Common Scams and Prevention Guide in Hong Kong Tourism
As an international tourist city, Hong Kong generally has good public security. However, there are still some targeted scams in areas densely populated by tourists. Below are the types of scams that need special attention and corresponding preventive measures:
1. Taxi Scams
- Common Tactics:
- Detours: Drivers intentionally take longer routes, especially near airports, border crossings, or popular attractions (such as Tsim Sha Tsui, Disneyland).
- Fake Change: Claiming "unable to give change for large bills" to demand higher fares or quickly giving incorrect change.
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Abnormal Meter: The meter moves too fast, or drivers claim "night surcharges" or "luggage fees" (Hong Kong taxis only charge HKD 6 extra if luggage is placed in the trunk).
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Preventive Measures:
- Use navigation apps (like Google Maps) to track the route in real-time.
- Require the driver to use the meter and confirm additional fee rules beforehand.
- Carry small denomination cash to avoid using HKD 500/1000 large bills.
2. Counterfeit Jewelry/Electronics Scams
- Common Tactics:
- Store clerks lure customers into buying overpriced low-quality jewelry, watches, or electronics under the guise of "limited promotions" or "tax-free discounts".
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Promising "customs refunds" that cannot actually be redeemed.
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Preventive Measures:
- Choose reputable stores (such as Chow Tai Fook, Broadway, Fortress).
- Keep shopping receipts and confirm return/exchange policies.
- Be cautious of street "guides".
3. Street Fortune-Telling/Blessing Scams
- Common Tactics:
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Around Wong Tai Sin Temple or Temple Street, fake monks attract tourists with "free fortune-telling" and then ask for high incense fees under the pretense of "eliminating disasters".
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Preventive Measures:
- Politely decline all unsolicited "free services" on the street.
- If blessings are needed, go directly to the legitimate donation area inside the temple.
4. Fake Charity Donations
- Common Tactics:
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In crowded areas like Mong Kok or Causeway Bay, people pretend to be from organizations like "Deaf Association" or "Children's Foundation" asking for signatures and donations.
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Preventive Measures:
- Simply refuse or shake your head to indicate non-participation.
- Verify the authenticity of charity organizations through official websites.
5. Black Restaurant Traps
- Common Tactics:
- Restaurants do not clearly mark prices, charging exorbitant amounts when settling the bill (especially seafood priced per tael, where 1 catty = 16 taels).
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Charging hidden fees such as "tea service fees" or "service charges".
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Preventive Measures:
- Choose restaurants with clear pricing (recommend using OpenRice APP for queries).
- Check the bill details before paying.
6. Currency Exchange Scams
- Common Tactics:
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Street exchange shops attract tourists with "favorable exchange rates", but actually deceive them by giving less cash or mixing counterfeit bills.
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Preventive Measures:
- Exchange currency at banks, airports, or reputable exchange points (such as Ngiu Seng Exchange).
- Use Alipay/WeChat Pay (supported by most merchants in Hong Kong).
7. Free Gift Traps
- Common Tactics:
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In Lan Kwai Fong or Central, people offer "free souvenirs" and then force purchases or demand "donation fees".
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Preventive Measures:
- Do not accept items offered by strangers.
- If harassed, leave immediately and call the police (Hong Kong Police hotline: 999).
8. Fake Attraction Tickets/Yellow Cow Tickets
- Common Tactics:
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Selling forged tickets or used second-hand tickets outside places like Disneyland and Ocean Park.
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Preventive Measures:
- Buy tickets through official websites or reputable platforms like Klook or KKday.
- Verify the validity of electronic tickets by checking the QR code.
9. Photo Extortion
- Common Tactics:
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Street performers or cosplayers invite tourists for photos and then demand high "photo fees".
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Preventive Measures:
- Confirm whether there is a charge before taking photos.
- Avoid those who actively approach you wearing exaggerated costumes.
Practical Safety Tips
- Payment Methods: Prioritize using Alipay/WeChat (requires binding an overseas credit card or enabling the "TourPass" function).
- Emergency Contact: Save the Hong Kong Tourism Board hotline +852 2508 1234.
- Document Security: Carry copies of your Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao and visa pages, store the original in the hotel safe.
- Transport Card: Purchase an Octopus Card (can be recharged at MTR stations) to avoid the inconvenience of cash transactions.
