I. Common Types of Travel Scams and Cases

1. Expensive Souvenir Trap
2. Case: Shops around scenic areas sell items like "jade" or "antiques," with inflated prices (e.g., ordinary bracelets priced at thousands of yuan), or claim "limited local specialties" (such as "rare tea" or "Tibetan medicine").

3. Identification Method: Research the market price of local specialties in advance; avoid shopping inside scenic areas; reputable stores usually have clear pricing and support returns.

4. Fake Attractions or Misleading Promotions

5. Case: Taxi drivers or "helpful passersby" recommend places that are supposedly "only known to locals," which turn out to be unofficial private attractions (like fake temples or artificial ancient towns).

6. Identification Method: Verify attraction information through official tourism platforms (such as the Ministry of Culture and Tourism website, Trip.com, Mafengwo); beware of places with names similar to well-known attractions.

7. Transportation Fraud

8. Case: Taxis do not use meters, take detours, or unlicensed drivers lure customers with "cheap package deals."

9. Identification Method: Prioritize using ride-hailing platforms like Didi Chuxing (with English interface), or choose public transportation such as subways and buses.

10. Fake Guides or Scalpers

11. Case: People outside attractions sell "discounted tickets," which turn out to be counterfeit or expired group tickets.

12. Identification Method: Purchase tickets through official channels (such as the attraction's official website, WeChat Official Account, or Ctrip Travel); popular attractions like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall require advance reservations.

13. Blessing/Fortune-Telling Scams

14. Case: In temples, "free incense" is offered before demanding high "donation fees," or fake monks charge for "disaster removal."

15. Response Strategy: Politely decline unofficial religious activities; legitimate temples do not force donations.

16. Street Gambling or Lotteries

17. Case: Street vendors offer games like "guessing seeds" or "lucky draws," luring tourists with accomplices but rigging the game.
18. Response Strategy: Stay away, don't watch, and don't talk to them.

II. Practical Measures to Prevent Scams

1. Thorough Preparation Before Travel
2. Review the travel safety guidelines issued by China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and follow updates from the destination's tourism bureau.

3. Download Amap or Baidu Maps, plan your route in advance, and avoid being misled.

4. Choose Legitimate Service Channels

5. Transportation: Use Didi Chuxing (English interface supported), 12306 official website (for high-speed rail tickets), or airline official apps.
6. Accommodation: Book through platforms like Trip.com, Booking.com, and check real guest reviews.

7. Guides: Choose licensed travel agencies (confirm their business license and guide certification).

8. Rational Consumption, Avoid Greedy Deals

9. Be cautious of "free services" or "super low-price packages"; reputable merchants rarely solicit customers on the street.

10. Ask for invoices (fapiao) when shopping, and confirm the return policy within 7 days (as per Chinese law).

11. Learn to Verify Authenticity

12. Attractions: Scan the official QR code at the entrance (usually certified by the tourism bureau).

13. Products: For jade or jewelry, request a certificate of authenticity (from the China University of Geosciences or NGTC National Gemstone Testing Center).

14. Use Electronic Payments to Reduce Cash Transactions

15. Activate Alipay or WeChat Pay (linked to foreign bank accounts) to cover over 90% of consumption scenarios.
16. Keep electronic receipts after scanning codes for future reference in case of disputes.

III. Response Strategies if You Encounter a Scam

1. Stay Calm and Collect Evidence

2. Take photos or videos of the involved location, personnel, and products, and keep receipts, chat records, etc.

3. Contact Relevant Departments Immediately

4. Call the national tourism service hotline 12301 (English service available), or 110 for police assistance (translation help provided).

5. Contact your country's embassy in China (e.g., U.S. Embassy in China: 010-8531-3000).

6. File Complaints Through Platforms

7. Initiate complaints via the "Bill Details" feature in Alipay/WeChat Pay, or contact the customer service of ticket/hotel booking platforms.