Scam in MacauOn the street
Lost-wallet plea for food money in Macau
How it works
A stranger claims to have lost their wallet and not eaten all day. They ask for money to buy food. The people involved are often neatly dressed. Police have warned visitors against giving them money.
Warning signs
- A stranger tells you they have lost their wallet.
- They ask for MOP$20–30 for food.
How to avoid it
- Decline the request and keep walking.
- Do not take out your wallet to show how much cash you have.
If it happens to you
Stop giving money and leave. If you report it, note the location and what the person said.
- 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 lost-wallet plea for food money scam in Macau?
A stranger claims to have lost their wallet and not eaten all day. They ask for money to buy food. The people involved are often neatly dressed. Police have warned visitors against giving them money.
How can I spot it early?
A stranger tells you they have lost their wallet. They ask for MOP$20–30 for food.
How do I avoid lost-wallet plea for food money in Macau?
Decline the request and keep walking. Do not take out your wallet to show how much cash you have.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Stop giving money and leave. If you report it, note the location and what the person said.
Where in Macau does this happen?
Mainly downtown Macau
How much can it cost me?
MOP$20–30 requested
How common is this scam in Macau?
Common. 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.
Are there similar scams in Macau?
Yes: persistent leaflet touts and hawkers.
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