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Tag: Guangzhou
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…
QR code payment scams in China
1 0How it works: Situation: Criminals have been pasting their own QR code (easy to make) over the original ones by merchants (shops, bicycle sharing, etc). It is almost impossible to detect…
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…
Herbs buying scams in China
2 0How it works: Opening: an accomplice acting as a customer at a herbs stall will tell you that the herbs are top notch and that she is here regularly to…
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…
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…
Boat scams in China
2 2How it works: Opening: boat scammers who will offer you a low price to take their boats. Version 1: once on board, anything can be charged. For instance, you can…