Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Matsudo, Chiba, Japan

1. Matsudo Tourist Information Center

A reliable source for travel advice and warnings about local scams.

Official Source: Operated by the city government, providing trustworthy information.
Free Services: Provides maps, brochures, and travel advice without charge.
Multilingual Staff: Staff can communicate in multiple languages, catering to international tourists.

Protects passengers from overcharging and other taxi scams.

Regulated Taxis: Official taxis participating in the program, ensuring compliance with city regulations.
Price Transparency: Display of meters and fare rates for transparent pricing.
24/7 Monitoring: Dedicated team monitoring taxi activity to prevent scams.

Report incidents of potential scams and seek advice.

Emergency Assistance: Available for immediate assistance during emergencies.
Foreign Language Support: Police officers with language skills to assist international visitors.
Crime Prevention Tips: Provides crime prevention tips, including avoidance of scams.

Warnings about common shopping mall scams such as overpricing and switcheroo.

Shopper Awareness: Alerts shoppers to potential scams, helping them stay vigilant.
Price Comparison: Encourages shoppers to compare prices at multiple stores before purchasing.
Security Cameras: Increased surveillance within shopping malls, deterring scammers.

Information on skimming and card trapping scams at ATMs.

Safe ATMs: Lists of secure ATMs in Matsudo to minimize the risk of skimming.
Protect Your Card:
Monitor Your Account: Regularly check your account for any unauthorized transactions.

Avoid restaurant scams like hidden charges and watered-down drinks.

Reputable Restaurants: List of popular, trustworthy restaurants to minimize the risk.
Check Menu Prices: Compare menu prices with other restaurants for fair pricing.
Ask for Recommendations: Seek advice from locals or fellow travelers about good restaurants.

Avoid hotel scams like overbooking and fake hotels.

Official Hotels: List of official, trustworthy hotels in Matsudo.
Check Online Reviews: Read reviews from other travelers to gauge hotel quality and reputation.
Book Directly: Book your hotel through the official website or a reputable booking site.

Avoid scams like malware-infected computers or overcharging.

Secure Internet Cafés: List of secure internet cafes in Matsudo, free from malware.
Pay Attention to Charges: Monitor the duration and cost of your computer usage to avoid overcharging.
Use a VPN: Protect your data by using a VPN when accessing sensitive information online.

Information on bar scams like overpricing, watered-down drinks, and aggressive solicitation.

Reputable Bars: List of popular, trustworthy bars to minimize the risk.
Check Prices: Compare prices with other bars for fair pricing.
Stay in Groups: Travel in groups to deter aggressive solicitation and potential scams.

Avoid street food scams like contamination or overpricing.

Safe Street Food Vendors: List of trustworthy, hygienic street food vendors.
Check Prices: Compare prices with other vendors for fair pricing.
Eat During Busy Hours: Street food stalls are busiest during meal times, minimizing the risk of contamination.

Avoid scams by unscrupulous street performers.

Reputable Performers: List of talented, trustworthy street performers.
Check for Tips: Only tip performers after you're satisfied with their performance.
Avoid Distractions: Be aware of pickpockets or other scammers who may try to distract you.

Avoid festival scams like overpricing, pickpocketing, and counterfeit goods.

Official Festivals: Information on official festivals sanctioned by the city government.
Secure Your Belongings: Keep your belongings close and secure to deter pickpocketing.
Avoid Counterfeit Goods: Be cautious when buying souvenirs, ensuring they're genuine items.

Avoid temple scams like aggressive solicitation or false monk imposters.

Reputable Temples: List of popular, trustworthy temples to minimize the risk.
Avoid Distractions: Be aware of pickpockets or other scammers who may try to distract you.
Donate Wisely: Only donate to official collection boxes, avoiding aggressive solicitation.

Avoid scams like pickpocketing on public transportation.

Secure Public Transportation: Travel during busier hours for increased security.
Keep Your Belongings Close: Keep your belongings close and secure to deter pickpocketing.
Avoid Distractions: Be aware of scammers who may try to distract you.

Avoid night market scams like overpricing, pickpocketing, and counterfeit goods.

Safe Night Markets: List of secure night markets in Matsudo.
Secure Your Belongings: Keep your belongings close and secure to deter pickpocketing.
Avoid Counterfeit Goods: Be cautious when buying souvenirs, ensuring they're genuine items.