Scam in ChinaOn the street
Accident and false compensation claims in China
How it works
Someone uses an alleged accident to seek compensation. People who genuinely help someone in distress have also faced compensation claims. Foreign visitors are not often targeted.
Warning signs
- An accident allegation is followed by a demand for money.
- Someone presses you to settle before the facts are clear.
How to avoid it
- Record journeys with a dashboard or bicycle camera when using a vehicle.
- Preserve recordings after any incident.
- Seek police or emergency help rather than agreeing to an immediate cash settlement.
If it happens to you
Stay calm, preserve evidence and contact police. Call for medical help if someone is injured. Avoid arguing over an immediate payment.
- Move somewhere safe. Avoid threats, physical arguments or chasing a thief.
- Stop further payments. Freeze stolen cards and secure affected payment or phone accounts.
- Save evidence: receipts, messages, payment records, vehicle details and the place and time. Collect evidence only when safe.
- Report the scam or theft to police on 110. For a suspicious phone call, use 96110 for scam enquiries.
- Ask your hotel for help explaining the problem. Contact your card issuer about disputed payments and your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen or you are detained.
- Ask for a police report or reference number. Keep copies for your bank, insurer and any follow-up complaint.
Questions
What is the accident and false compensation claims scam in China?
Someone uses an alleged accident to seek compensation. People who genuinely help someone in distress have also faced compensation claims. Foreign visitors are not often targeted.
How can I spot it early?
An accident allegation is followed by a demand for money. Someone presses you to settle before the facts are clear.
How do I avoid accident and false compensation claims in China?
Record journeys with a dashboard or bicycle camera when using a vehicle. Preserve recordings after any incident. Seek police or emergency help rather than agreeing to an immediate cash settlement.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Stay calm, preserve evidence and contact police. Call for medical help if someone is injured. Avoid arguing over an immediate payment.
Where in China does this happen?
Roads and places where an accident or request for help occurs.
How common is this scam in China?
Occasional. China is generally safe for visitors, and violent street crime is rare. Tourist scams and theft still happen, especially around busy sights, transport hubs and crowds. Watch for taxi overcharging, invitations that lead to expensive purchases, fake goods and pickpockets.
Who can I report it to?
Public security police: call 110 to report a scam or theft. Give your location, what happened and any evidence. Ask hotel staff for language help if needed. Scam enquiry service: call 96110 to enquire about suspicious phone calls. Police may also use this number with an area-code prefix to warn about possible scams. Consumer Protection: call 12315 about a consumer dispute, such as a misleading sale or disputed business charge. Keep the receipt and details of the business. Anti-corruption reporting service: call 12388 to report a bribe demand. Hotel doorman or front desk: ask for help if a taxi seriously overcharges you on the way to your hotel. Show the receipt, driver's ID or number plate details. Card issuer or payment provider: use its official app or verified contact number to freeze a stolen card, report an unauthorised payment or ask about disputing a charge. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help after passport theft or detention. If detained, politely request consular access and a translator.
What number do I call in an emergency in China?
Police; report scams and theft: 110, Ambulance / EMS: 120, Fire Department: 119, Traffic Police; merged with 110 in some cities: 122, Scam enquiry: 96110.
Reviewed by @snuck