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Tag: Shanghai
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…
Shanghai flower selling girls in China
1 0How it works: There are flower selling girls who target foreign couples by giving a flower to the woman and then hugging her leg. She will not let go until…
Shoe shine scam in China
2 0How it works: Like in Turkey, scammers either put a drop of shoe polish on your shoes or stain your shoes with some liquid. Before you can react, they would…
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…
Shopping scams in China
2 3How it works: Version 1: many things can be faked, from a fake Apple store to a fake bank! Watch out for high value items such as luxury products or…
Bar/karaoke scams in China
2 0How it works: Opening: a pretty girl helps you with directions or wants to practice her English. She then asks if you want to head to a bar/get a drink…