Scams in Hong Kong – What To Watch Out For in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a popular destination for tourists. It has a lot to offer with attractions such as Disneyland, skyscrapers, shopping, and local markets. You will also find festivals, nightlife, and shopping centers that will keep you busy on your visit.

When you visit Hong Kong, you need to be aware of the scams that you might encounter when visiting Hong Kong. There are scams in Hong Kong do target tourists mainly in tourists area. These scams do occur on the main streets, local markets, and transport.

In this post, we will go through what to watch out for in Hong Kong. So let’s get started!

Learn More On Hong Kong

• Things To Do On Hong Kong Island
• Things To Do in Hong Kong
• Hong Kong Travel Tips
• Can You Drink Tap Water in Hong Kong?
• Hong Kong Travel Guide

Scams In Hong Kong

While Hong Kong is a wonderful place to visit, there are scams that target visitors to Hong Kong. These scams can happen anywhere in Hong Kong from temples, the local markets, and transport.

What are the most common scams that usually occur in Hong Kong?

Bait And Switch Scam

This scam is usually experienced by tourists who want to buy some items in certain stores. You may see a product that is displayed on the self and you want to buy it. However, when you choose the product you want, the seller will go into the back, taking the new product with them.

In the end, they replace the product you think that you are buying with an old one or even a fake one. Either way, you don’t get what you are paying for and get a low-quality product. You must be careful, especially at Nathan Road, Kowloon.

Watch For The Art Scammers

This is a ridiculous scam that only occurs in Hong Kong. How does this scam work? Basically, the scammer will create a trap using a fake art picture on the floor or street.

Then, you accidentally step on the fake item and you will be asked to take responsibility for damaging it. They will insist on you paying for the damage you caused to the fake art.

Beware Of Pickpockets

Pickpocketing usually occurs in crowded areas. The pickpockets do not work alone and they will have friends who are ready to help.

The thieves may grab your gold necklace and wallet in a few seconds and you will not notice getting pickpocketed. And if you do there are too many people around you to be confident who pickpocketed you.

You must be careful when you walk around Nathan Road, Causeway Bay, Temple street, MTR stations, and much more.

The Fake Beggar

More than likely a fake beggar can be found in most countries, not only in Hong Kong. But, when you visit Hong Kong, you must be careful with fake beggars who are sitting along the street or bridges.

These beggars show there in bad physical conditions such as no legs, no hands, or other conditions but they are actually normal. Just ignore these beggars and don’t give them anything.

Borrow Your Phone Scam

Simply, this scam is old but it still works in Hong Kong. How does this scam work? Someone may come to you and then he will tell you that he lost his phone. After that, he asks you to borrow your phone to call their phone.

If you lend your phone to this scammer, he will run away with your phone.

Beware Of The Friendly Helper

You actually can find this kind of scam in many countries including Hong Kong, The trick is actually very simple and it usually occurs around the airport.

How does it work? Someone may come to you after you land at the airport, especially if you have a large suitcase. This scammer will offer to help to bring your luggage even if you reject him.

After that, he will ask you for some money but it is very expensive and there is no chance to refuse it. Otherwise, he will make some noise and try to embarrass you.

Drop Some Money Scam

This is a new way to scam tourists who visit Hong Kong. The scammer will drop some money on purpose in front of you. After that, his friend will pick up the money right in front of you and wants to share it with you.

This guy will take you to a special place and then the first scammer will come to you and he will accuse you of stealing his money.

In this step, the scammer will search your bags and pockets and when he gets your valuable items, he will disappear with your valuables.

Please Take Care of My Money

This may sound stupid but there are some people who have experienced this scam. How does it work? Someone will come to you and they say that he needs your help to mind his money. But, he wants your valuable items as collateral.

Once you give them your item, then he will run away and never come back again.

If you encounter this kind of person, you need to ignore them as there is no one willing to give his money to other people for no reason.

Fake Monks Scam

This is a classic scam that does not only occur in Hong Kong but you can still find it around the city. How does it work? Basically, fake monks are similar to a beggar but they dressed as monks.

In this scam, they will wear monk outfits when they come to a tourist or the people who pass by, and then they will ask for a donation. In fact, they do not use the money for donations but they use it for themselves.

Taxi Overcharging

In most countries, taxi overcharging is not a strange thing, especially for tourists who just visit the country. In fact, it also occurs in Hong Kong.

This overcharging taxi usually happens to you if you do not use meters. You will not know how much you have to spend on the taxi while at the final destination, you will be charged at a high cost.

Wrapping Up

Finally, those are a few scams in Hong Kong that you must watch out for, especially if you have never visited Hong Kong before. You must not easily trust someone who meets you because he may be a scammer.

If you are threatened, you must immediately call the police and report it just in case you have been scammed.

And that’s it for now! I’d love to know if this guide on the scams in Hong Kong has helped you. Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if there is more to add.

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