Scam in MacauChanging money
Counterfeit HK$10 coins in Macau
How it works
Numerous forged HK$10 coins exist. Some businesses may refuse that coin because of the forgeries. This does not mean every refused coin is counterfeit.
Warning signs
- A business refuses an HK$10 coin.
How to avoid it
- Avoid relying on HK$10 coins for payments.
- Check your change before leaving the counter.
- Ask for different change if you are concerned.
If it happens to you
If a coin is refused, use another payment method. If you suspect deliberate fraud, keep the transaction details for a police report.
- 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.
- Government adviceHong Kong Legislative Council2008LCQ16: $10 counterfeit coinsA Legislative Council question describes travellers encountering refusal of HK$10 coins in Macao over counterfeit concerns, and the government reply confirms counterfeit coins and their identifying defects.Read on Government advice
- WebWikivoyageMacau – Travel guide at WikivoyageThe community travel guide states that Macau businesses may reject HK$10 coins because of numerous counterfeits.Read on Web
Questions
What is the counterfeit HK$10 coins scam in Macau?
Numerous forged HK$10 coins exist. Some businesses may refuse that coin because of the forgeries. This does not mean every refused coin is counterfeit.
How can I spot it early?
A business refuses an HK$10 coin.
How do I avoid counterfeit HK$10 coins in Macau?
Avoid relying on HK$10 coins for payments. Check your change before leaving the counter. Ask for different change if you are concerned.
What should I do if it happens to me?
If a coin is refused, use another payment method. If you suspect deliberate fraud, keep the transaction details for a police report.
How much can it cost me?
HK$10 face value per coin
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