Scam in MacauBuses and trains
Cheap ferry-terminal ride with forced shopping stops in Macau
How it works
A tout offers a cheap ride into town. The ride first takes you to shops that pay the tout commission. If you refuse to enter, you may be dropped somewhere other than your destination.
Warning signs
- A tout approaches you after you arrive at the ferry terminal.
- They offer a cheap ride into town.
- The ride includes shopping stops you did not request.
How to avoid it
- Use public transport or a proper taxi.
- Decline rides arranged by people approaching arrivals.
- Confirm your destination before getting into a vehicle.
If it happens to you
Do not buy anything under pressure. If you are dropped elsewhere, move to a safe public place and arrange public transport or a proper taxi.
- Move to a safe public place. Avoid chasing or confronting anyone.
- Check what was taken or shared. Freeze missing cards and contact your bank about any payment fraud.
- Save messages, receipts and booking details. Write down the time, location and vehicle details while you remember them.
- Report theft or fraud to police. Use the specific taxi or suspicious-message contact below when relevant.
- Contact your insurer if you plan to claim. Ask what evidence and police paperwork it needs.
- If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate for help with replacement travel documents.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the cheap ferry-terminal ride with forced shopping stops scam in Macau?
A tout offers a cheap ride into town. The ride first takes you to shops that pay the tout commission. If you refuse to enter, you may be dropped somewhere other than your destination.
How can I spot it early?
A tout approaches you after you arrive at the ferry terminal. They offer a cheap ride into town. The ride includes shopping stops you did not request.
How do I avoid cheap ferry-terminal ride with forced shopping stops in Macau?
Use public transport or a proper taxi. Decline rides arranged by people approaching arrivals. Confirm your destination before getting into a vehicle.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not buy anything under pressure. If you are dropped elsewhere, move to a safe public place and arrange public transport or a proper taxi.
Where in Macau does this happen?
The ferry terminal on arrival
How common is this scam in Macau?
Occasional. Macau is relatively safe, but visitors should watch for pickpockets, taxi misconduct and touts offering cheap rides. A widespread lost-wallet scam targets people downtown, while scam messages have also been reported at Portas do Cerco.
Who can I report it to?
Public Security Police — taxi misconduct: call +853-2837-4214 and press 1 after connection. An officer will answer. Report issues such as failure to use the meter or refusal of carriage. Transport Bureau — unlicensed taxis: call +853-8866-6363 to report an unlicensed taxi. Suspicious call or message enquiry line: call +853-8800-7777 to enquire about suspicious phone calls or messages. Police — theft or fraud: report the incident and provide any messages, receipts, location details or vehicle information you saved. Bank or card issuer: use its official app or a trusted contact number to freeze cards, report unauthorised payments and ask about recovery options. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen or you need help replacing travel documents. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through your policy details. Keep receipts and request any police paperwork required for a claim.
Reviewed by @snuck