Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Tangerang, Jawa Barat, Indonesia

All Topics about Tangerang All Cities in Indonesia

1. Simcard Scam Avoidance

Learn how to avoid simcard scams by purchasing cards from authorized retailers or mobile operator stores.

Authorized Retailers: Buying simcards from authorized retailers ensures you are not getting a tampered card.
Mobile Operator Stores: Purchasing from mobile operator stores provides peace of mind, as they can help resolve any issues.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may sell tampered or invalid simcards to unsuspecting customers.

Avoid taxi scams by using apps like Gojek or Grab for a hassle-free ride experience.

Gojek: Use the popular local app, Gojek, to ensure you pay a fair price and get reliable service.
Grab: Another widely used app in Southeast Asia that guarantees safe and affordable transportation.
Avoid Street Taxis: Street taxis might overcharge or provide unsatisfactory service, putting you at risk.

Avoid scams when exchanging money by using reputable exchange centers or banks.

Reputable Exchange Centers: Exchange your currency at recognized and regulated exchange centers.
Banks: Visit banks to exchange currency for better rates and security.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may give you less than the agreed amount or provide counterfeit bills.

Avoid fraudulent tour guides by booking tours through reputable travel agencies or online platforms.

Reputable Travel Agencies: Book guided tours with established and recognized travel agencies.
Online Platforms: Use online platforms like Viator or Klook for booking tours and activities in Tangerang.
Avoid Street Guides: Street guides might lead you to overpriced shops, restaurants, or attractions.

Avoid pickpocketing by keeping your belongings secure and being aware of your surroundings.

Secure Belongings: Keep your valuables in a safe place, such as a zippered pocket or a hidden pouch.
Awareness: Stay aware of your surroundings and be cautious, especially in crowded areas.
Don't Display Wealth: Minimizing the display of expensive items like jewelry or smartphones can help deter pickpockets.

Avoid fraudulent accommodation scams by booking through reputable platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb.

Booking.com: Book your stay on popular platform, Booking.com for a secure and convenient experience.
Airbnb: Use Airbnb to find local accommodations with verified hosts and properties.
Avoid Street Rentals: Street rentals may be overpriced, unhygienic, or even non-existent.

Avoid buying counterfeit goods by sticking to reputable shops and markets.

Reputable Shops: Purchase items from stores with good reviews, recommendations, or recognizable brands.
Markets: Visit markets that are well-known for selling authentic goods, such as Pasar Tanjung Emas.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may sell counterfeit or low-quality goods.

Avoid fraudulent ATM scams by using ATMs located in banks or shopping malls.

ATMs in Banks: Use ATMs found inside banks for maximum security and reliability.
Shopping Malls: ATMs located in shopping malls are typically secure, with video surveillance and proper lighting.
Avoid Unattended ATMs: Never use unattended or poorly lit ATMs to prevent potential theft or skimming.

Avoid overpriced food scams by dining at recommended restaurants or street vendors with good reviews.

Recommended Restaurants: Dine at restaurants that come highly recommended, either from locals or online reviews.
Street Vendors with Good Reviews: Choose street vendors who have good reviews and a consistent presence in the area.
Avoid Touristy Areas: Restaurants near popular tourist attractions often charge higher prices.

Avoid fake guidebook scams by purchasing guidebooks from authorized retailers or online platforms.

Authorized Retailers: Purchase guidebooks from recognized bookstores or newsstands.
Online Platforms: Buy your guidebook online from reputable sources, such as Amazon or Lonely Planet's website.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may sell counterfeit or outdated guidebooks.

Avoid unauthorized massage parlors by visiting licensed and reputable establishments.

Licensed Establishments: Choose massage parlors that have a valid business license and positive reviews.
Reputable Spas: Visit spas that are well-known for providing professional and safe services.
Avoid Street Massage Parlors: Street massage parlors may offer unprofessional, potentially dangerous services.

Avoid buying counterfeit souvenirs by purchasing from reputable shops or markets.

Reputable Shops: Purchase souvenirs from stores with good reviews, recommendations, or recognizable brands.
Markets: Visit markets that are well-known for selling authentic souvenirs, such as Pasar Kembang Jati.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may sell counterfeit or low-quality souvenirs.

Avoid fraudulent transport ticket scams by purchasing tickets from authorized vendors or at the station.

Authorized Vendors: Purchase tickets from authorized ticket booths, machines, or online.
At the Station: Buy your transport tickets directly at the station to avoid counterfeit tickets.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may sell invalid or counterfeit transport tickets.

Avoid telecommunication scams by only responding to official calls from your service provider.

Official Calls: Only respond to calls that display the name of your telecom service provider.
Avoid Calls from Unknown Numbers: Ignore calls from unknown numbers, as they may be scams.
Don't Share Personal Info: Never share personal or sensitive information over the phone with strangers.

Avoid internet cafe scams by choosing reputable establishments and being cautious when using public computers.

Reputable Internet Cafes: Choose internet cafes that are well-known, have positive reviews, or are part of a recognizable chain.
Be Careful when Using Public Computers: Use caution when accessing sensitive information on public computers, and consider using a VPN for added security.
Avoid Unattended Internet Cafes: Internet cafes without staff present may be more susceptible to scams.