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Occasional in China

Scam in ChinaFake officials

Bribe demands in China

How it works

A law enforcement officer asks for a bribe. The text warns against offering a bribe to any type of law enforcement officer.

Warning signs

  • An officer asks you for a bribe.

How to avoid it

  1. Do not offer a bribe.
  2. Ask a police officer to show their police identification card.
  3. Keep a factual record of any demand when safe.

If it happens to you

Report the demand through 12388. If you are detained, politely ask for consular access and a translator.

  1. Move somewhere safe. Avoid threats, physical arguments or chasing a thief.
  2. Stop further payments. Freeze stolen cards and secure affected payment or phone accounts.
  3. Save evidence: receipts, messages, payment records, vehicle details and the place and time. Collect evidence only when safe.
  4. Report the scam or theft to police on 110. For a suspicious phone call, use 96110 for scam enquiries.
  5. 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.
  6. Ask for a police report or reference number. Keep copies for your bank, insurer and any follow-up complaint.
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Questions

What is the bribe demands scam in China?

A law enforcement officer asks for a bribe. The text warns against offering a bribe to any type of law enforcement officer.

How can I spot it early?

An officer asks you for a bribe.

How do I avoid bribe demands in China?

Do not offer a bribe. Ask a police officer to show their police identification card. Keep a factual record of any demand when safe.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Report the demand through 12388. If you are detained, politely ask for consular access and a translator.

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.

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