Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Nantong, Jiangsu, China

All Topics about Nantong All Cities in China

1. Taxi Scams

Unscrupulous taxi drivers may overcharge or direct to non-tourist areas. To avoid, use registered taxis or apps like Didi.

Registered Taxis: Official and regulated taxis with meters to ensure fair pricing
Didi App: China's leading taxi-hailing app, providing a safer and more convenient service
Avoid Unmarked Taxis: Unmarked or unregistered taxis may not follow pricing regulations

Some markets sell fake goods. To avoid, visit authorized stores or shops in tourist areas.

Authorized Stores: Official retailers selling authentic goods guaranteed by the manufacturer
Tourist Areas: Areas popular with tourists are more likely to have authorized stores
Check Labels: Look for holograms, certifications, and other indicators of authenticity on goods

Unlicensed tour guides may provide misinformation or take you to scam destinations. To avoid, book through reputable agencies.

Reputable Agencies: Tour agencies with licenses and good reviews can ensure a genuine experience
Ask for Credentials: Legitimate tour guides will have IDs, badges, and other verifiable credentials
Research Tour Destinations: Know the popular tourist spots to avoid being taken to less-reputable destinations

Unfavorable exchange rates and hidden fees at unofficial exchangers. To avoid, use banks or authorized exchange centers.

Banks: Official banks provide the best exchange rates with minimal fees
Authorized Exchange Centers: Licensed exchange centers guarantee a safe and reliable service
Avoid Street Exchanges: Street exchangers may provide unfavorable rates or even counterfeit currency

Subpar hotels offering rooms that don't match the description. To avoid, book through reputable online platforms.

Reputable Online Platforms: Booking websites with user reviews and ratings can help find good accommodations
Check Photos: Compare photos of the hotel room to ensure it matches the description
Read Reviews: User reviews can help identify potential issues before booking

Contaminated or substandard street food. To avoid, eat from busy and popular vendors.

Busy and Popular Vendors: Frequently visited vendors are more likely to serve safe and delicious food
Avoid Dark Corners: Dark corners or empty areas may indicate unsanitary conditions
Look for Hygiene Standards: Vendors with proper hygiene and cleanliness standards are safer to eat from

Locals or 'friends' asking for help and then demanding payment. To avoid, be cautious of strangers offering help.

Be Aware of Your Belongings: Keep your belongings secure to avoid being targeted by pickpockets
Trust Your Instincts: If a situation feels strange or suspicious, it probably is. Trust your gut and remove yourself from the situation
Avoid Isolated Areas: Isolated areas may increase the risk of encountering scammers looking for unsuspecting victims

Unauthorized charges or malware on sim cards. To avoid, buy from authorized stores.

Authorized Stores: Official retailers can provide authentic sim cards and avoid potential scams
Check for Registration: Registered sim cards are less likely to have malware or unauthorized charges
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may offer sim cards at cheap prices, but they might be faulty or compromised

Attractions that do not deliver as advertised. To avoid, research tourist destinations.

Research Tourist Destinations: Know the popular tourist spots to avoid being taken to less-reputable attractions
Check Reviews: User reviews can help identify potential issues before visiting an attraction
Ask Locals for Recommendations: Locals are often familiar with the best attractions, and can help guide you to quality experiences

Fraudulent lotteries or prize offerings. To avoid, ignore unsolicited messages about winning lotteries.

Ignore Unsolicited Messages: Do not respond to emails, texts, or calls claiming you have won a prize
Verify the Organizer: Lotteries are regulated by the government; verify that the organizer is legitimate
Do Not Send Money: Scammers will often ask for payment to release winnings. Do not send money in these situations.

Using skimmers to steal credit card information. To avoid, monitor your accounts and use secure ATMs.

Secure ATMs: ATMs located inside banks or in well-lit areas are less likely to be compromised
Monitor Account Activity: Regularly check your account statements for any unauthorized transactions
Use Chip-and-PIN Cards: Chip-and-pin cards are more secure against skimming than magnetic stripe cards

Unauthorized transactions on your account. To avoid, monitor your accounts and use secure networks.

Secure Networks: Avoid using public Wi-Fi for online banking or sensitive transactions
Monitor Account Activity: Regularly check your account statements for any unauthorized transactions
Use Strong Passwords: Strong and unique passwords can help protect your accounts from hacking attempts

Fraudulent airline tickets or resale of non-existent tickets. To avoid, book through reputable travel agencies.

Reputable Travel Agencies: Travel agencies with licenses and good reviews can help find authentic airline tickets
Check Flight Details: Compare flight details to ensure they match the ticket you purchased
Avoid Overly Cheap Tickets: Tickets that are significantly cheaper than others may be fraudulent or non-existent

Fraudulent online stores selling counterfeit goods. To avoid, shop from reputable e-commerce sites.

Reputable E-Commerce Sites: E-commerce websites with user reviews and ratings can help find authentic products
Check Security Measures: Secure sites will have 'https' in the URL, a lock icon next to the address bar, and other security features
Avoid Suspicious Links: Links sent via email or messaging apps may lead to fraudulent sites. Only shop from trusted sources

Unsecure Wi-Fi networks used for data theft. To avoid, use a VPN or cellular data.

Use a VPN: Virtual Private Networks encrypt your data and provide an additional layer of security
Cellular Data: Using cellular data instead of public Wi-Fi can help protect your information
Avoid Sensitive Transactions: Limit sensitive transactions, such as online banking or shopping, on unsecured networks