Scam in MacauOn the street
Persistent leaflet touts and hawkers in Macau
How it works
Touts and hawkers may persistently approach visitors with leaflets. This is a harassment concern rather than a stated money scam. Some persistent distributors hand out Falun Gong material.
Warning signs
- Someone repeatedly pushes a leaflet towards you.
- They continue approaching after you decline.
How to avoid it
- Decline briefly and keep moving.
- If you accept Falun Gong material, dispose of it before crossing into mainland China, where the organisation is illegal.
If it happens to you
Move away. Accepting a leaflet does not mean you need to continue the conversation.
- 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 persistent leaflet touts and hawkers scam in Macau?
Touts and hawkers may persistently approach visitors with leaflets. This is a harassment concern rather than a stated money scam. Some persistent distributors hand out Falun Gong material.
How can I spot it early?
Someone repeatedly pushes a leaflet towards you. They continue approaching after you decline.
How do I avoid persistent leaflet touts and hawkers in Macau?
Decline briefly and keep moving. If you accept Falun Gong material, dispose of it before crossing into mainland China, where the organisation is illegal.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Move away. Accepting a leaflet does not mean you need to continue the conversation.
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.
Are there similar scams in Macau?
Yes: lost-wallet plea for food money.
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