Menu
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 number
- Police, fire, ambulance: 999
- Hong Kong Tourism Board visitor hotline: +852 2508 1234
- Consumer Council: +852 2929 2222
Travel guide
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…
Read more…
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…
Read more…
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…
Read more…
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…
Read more…
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….
Read more…
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….
Read more…
“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…
Read more…
Timeshare scam in Hong Kong
3 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…
Read more…
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…
Read more…
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…
Read more…