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Tag: Harbin
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…
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…
Fake attraction tickets in China
2 0How it works: Opening: a street tout or driver tries to sell you a discounted ticket that can help you skip the queue. Set-up: this could either be a fake…
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…
Cheap, low quality tours in China
5 1How it works: Opening: Very cheap tours are advertised. Set-up: Version 1: their main revenue comes from commission shops pay when they bring tourists there – you find yourself spending…