risk of fraudulent activities.
4. Fake Tour Guides
Book tours with reputable companies or through your hotel and ask for recommendations from locals.
- Reputable Companies: Regulated and licensed, provides quality service.
- Hotel Bookings: Hotels often partner with trusted tour operators.
- Locals' Recommendations: Recommended by locals, likely to offer authentic and enjoyable experiences.
5. Counterfeit Goods
Avoid purchasing souvenirs from street vendors or unlicensed stores, look for official outlets.
- Street Vendors and Unlicensed Stores: May sell counterfeit goods.
- Official Outlets: Guarantees authenticity of the purchased item.
- Licensed Stores: Adheres to quality and safety standards.
6. Currency Exchange Scams
Use reputable exchange outlets, be aware of the exchange rate, and count your money carefully before leaving.
- Reputable Exchange Outlets: Offers competitive rates and provides reliable service.
- Exchange Rate Awareness: Knows the average rate to avoid being ripped off.
- Count Your Money Carefully: Ensures you receive the correct amount of currency.
7. Hotel Scams
Book hotels through reputable websites or agents, check for hidden charges and read reviews before booking.
- Reputable Booking Websites or Agents: Provides a secure transaction and quality service.
- Check for Hidden Charges: Ensures there are no surprise fees upon check-out.
- Read Reviews: Gives insight into the quality of service and overall customer satisfaction.
8. Tourist Spots Overcharging
Research entry fees for popular attractions before visiting and be wary of anyone trying to charge extra.
- Research Entry Fees: Ensures you are not overpaying.
- Avoid Extra Charges: Prevent being charged for unnecessary services or fees.
- Know the Standard Rates: Helps to avoid being scammed with inflated prices.
9. Sim Card Scams
Purchase sim cards from official retailers, be wary of unsolicited offers for 'cheaper' sim cards.
- Official Retailers: Provides legitimate service and competitive rates.
- Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Reduces the risk of fraudulent activities.
- Check for Hidden Charges: Ensures there are no surprise fees upon activation or usage.
10. Gold Scams
Purchase gold from reputable jewellery stores, check for purity certificates and ask for a receipt.
- Reputable Jewellery Stores: Provides quality products and services.
- Purity Certificates: Ensures the gold is pure and of high quality.
- Ask for a Receipt: Helps with any potential disputes or warranty claims.
11. Transport Ticket Scams
Purchase transport tickets from official ticket counters or authorized vendors, avoid buying from unofficial sources.
- Official Ticket Counters or Authorized Vendors: Provides legitimate tickets and guarantees entry.
- Avoid Unofficial Sources: Reduces the risk of fraudulent activities.
- Check for Validity: Ensures the ticket is valid and not counterfeit.
12. Accommodation Booking Scams
Book accommodation through reputable online platforms or agents, read reviews, and confirm the booking before arrival.
- Reputable Online Platforms or Agents: Provides a secure transaction and quality service.
- Read Reviews: Gives insight into the quality of service and overall customer satisfaction.
- Confirm the Booking Before Arrival: Ensures the reservation is valid and not a scam.
13. Transport Rental Scams
Rent transport from reputable companies or agencies, check for hidden charges, and inspect the vehicle before use.
- Reputable Companies or Agencies: Provides reliable service and quality vehicles.
- Check for Hidden Charges: Ensures there are no surprise fees upon return of the vehicle.
- Inspect the Vehicle Before Use: Verifies the condition and functionality of the vehicle.
14. Internet Café Scams
Use well-known internet cafes, be wary of unattended computers, and avoid saving sensitive information on public computers.
- Well-Known Internet Cafes: Provides a secure environment and reliable service.
- Avoid Unattended Computers: Reduces the risk of unauthorized access to your data.
- Avoid Saving Sensitive Information: Prevent potential theft of personal or financial information.
15. Charity Scams
Donate to reputable charities or non-profit organizations, research the cause and ask for a receipt.
- Reputable Charities or Non-Profit Organizations: Provides support to genuine causes and uses funds effectively.
- Research the Cause: Ensures your donation is being used for a worthy cause.
- Ask for a Receipt: Verifies the donation and helps with tax deductions.