Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Shengli, Shandong, China

All Topics about Shengli All Cities in China

1. Taxi Overcharging

Avoid getting overcharged by taxis by using app-based services or negotiating fares before starting the journey.

App-Based Services: Using apps like Didi Chuxing provides a transparent fare calculation.
Pre-Negotiation: Discussing the fare before starting the journey can help avoid unexpected charges.
Recognizing Unregistered Taxis: Unregistered taxis may not have a meter or display license number, increasing the risk of overcharging.

Be cautious when shopping in markets selling branded items at very low prices, as they may be counterfeits.

Price is too good to be true: If the price seems unusually low for a well-known brand, it's likely a counterfeit.
Check for Logos and Details: Authentic products will have consistent logos and details compared to counterfeits which may have inconsistencies.
Purchasing from Reputable Stores: Buying from reputable stores or authorized dealers can help minimize the risk of buying counterfeit goods.

Only use licensed tour guides to ensure a safe and informative experience.

Check for Licenses: Licensed tour guides will have a registered license number and ID.
Avoid Street Solicitations: Street solicited guides may not be licensed, leading to potential scams or poor service.
Research and Book in Advance: Booking a tour through a reputable agency can help ensure you're using a licensed guide.

Use ATMs in well-lit, busy areas and protect your PIN to avoid falling victim to ATM skimming.

Choose Well-Lit Areas: ATMs located in well-lit, busy areas are less likely to have tampered devices.
Cover PIN Entry: Covering the PIN entry when using an ATM can help prevent shoulder surfing.
Monitor Account Regularly: Regularly monitoring your account for unauthorized transactions is essential in detecting potential skimming early.

Use trusted internet cafes and be cautious when using public computers to protect your information.

Check for Reputation: Researching a cafe's reputation can help ensure it's trustworthy.
Avoid Saving Passwords: Never save passwords on public computers to prevent unauthorized access.
Use a VPN: Using a virtual private network (VPN) can help protect your online activity and information.

Stick to reputable nightlife venues and be cautious of drinks left unattended to avoid drug-spiking incidents.

Check Venue Reputation: Researching a venue's reputation can help ensure it's safe and trustworthy.
Don't Leave Drinks Unattended: Never leave your drink unattended, as it may be tampered with.
Travel in Groups: Travelling in groups can help protect each other and reduce the risk of falling victim to scams.

Choose popular street food vendors with many customers and avoid eating anything that looks unusual.

Popular Vendors: Vendors with a high volume of customers are more likely to serve safe food.
Avoid Unusual Items: If the food looks unfamiliar or unappetizing, it might not be safe to eat.
Check for Health Inspections: Street food vendors should have regular health inspections and display their certificates.

Avoid giving personal information or money to individuals posing as police officers. Report any suspicious activity to the local authorities.

Official Uniform and ID: Legitimate police officers will have an official uniform, ID, and badge.
Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect someone is posing as a police officer, report the incident to local authorities immediately.
Never Provide Personal Information: Do not give your personal information or money to anyone who claims to be a police officer but cannot verify their identity.

Be wary of unsolicited phone calls asking for personal or financial information. Hang up and report any suspicious calls.

Unsolicited Calls: Never give personal or financial information in response to an unsolicited call.
Check Caller ID: If the caller ID is unfamiliar, be cautious and do not engage with the call.
Report Suspicious Calls: Report any suspicious calls to local authorities or your bank immediately.

Be cautious when approached by people pretending to need help. They may be scammers trying to take advantage of your kindness.

Don't Provide Money Directly: Instead of giving money directly, donate to reputable charities or organizations.
Avoid Alleyways and Dark Areas: Scammers often approach in alleyways or dark areas, so stay in well-lit, busy places.
Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect someone is pretending to need help for a scam, report the incident to local authorities.

Monitor your credit card statements regularly and use secure networks when making online transactions.

Secure Networks: Use secure networks, such as those provided by hotels or reputable internet cafes, when making online transactions.
Monitor Statements Regularly: Regularly monitoring your credit card statements can help detect fraudulent transactions early.
Report Unauthorized Transactions: Immediately report any unauthorized transactions to your bank or credit card company.

Only purchase tickets from reputable sources for shows and attractions. Check online reviews before purchasing tickets to ensure authenticity.

Reputable Sources: Purchase tickets from reputable sources such as official venues or authorized ticket agents.
Check Online Reviews: Check online reviews for the seller before purchasing tickets to ensure they are trustworthy.
Inspect Tickets Carefully: Inspect the tickets carefully after purchase to ensure they appear genuine and have all necessary details.

Use reputable currency exchange providers and avoid exchanging money on the street to minimize the risk of scams.

Reputable Providers: Use reputable currency exchange providers such as banks or authorized exchange agencies.
Avoid Street Exchanges: Street exchanges can be risky, so avoid them whenever possible.
Check Exchange Rates Beforehand: Research exchange rates beforehand to ensure you're getting a fair deal.

Avoid agreeing to anything without understanding it fully, and ask for help from locals or tour guides when needed.

Ask for Clarification: If you don't understand something, ask for clarification before agreeing.
Trust Local Guides and Friends: Trust local guides and friends to help you navigate potential scams.
Research Common Scams in Advance: Research common scams in the area before arriving to be prepared.

Book accommodation through reputable sources and inspect rooms thoroughly upon arrival.

Reputable Sources: Book accommodation through reputable sources such as online booking platforms or hotels.
Inspect Rooms Thoroughly: Inspect the room thoroughly upon arrival for any unusual items or signs of tampering.
Check Reviews and Ratings: Check reviews and ratings before booking accommodation to ensure it's trustworthy.