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Tag: Chengdu
Pickpockets in China
1 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….
Snatch thefts in China
1 0How it works: Two versions: strike and run; distract and grab. Possible scenarios: Bike/moped: riding past with a pillion rider doing the snatch. Bar, restaurant: stealing unattended bags/valuables on the…
Sob story scammers in China
2 0How it works: Claim to have been robbed, and ask if you can spare some change for them to take transport. Places to beware: Anywhere (e.g. Xi’an: Xi’an City Wall…
Fake beggars in China
1 0How it works: Version 1: clings to you, then picks from your pockets if a chance arises. Version 2: beggars with fake disabilities. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbRALNRbgak Places to beware: Anywhere What to…
Fake monks in China
2 0How it works: Version 1: a monk gives you a blessing or amulet, and then asks you to donate. He shows you a (fake) donation book detailing donations made by…
Counterfeit yuan scam in China
1 0How it works: Latest (in July 2019): we have received on the ground reports that this is becoming a problem in Beijing. Tour operators have given us feedback that their…
Jade buying scams in China
4 0How it works: Opening: There are jade shops which sell fake or low quality jade at inflated prices. You may end up here as part of a tour and will…
Restaurant, food stall scams in China
2 2How it works: Situation: there is no need to be overly cautious as most restaurants are fine. However, there are some black sheep and you need to know what red…
Unlicensed taxis in China
1 2How it works: Situation: It only costs ~30,000 Yuan to “manufacture” a fake taxi. There are made from abandoned parts of old taxis decommissioned by taxi companies. Some are fine…
Taxi scams in China
4 1How it works: Version 1: rigged meters; covering a meter with a higher preset starting charge with a cloth. Version 2: claiming a fare is for each person, not for the…
Rickshaw driver scam in China
5 1How it works: Opening: rogue taxi drivers will drop you on the north side of the Forbidden City (the exit). Here, rickshaw drivers will offer to bring you to the…
Fake tour agents in China
5 0How it works: Version 1: you may encounter street touts who pass themselves off as from a reputable tour agency with fake name cards. Generally, they will tempt you by…