Watch out for this popular tourist SCAM (part 2)

Watch out for this popular tourist SCAM (part 2)
Sep 9, 2010 17:20
CHINA_MIKE Points: Join Date: Aug 21, 2010 Status: offline	Apologies for the re-post from last month...but just want to warn everyone because I'm still getting emails from people who are still falling (or almost falling) for this popular tourist scam in China. The scam is known sometimes as the "tea shop" or "practice English" scam--- popular especially around the touristy Nanjing Rd. shopping area in Shanghai (also common in Beijing). There are variations but the basic scam is that you're befriended by a stranger who recommends going somewhere to sample some tea, practice English, sing some karaoke, or whatever. What you don't know is that the person is paid a commission by the shady tea shop or restaurant, which tricks you into paying a RIDICULOUS amount (often hundreds of US dollars). And if you try to leave without paying, you suddenly find a couple of big guys blocking the door! The lesson: Never let a stranger in China take you to a place of their choosing. For full details on the scam (and other ones including "Counterfeit money bait & switch" and "Black taxi" scams), see my page on "Avoiding scams in China" Good luck and safe travels! - Mike Lin www.china-mike.com

Sep 9, 2010 17:20

CHINA_MIKE
Points:
Join Date: Aug 21, 2010
Status: offline

Apologies for the re-post from last month...but just want to warn everyone because I'm still getting emails from people who are still falling (or almost falling) for this popular tourist scam in China. The scam is known sometimes as the "tea shop" or "practice English" scam--- popular especially around the touristy Nanjing Rd. shopping area in Shanghai (also common in Beijing).

There are variations but the basic scam is that you're befriended by a stranger who recommends going somewhere to sample some tea, practice English, sing some karaoke, or whatever. What you don't know is that the person is paid a commission by the shady tea shop or restaurant, which tricks you into paying a RIDICULOUS amount (often hundreds of US dollars). And if you try to leave without paying, you suddenly find a couple of big guys blocking the door!

The lesson: Never let a stranger in China take you to a place of their choosing. For full details on the scam (and other ones including "Counterfeit money bait & switch" and "Black taxi" scams), see my page on "Avoiding scams in China"

Good luck and safe travels!

- Mike Lin
www.china-mike.com

Sep 11, 2012 23:03

GUEST17690

I had the same experience in Beijing. Our official tour guide, who appeared to be so friendly brought us into a "government tea house" for a "free" tea taste. Then eventually after all the tasting, you will be offered with super expensive teas. And if you say you have no money, they will force you to pay using your credit card. Some might say it's easy to say no, but it's different when you are inside a shop with all the Chinese forcing you to buy. So please beware with all the scams in China. They are everywhere!!!

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