Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Rucheng, China

1. Tourist Trap Restaurants

Restaurants near popular attractions with inflated prices and subpar food. Avoid by asking locals for recommendations.

Inflated Prices: Prices significantly higher than normal for the region
Subpar Food Quality: Food quality not meeting expectations, often lower than other restaurants in the area
Location: Located near popular tourist attractions

Unlicensed tour guides offering services at cheaper prices. Be cautious and check for a valid tour guide license.

Lack of Licensing: No official documentation or proof of licensing
Lower Prices: Prices significantly lower than other registered tour guides
Unfamiliarity with Locations: Lack of knowledge about the local area and attractions

Fake souvenirs being sold as authentic. Look for official stores or ask locals for recommendations.

Poor Quality: Souvenir quality not meeting expectations
Lack of Authenticity: Item is a counterfeit, not an authentic souvenir from the region
Location: Sold in markets or street stalls rather than official stores

Taxis overcharging tourists, particularly at night or from airports. Use registered taxis and agree on a price before starting the journey.

Accommodations with inflated prices, poor quality, or hidden fees. Research and book ahead with reputable providers.

Inflated Prices: Prices significantly higher than normal for the region
Poor Quality: Accommodation quality not meeting expectations
Hidden Fees: Fees charged upon arrival that were not disclosed during booking

Criminals using ATMs to steal card information. Use only ATMs in banks or inside secure locations.

Unsecured Location: ATM located in an unsecured or poorly lit location
Card Information Theft: Criminals use skimming devices to steal card information
PIN Number Observation: Criminals observing PIN numbers during transactions

Fraudulent police officers demanding bribes or assistance in scams. Carry a copy of your passport and visa and stay vigilant.

Bribery Demands: Officers asking for bribes for non-existent offenses
Scam Involvement: Officers involved in scams, such as directing victims to ATMs for skimming
Lack of Uniform or Identification: Police officers not wearing uniforms or lacking proper identification

Theft from bags or pockets in crowded areas. Keep belongings secure and avoid carrying unnecessary valuables.

Crowded Areas: Areas with large crowds, such as markets or tourist attractions
Theft from Bags or Pockets: Valuables stolen from bags or pockets
Distraction Techniques: Thieves using distractions, such as loud noises or spills, to steal belongings

Computers in internet cafes with malware or keyloggers. Use trusted devices or protect your computer with security software.

Malware and Keyloggers: Computers infected with malware or keyloggers to steal personal information
Unsecured Networks: Unsecured networks allowing access to sensitive information
Data Theft: Data stolen from computers or accounts during use

Fraudulent gold shops offering low-quality or fake gold. Verify the authenticity of gold before purchasing.

Scammers posing as officials, banks, or service providers asking for personal information. Hang up and report to authorities.

Personal Information Requests: Callers asking for sensitive personal information
Impersonation: Scammers posing as officials or service providers
Threats and Intimidation: Callers using threats or intimidation to obtain information

Rickshaws overcharging tourists, particularly for long distances. Negotiate a fair price before starting the journey.

Counterfeit bills being passed as genuine. Check bills carefully and exchange only at banks or reputable establishments.

Poor Quality: Bills have poor quality or inconsistencies
Inconsistencies: Inconsistencies in the bills' security features
Location: Bills exchanged in informal settings or unregulated establishments

Unlicensed massage parlors offering services at cheaper prices. Be cautious and check for a valid license.

Lack of Licensing: No official documentation or proof of licensing
Lower Prices: Prices significantly lower than other registered massage parlors
Unfamiliarity with Techniques: Lack of knowledge about proper massage techniques and hygiene practices

Staged accidents designed to extort money from tourists. Stay aware and avoid distractions in crowded areas.

Distraction Techniques: Thieves using distractions, such as loud noises or spills, to steal belongings
Extortion: Victims are extorted for money under the guise of compensation for the accident
Location: Areas with large crowds, such as markets or tourist attractions