Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
1. Petronas Twin Towers Taxi Scam
Tourists often overpay for taxis to and from Petronas Twin Towers. Some drivers may use a taxi meter that is rigged or refuse to use it.
- Know the Fixed Rate: Ask for the fixed rate before starting your journey.
- Use Grab or GoKar: Consider using ride-hailing services like Grab or GoKar for a safer and more affordable trip.
- Check the Taxi Meter: Ensure the taxi meter is running correctly.
2. Currency Exchange Scams
Dishonest currency exchange shops may offer a lower exchange rate or charge hidden fees. Some may even give counterfeit money.
- Choose Reputable Shops: Exchange your currency at banks, hotels, or official money changers.
- Check the Exchange Rate: Compare exchange rates with several providers before making an exchange.
- Inspect the Money: Thoroughly inspect the money you receive to ensure its authenticity.
3. Overpriced Souvenirs Scam
Shops near popular tourist attractions may overprice souvenirs. Some vendors may also try to sell fake or low-quality items.
- Bargain for a Lower Price: Always bargain for a lower price when shopping at local markets.
- Visit Central Market: Consider visiting Central Market for reasonably priced and authentic Malaysian souvenirs.
- Check Quality: Inspect the quality of souvenirs before purchasing to ensure they are worth the price.
4. Sim Card Scams
Unscrupulous sim card vendors may sell you a sim card with an incorrect or non-functional plan. Some may also install malware on your device.
- Buy from Official Outlets: Purchase sim cards only from official outlets of telecommunication companies.
- Check the Plan: Ensure you understand the plan details before activating the sim card.
- Scan for Malware: Scan your device for malware after installing a new sim card.
5. Street Food Scams
Some street food vendors may use low-quality ingredients or even intentionally contaminate food to make you sick. This can be a tactic for extorting money.
- Choose Busy Stalls: Opt for busy street food stalls as they are more likely to have fresh ingredients and follow proper food safety practices.
- Avoid Eating Alone: Eat with a group or ask locals for recommendations.
- Stick to Cooked Foods: Avoid eating uncooked food like salads and opt for cooked foods instead.
6. Transportation Ticket Scams
Some bus or train conductors may demand additional money for tickets that have already been paid. Others may even skip collecting tickets altogether and ask for a fine later.
- Purchase Tickets at the Counter: Buy your tickets from the counter before boarding the vehicle.
- Validate Your Ticket: Ensure that the conductor validates your ticket after boarding the vehicle.
- Ask for Receipts: Request a receipt for your purchase as proof of payment.
7. Friendship Scams
Locals may approach you claiming to be friendly or offer help. Once they gain your trust, they may try to take advantage of you financially.
- Stay Alert and Wary: Remain vigilant when interacting with strangers, especially those offering unsolicited help or friendship.
- Limit Sharing Personal Information: Avoid sharing personal information like your home address, credit card details, or passwords with strangers.
- Travel in Groups: Travel in groups and stick together to reduce the risk of being targeted by scammers.
8. ATM Skimming Scams
Criminals may use skimming devices on ATMs to steal your card information. They may also install fake keypads to record your PIN.
- Choose Well-lit and Busy ATMs: Use ATMs that are located in well-lit, busy areas with good visibility.
- Cover the Keypad: Always cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent anyone from seeing it.
- Monitor Your Account Regularly: Regularly monitor your account transactions for any unauthorized activity.
9. Gold Scams
Some gold shops may sell fake or low-quality gold items. Some scammers even use a substance to temporarily coat lower-grade metals with gold.
- Check the Gold Hallmark: Ensure that the gold item has a hallmark indicating its purity.
- Test the Gold Weight: Test the weight of the gold item by comparing it with another item of known weight.
- Purchase from Reputable Shops: Purchase gold items only from reputable and established jewelers.
10. Lottery Scams
Scammers may contact you claiming that you've won a lottery or prize in Malaysia. They will then ask for money to release the winnings.
- Ignore Unsolicited Contacts: Never respond to unsolicited contacts regarding lotteries or prizes.
- Check with Authorities: Verify any winnings with the appropriate Malaysian authorities before making any payments.
- Don't Share Personal Information: Avoid sharing personal information like your bank account details or credit card numbers with strangers.
11. Beggar Scams
Some beggars may be part of organized crime groups. They may even pose as children or disabled individuals to evoke sympathy.
- Don't Give Cash Directly: Avoid giving cash directly to beggars. Instead, consider donating to a reputable charity organization.
- Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Remain aware of your surroundings when interacting with beggars to avoid any confrontations or potential threats.
- Report Suspicious Activities: Report any suspicious activities involving beggars to local authorities.
12. Tour Guide Scams
Unlicensed tour guides may offer you their services at a lower price. However, they may take you to unauthorized shops or overcharge for attractions.
- Book Licensed Tour Guides: Book licensed tour guides through reputable travel agencies.
- Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Ignore unsolicited offers from unlicensed tour guides.
- Check the Tour Itinerary: Ensure the tour itinerary includes reputable attractions and shops.
13. Airport Transfer Scams
Some airport taxi drivers may overcharge or take a longer route to increase the fare. Others may pretend to be airport staff and offer help with your luggage before demanding payment.
- Book Airport Transfer in Advance: Book airport transfers in advance through a reputable service or hotel.
- Check Fixed Rates: Ensure the driver uses a fixed rate for your journey before starting the ride.
- Ask for Receipts: Request a receipt for your airport transfer as proof of payment.
14. Street Performer Scams
Some street performers may demand money for their performance after you have already given a donation. Others may use distraction techniques to steal your belongings.
- Give Donations Carefully: Give donations only when you are confident that the performer is genuine and not trying to scam you.
- Stay Aware of Your Belongings: Remain aware of your belongings during performances and avoid displaying valuable items openly.
- Ignore Unsolicited Requests: Ignore unsolicited requests for money or help from street performers who did not provide a performance.
15. Fake Accident Scams
Scammers may stage accidents involving themselves or others to trick you into giving money. They may also claim that they need help with medical expenses.
- Avoid Giving Money Directly: Avoid giving money directly to people involved in accidents or suspicious situations.
- Report Suspicious Activities: Report any suspicious activities involving fake accidents to local authorities.
- Stay Away from Potential Threats: Maintain a safe distance from people involved in suspicious situations and avoid getting too close.