Last Updated on 2016-05-19 , 1:57 pm
Kuala Lumpur is mostly a safe place for tourists and locals alike but as with any country that you visit, it is always wise to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. There will always be con artists and tricksters just waiting for their chance to make a quick buck so do read on below for some better known scams in Kuala Lumpur. Don’t be another victim!
Taxi Scam
Kuala Lumpur’s public transport system is rapidly developing but given the chance ,it’s always nice to hop in a cool air-conditioned taxi. It’s definitely much more convenient than catching a bus or train as the taxi will drop you off right at the doorstep of your destination.
However, taxis in Kuala Lumpur are notorious for its poor service, especially in tourist hotspots. Some of them will not use their meters and name a ridiculously high rate for their services. Others will purposely take long detours in order to drive up the price. One way to avoid this is to buy coupons from taxi counters (if available) or just use the Grab or Uber app to get a safe, comfortable ride.
Scratch & Win Coupons
Make your way to any train station that has high traffic volume and you will usually be able to find a group of these con artists there, they are usually groups of young teenagers. They will offer you free coupons with a chance of winning something big like luxury car and once you have taken one, chances are once you reveal the prize you actually are the “lucky” winner.
They will congratulate you and urge you to collect the prize straightaway. But there’s a catch. You will first to cough up a large amount for one of their obscure terms and conditions to be able to actually be in the running to get the grand prize. This is a scam, if you do pay the money, you will get some knockoff item, costing way lesser than what you paid. Firmly decline all such coupons should you come across any.
Fake Monks
Now, you may be a religious person and feel it is your duty to give to these fake monks. They look like monks, with shaved, bald heads and the costume as well. Sometimes, they will force small amulets, medallions or cards into your hands without asking for anything but once you accept, they will demand for a “donation” in return. Avoid accepting these so-called gifts and just walk away or wait until they leave.
Charity Organisations
Individuals claiming to be from legit orphanages or charity organisations complete with photo IDs, certifications and a book with information about the organisation will ask for donations from unsuspecting people. They usually appear in restaurants, going from table to table asking for cash. Politely say no, and persist until they leave.
Pickpockets
A pickpocket will try to take your belongings when you are unaware. By the time you are aware that you have lost something, they have already disappeared. Their favourite areas to target are packed and crowded areas, where a jostle or bump of the elbow won’t go amiss. Some even take sharp pocketknives to make an unnoticeable slit at the side of your bag and make away with what they can. Keep your bags and valuables close to you when walking in such areas and always be alert.
Flower Sellers
Often, when you are strolling the streets of Kuala Lumpur city centre, sellers holding a bunch of flowers will approach passersby, especially couples, to buy a stalk of flower from them. The sellers are young girls of about nine to twelve years old. They will keep replenishing their stock after it is sold out so no matter how many you buy they will keep coming back.
Tour Guide Scam
This usually occurs in airports, such as Kuala Lumpur International Airport, when tourists arrive at the arrival hall. A fake tour guide will pretend to be from the agency or hotel that you have booked and inform you that they will bring you to your hotel. But first, they will demand for an additional sum on top of the amount you have paid to the hotel.
Card Fraud
Most people use credit cards when they travel, as they do not want to carry so much cash around. This brings a new set of problems as it is easy for credit card fraud to happen in some unscrupulous establishments. It is important to make sure that you get a receipt for each transaction so that you won’t be overcharged.
Poker Scam
At hot tourist attractions in Kuala Lumpur, visitors will be approached by people who look like friendly locals who will then strike up a conversation with them. After establishing where the traveller’s home country is they will then feed you with a story that they have a relative visiting your country soon and will then invite you over to their place. You will then be coerced into a gambling game which you will proceed to lose all your money and might be even served with a drugged drink. Just walk away and decline these sorts of invitations if you come across any.
Fake Tourist Police
Some tricksters will pretend to be tourist police and ask to see your documents or inspect your bag. They will produce photo IDs that seem to be legit but are in fact not. Beware as they might plant something in your bag when inspecting and try to extort money from you for the illegal items in your bag. Otherwise they might take off with other valuables and papers. Ask to see their photo IDs properly and if anything sounds fishy just ask them to go to the nearest police station with you.
Top Image: gracethang2 / Shutterstock.com
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