Scam in ChinaTheft
Bicycle, battery and charger theft in China
How it works
Thieves steal bicycles or take battery packs and chargers from electric bicycles and scooters. Even an expensive lock may not stop a professional thief.
Warning signs
- The parking area has no visible monitoring.
- A battery pack or charger is left easy to remove.
How to avoid it
- Use a monitored bike park where possible.
- Prefer parking covered by CCTV.
- Secure removable batteries and chargers.
- Do not rely on the price of your lock as your main protection.
If it happens to you
Report the theft to police. Give them the parking location, identifying details and information about nearby CCTV.
- 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.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the bicycle, battery and charger theft scam in China?
Thieves steal bicycles or take battery packs and chargers from electric bicycles and scooters. Even an expensive lock may not stop a professional thief.
How can I spot it early?
The parking area has no visible monitoring. A battery pack or charger is left easy to remove.
How do I avoid bicycle, battery and charger theft in China?
Use a monitored bike park where possible. Prefer parking covered by CCTV. Secure removable batteries and chargers. Do not rely on the price of your lock as your main protection.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Report the theft to police. Give them the parking location, identifying details and information about nearby CCTV.
Where in China does this happen?
Bicycle parking areas and other places where bikes or electric scooters are left.
How common is this scam in China?
Common. 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.
Are there similar scams in China?
Yes: pickpocketing and opportunistic theft.
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