Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Zhangzhou, China
1. Taxi Scams
Avoid taxis that refuse to use meter or overcharge. Always agree on the price before starting the journey.
- Meter Refusal: Taxi driver refuses to use the meter.
- Price Overcharge: Driver charges an excessive price for the journey.
- Off-route Diversion: Driver takes a longer route to increase fare.
2. Fake Tour Guides
Avoid unofficial guides who may charge inflated fees or take you to scammy shops. Look for badges issued by the Zhangzhou Tourism Bureau.
- Unregistered Guide: Guide is not officially registered with the tourism bureau.
- Inflated Fees: Guide charges excessive prices for services.
- Scammy Shops: Guide takes you to shops that scam tourists.
3. Counterfeit Goods
Be wary of overly cheap goods, especially in markets or street stalls. Always check for authenticity and buy from reputable stores.
- Overly Cheap Prices: Goods are priced significantly lower than average.
- Lack of Authenticity Marks: No authenticity marks or holograms on the goods.
- Questionable Shops: Shops that do not appear legitimate or trustworthy.
4. ATM Scams
Use ATMs located in banks or reputable locations. Cover the keypad while entering your PIN and be wary of card-skimming devices.
- Unsecured ATM: ATM is not located in a secure or well-lit area.
- Card Skimming: Devices attached to the ATM to steal card information.
- Hidden Cameras: Cameras installed near ATMs to record PINs.
5. Overpriced Accommodations
Research and book accommodations in advance through reputable platforms. Be wary of prices significantly higher than the average for the area.
- High Prices: Accommodation prices are much higher than those in similar establishments.
- Lack of Reputation: Accommodation lacks online reviews or is not listed on reputable platforms.
- Pushy Salespeople: Salesperson is overly pushy or insistent about booking with their establishment.
6. Fraudulent Money Changers
Only exchange money at official banks or authorized exchange centers. Be wary of rates significantly higher than the current exchange rate.
- Unlicensed Exchange Center: Exchange center is not licensed by the government.
- Inflated Rates: Exchange rates are significantly higher than the current exchange rate.
- Counterfeit Money: Money changer provides counterfeit money in exchange for your original currency.
7. Fake Ticket Sellers
Only purchase tickets from official outlets. Be wary of tickets significantly cheaper than the usual price.
- Unlicensed Ticket Seller: Seller is not licensed to sell tickets for that attraction.
- Counterfeit Tickets: Tickets are counterfeit or invalid.
- Significantly Lower Prices: Prices for tickets are significantly lower than the usual price.
8. Internet Café Scams
Use reputable internet cafes and be cautious of unfamiliar software or files. Protect your personal information when using public computers.
- Unfamiliar Software: Internet cafe has unfamiliar software installed.
- Data Theft: Cafe may be installing malware to steal your data.
- Unsecured Networks: Internet cafe does not have secure, password-protected networks.
9. Street Food Scams
Avoid eating street food that is not being prepared in a clean and sanitary manner. Stick to popular, well-reviewed food stalls.
- Unsanitary Preparation: Food is being prepared in an unsanitary or unhygienic environment.
- Unknown Ingredients: Ingredients may be of questionable quality or safety.
- Lack of Popularity: Food stall is not popular among locals or has few reviews.
10. Friendly Scammers
Be wary of overly friendly strangers who may try to distract you while someone picks your pockets or offer 'help' that leads to a scam. Maintain awareness of your belongings.
- Distraction: Individual creates a distraction to pickpocket you.
- False Assistance: 'Helpful' individual leads you into a scam or distracts you while someone else steals from you.
- Pocket Picking: Individual picks your pocket while distracting you.
11. Scammy Massage Parlors
Avoid massage parlors with no visible signage or reviews. Be wary of overly insistent offers for a 'special' massage.
- Lack of Visible Signage: Massage parlor has no visible signage or is not clearly marked.
- Insistent Offers: Staff are overly insistent on providing a massage, especially when you decline.
- Hidden Charges: Additional charges not disclosed until after the service has been provided.
12. Telephone Scams
Ignore calls from unknown numbers, especially those claiming to be from a bank or government agency. Never share personal information over the phone.
- Unknown Caller: Caller does not identify themselves or their organization.
- Fraudulent Representative: Individual claiming to be from a bank or government agency is fraudulent.
- Phishing Attempts: Caller attempts to gather personal information for phishing purposes.
13. Rental Car Scams
Rent a car from a reputable company and inspect the vehicle thoroughly before driving off. Be wary of hidden charges or excessive damage fees.
- Hidden Charges: Additional costs not disclosed during rental agreement.
- Excessive Damage Fees: Rental company may charge for minor damage or pre-existing issues.
- Unreliable Rental Company: Rental company has poor reviews or lacks transparency in their dealings.
14. Public Transportation Scams
Avoid overcrowded buses or trains during peak hours. Be wary of pickpockets and avoid sitting next to unattended bags.
- Overcrowded Vehicles: Vehicle is overly crowded, making it difficult to keep track of personal belongings.
- Pickpockets: Individuals targeting passengers in crowded areas for pickpocketing.
- Unattended Bags: Bags left unattended may contain hidden cameras or pickpockets.
15. Overpriced Souvenirs
Research souvenir prices in advance and negotiate with shopkeepers. Be wary of significantly higher prices than the average for the area.
- High Prices: Souvenirs are priced much higher than those in similar stores.
- Lack of Reputation: Shop lacks online reviews or is not listed on reputable platforms.
- Pushy Salespeople: Salesperson is overly pushy or insistent about purchasing souvenirs from their store.