Scam in BhutanShopping
Counterfeit “baby yak wool” shawls in Bhutan
How it works
Cheap, brightly coloured shawls are sold as “baby yak wool”. Most shawls sold this way are imports from Nepal and contain no yak fibre. You may pay for a material you are not getting.
Warning signs
- A cheap, brightly coloured shawl is described as “baby yak wool”.
- The seller relies on a spoken claim about the material.
How to avoid it
- Treat “baby yak wool” claims on cheap shawls with caution.
- Ask what the shawl is made from and where it was made.
- Do not pay extra for yak wool unless you can verify the material.
- Walk away if you are unsure.
If it happens to you
Keep the receipt and any written material claims. Ask the shop for a refund. If you paid by card and cannot resolve the problem, ask your card issuer about dispute options.
- Move to a safe place. Avoid chasing or confronting anyone if that could put you at risk.
- Write down what happened, where and when. Save receipts, messages, payment records and photos.
- For a disputed purchase, ask the seller for a refund if it is safe to do so. Report theft or suspected fraud to police.
- Freeze stolen cards immediately. Tell your card issuer about any unauthorised payments and ask about dispute options.
- If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate. Ask police for a report or reference number.
- Contact your travel insurer. Keep copies of reports and receipts, and secure any affected accounts or devices.
Questions
What is the counterfeit “baby yak wool” shawls scam in Bhutan?
Cheap, brightly coloured shawls are sold as “baby yak wool”. Most shawls sold this way are imports from Nepal and contain no yak fibre. You may pay for a material you are not getting.
How can I spot it early?
A cheap, brightly coloured shawl is described as “baby yak wool”. The seller relies on a spoken claim about the material.
How do I avoid counterfeit “baby yak wool” shawls in Bhutan?
Treat “baby yak wool” claims on cheap shawls with caution. Ask what the shawl is made from and where it was made. Do not pay extra for yak wool unless you can verify the material. Walk away if you are unsure.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Keep the receipt and any written material claims. Ask the shop for a refund. If you paid by card and cannot resolve the problem, ask your card issuer about dispute options.
Where in Bhutan does this happen?
Shops selling cheap, brightly coloured shawls in Thimphu. It has been reported in Thimphu.
How common is this scam in Bhutan?
Common. Bhutan has a low risk of tourist scams, and most shopkeepers are honest. The main problems to watch for are counterfeit “baby yak wool” shawls in Thimphu and theft of money or valuables left in vehicles at tourist sites.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft or suspected fraud to police. Call 113 in a police emergency. In Thimphu, uniformed officers patrol the streets at all hours and speak English. Shop or seller: for a misleading purchase, return with your receipt and explain the problem. Ask for a refund and keep a record of the response. Card issuer or bank: use the official banking app or a trusted contact number to freeze a stolen card, report unauthorised transactions or ask about a payment dispute. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is lost or stolen. Travel insurer: use your insurer's official claims channel. Provide receipts, payment records and a police report or reference number where required.
What number do I call in an emergency in Bhutan?
Police: 113.
Reviewed by @snuck