Pickpocketing and opportunistic theft in China

Crowded places and public transport, especially at peak hours. Chengdu warnings include Yanshikou markets, crowded buses, people travelling by bicycle and the North Train Station area.

How it works

Thieves take advantage of crowds or a moment of distraction to steal belongings. No particular distraction trick is described.

Warning signs

Crowding makes it hard to see or feel access to your bag.
Your phone, wallet or open bag is easy for someone else to reach.

How to avoid it

Keep bags closed and in front of you in crowds.
Keep your phone and wallet out of back pockets.
Keep belongings within sight and reach.
Check your belongings after boarding or leaving crowded transport.

If it happens to you

Move somewhere safe, report the theft to police and block any stolen cards. Use your device's security tools if your phone was taken.

Move somewhere safe. Avoid threats, physical arguments or chasing a thief.
Stop further payments. Freeze stolen cards and secure affected payment or phone accounts.
Save evidence: receipts, messages, payment records, vehicle details and the place and time. Collect evidence only when safe.
Report the scam or theft to police on 110. For a suspicious phone call, use 96110 for scam enquiries.
Ask your hotel for help explaining the problem. Contact your card issuer about disputed payments and your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen or you are detained.
Ask for a police report or reference number. Keep copies for your bank, insurer and any follow-up complaint.

Where it happensCrowded places and public transport, especially at peak hours. Chengdu warnings include Yanshikou markets, crowded buses, people travelling by bicycle and the North Train Station area.

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

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Questions

What is the pickpocketing and opportunistic theft scam in China?

Thieves take advantage of crowds or a moment of distraction to steal belongings. No particular distraction trick is described.

How can I spot it early?

Crowding makes it hard to see or feel access to your bag. Your phone, wallet or open bag is easy for someone else to reach.

How do I avoid pickpocketing and opportunistic theft in China?

Keep bags closed and in front of you in crowds. Keep your phone and wallet out of back pockets. Keep belongings within sight and reach. Check your belongings after boarding or leaving crowded transport.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Move somewhere safe, report the theft to police and block any stolen cards. Use your device's security tools if your phone was taken.

Where in China does this happen?

Crowded places and public transport, especially at peak hours. Chengdu warnings include Yanshikou markets, crowded buses, people travelling by bicycle and the North Train Station area.

How common is this scam in China?

Common. China is generally safe for visitors, and violent street crime is rare. Tourist scams and theft still happen, especially around busy sights, transport hubs and crowds. Watch for taxi overcharging, invitations that lead to expensive purchases, fake goods and pickpockets.

Are there similar scams in China?

Yes: bicycle, battery and charger theft.

Who can I report it to?

Public security police: call 110 to report a scam or theft. Give your location, what happened and any evidence. Ask hotel staff for language help if needed. Scam enquiry service: call 96110 to enquire about suspicious phone calls. Police may also use this number with an area-code prefix to warn about possible scams. Consumer Protection: call 12315 about a consumer dispute, such as a misleading sale or disputed business charge. Keep the receipt and details of the business. Anti-corruption reporting service: call 12388 to report a bribe demand. Hotel doorman or front desk: ask for help if a taxi seriously overcharges you on the way to your hotel. Show the receipt, driver's ID or number plate details. Card issuer or payment provider: use its official app or verified contact number to freeze a stolen card, report an unauthorised payment or ask about disputing a charge. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help after passport theft or detention. If detained, politely request consular access and a translator.

What number do I call in an emergency in China?

Police; report scams and theft: 110, Ambulance / EMS: 120, Fire Department: 119, Traffic Police; merged with 110 in some cities: 122, Scam enquiry: 96110.

Reviewed by @snuck