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Hong Kong
18 scams
A dynamic and vibrant cosmopolis, Hong Kong has much to offer, with a shopping paradise, colourful nightlife, festivals and fairs, a kaleidoscope of cultures and many more!
However, as one of the world’s pre-eminent cities, tourists here also represent rich pickings for scammers and opportunists.
Note: vast majority of trips are trouble free and there is no need to be paranoid. That said, it always pays to be aware, careful, and prepared.
Alert: the anti extradition bill protests since June 2019 have continued unabated. For more information, check out the link “Violent crime, hazards in Hong Kong” below”.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance: 999
- Hong Kong Tourism Board visitor hotline: +852 2508 1234
- Consumer Council: +852 2929 2222
Travel resources
Nathan Road shopping scams in Hong Kong
5 1How it works: Version 1: after you pay, the shop attendant goes to the back to pick a new set for you. They may pick an older model or even…
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Fake antiques, products in Hong Kong
4 1How it works: Version 1: at the Cat Street market, also known as the antique marketplace, shopkeepers here claim that these are antiques from years gone by. They are actually…
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Taxi scams in Hong Kong
4 1How it works: Version 1: not using the meter and charging an inflated flat fare (for instance, charging 400 HKD from Peak Tram to Central when it should only be…
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Chinese herbs scams in Hong Kong
4 0How it works: Version 1: Using confusing price units (tael-mace trick) to make you think the price is cheap, when the quoted cheap price is just for one tiny portion….
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Market massage scams in Hong Kong
4 0How it works: Opening: at markets, you will see advertisements or touts who offer low prices for a massage. Set-up: after the service is provided however, he claims the price…
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Sob story scammers in Hong Kong
2 0How it works: Version 1: a scammer claims to have been robbed of his phone and asks if he can borrow yours. If you do, he runs away with it….
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“Compulsory shopping” tour in Hong Kong
2 1How it works: Tour groups have been coerced by their guides to purchase a minimum amount in certain stores, else they would be kicked out of the groups. These guides…
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Fake attraction tickets in Hong Kong
1 1How it works: In 2014, there was a bout of discounted fake tickets to attractions such as Disneyland, Ocean Park and Ngong Ping 360 sold on Taobao. Note that it…
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Drink spiking in Hong Kong
2 0How it works: It has been reported that criminal syndicates hire pretty females to approach single male tourists in bars and nightclubs. They may chat you up and then spike…
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Pickpockets in Hong Kong
2 0How it works: They work in a gang – one onlooker, one blocks, pushes, distracts, or engages you, one grabs and the final hides the loot under a cover (e.g….
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Taxi broken window scam in Hong Kong
1 0How it works: Opening: there are drivers who install low quality glass windows on their doors and they target drunk foreigners around Lan Kwai Fong and Lockhart Road. Set-up: if…
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Timeshare scam in Hong Kong
2 0How it works: Opening: someone claiming to be from the Hong Kong tourist department asks if you would like to do a survey in exchange for scratch cards. The survey…
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Accommodation touts in Hong Kong
2 0How it works: Opening: a tout asks where you are going and staying. He then claims that your hotel is closed for renovation and recommends another place at a cheap…
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Currency switcheroo in Hong Kong
1 0How it works: This is where a driver or cashier swaps a large note you gave with a smaller note. You are then asked to top up the difference. Places…
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Fake beggars in Hong Kong
1 0How it works: In Hong Kong, it is illegal to beg. However, beggars from China, as part of criminal syndicates come over to Hong Kong on a L visa to…
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