
Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Yicheng, China
1. Temple Scam Alert
Avoid fake monks asking for donations at temples. Check for official identification.
- Donation Requests: Be aware of unofficial requests for donations.
- Identification Verification: Ask to see official identification before donating.
- Temple Reputation: Research the reputation of the temple before visiting.
2. Taxi Scam Warning
Avoid taxis that refuse to use meter or overcharge. Insist on using a meter and carry a map for reference.
- Meter Usage: Always ensure the taxi uses a meter.
- Overcharging: Be wary of taxis that do not use a meter or overcharge.
- Map Awareness: Carry a map to check the taxi's route and fare estimation.
3. Cybercafe Scam Prevention
Avoid cybercafes with no security software or suspicious activity. Use secure Wi-Fi and protect your devices.
- Security Software: Ensure the cybercafe has updated antivirus software.
- Suspicious Activity: Be cautious of unusual activity or strangers watching your screen.
- Device Security: Use a VPN and keep personal information protected.
4. Street Food Scam Detection
Avoid street food vendors that do not display health certificates or have poor hygiene. Choose busy and popular stands.
- Health Certificate: Check for visible health inspection certificates.
- Hygiene Conditions: Look for clean working conditions and handling of food.
- Busy Stand Popularity: Choose stands that are busy and popular among locals.
5. Marketplace Scam Avoidance
Avoid overpriced or counterfeit items. Bargain for prices and verify quality before purchasing.
- Overpricing: Bargain for lower prices on merchandise.
- Counterfeit Items: Check for quality and authenticity of items before purchasing.
- Market Reputation: Research the market's reputation before shopping.
6. Hotel Scam Detection
Avoid hotels with no official registration or poor reviews. Check for a valid license and read reviews online.
- Official Registration: Ensure the hotel has a valid business license.
- Online Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests to get an idea of quality and service.
- Hotel Location: Choose a hotel that is centrally located for easy accessibility.
7. Restaurant Scam Warning
Avoid restaurants with no menu prices or serving small portions. Check for menu with prices and reasonable portion sizes.
- Menu Pricing: Ensure the restaurant has a visible menu with prices.
- Portion Sizes: Look for restaurants that serve reasonable portion sizes.
- Restaurant Reputation: Research the restaurant's reputation before dining.
8. Tour Guide Scam Prevention
Avoid unlicensed tour guides and check for official identification. Book through reputable agencies.
- Licensed Tour Guides: Ensure the guide has a valid tour guide license.
- Agency Reputation: Book through reputable and well-reviewed travel agencies.
- Identification Verification: Ask to see identification before hiring a tour guide.
9. Attraction Scam Detection
Avoid attractions with no admission fee or unusual offers. Research admission prices and check for official websites.
- Admission Fees: Ensure the attraction has a reasonable admission fee.
- Official Website Verification: Check for an official website and verify admission fees.
- Location: Choose attractions that are centrally located and well-known.
10. Bus Scam Warning
Avoid buses with no destination posted or demanding more money. Confirm the route before boarding.
- Destination Verification: Check for a clearly visible destination before boarding.
- Route Confirmation: Confirm the route with the bus driver or other passengers.
- Price Comparison: Compare the fare with local prices and official websites.
11. Shopping Mall Scam Avoidance
Avoid malls with no security personnel or suspicious activity. Be cautious of vendors selling counterfeit items.
- Security Presence: Look for security personnel patrolling the mall.
- Suspicious Activity: Be wary of vendors displaying counterfeit items or acting suspiciously.
- Mall Reputation: Research the mall's reputation before shopping.
12. Lodging Scam Detection
Avoid lodgings with no online presence or poor reviews. Check for a professional website and read reviews.
- Online Presence: Ensure the lodging has an up-to-date, professional website.
- Online Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests to get an idea of quality and service.
- Location: Choose a lodging that is centrally located for easy accessibility.
13. Transportation Scam Warning
Avoid transportation with no official logo or demanding more money. Verify the vehicle and driver's identity.
- Official Logo Verification: Ensure the vehicle has an official logo.
- Driver Identification Verification: Ask to see identification from the driver before boarding.
- Price Comparison: Compare the fare with local prices and official websites.
14. Exchange Scam Prevention
Avoid unofficial exchange booths or individuals. Use banks or authorized exchange centers.
- Unofficial Exchange Booths: Avoid exchanging money at unofficial booths or with strangers.
- Authorized Exchange Centers: Exchange currency at banks or authorized exchange centers.
- Rate Comparison: Compare exchange rates with official websites and other reputable sources.
15. Local Festival Scam Warning
Avoid locals asking for donations or demanding payments during festivals. Be cautious and aware of scams during these events.
- Donation Requests: Be wary of unofficial requests for donations.
- Festival Reputation: Research the festival's reputation before attending.
- Official Participants: Only interact with officially participating individuals during the festival.