Scam in MacauOther tricks
Scam text messages at Portas do Cerco in Macau
How it works
Fraudsters use equipment that imitates a mobile network to send scam messages. The messages try to get victims to reveal personal information.
Warning signs
- An unexpected message asks for personal information.
- A suspicious message or caller pressures you to respond.
How to avoid it
- Ignore suspicious messages.
- Do not follow their links or share personal information.
- Call +853-8800-7777 if you need to enquire about a suspicious call or message.
If it happens to you
Stop replying. If you shared financial details, contact your bank or card issuer immediately. You can enquire about suspicious calls or messages on +853-8800-7777.
- 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 adviceAnother “pseudo base station” busted with 9 men arrestedJudiciary Police reported dismantling fake base stations near the Border Gate that intercepted mobile connections to distribute gambling spam and potentially steal phone information.Read on Government advice
- WebWikivoyageMacau – Travel guide at WikivoyageThe community travel guide reports fraudsters using an IMSI catcher at Portas do Cerco to send deceptive messages seeking personal information.Read on Web
Questions
What is the scam text messages at Portas do Cerco scam in Macau?
Fraudsters use equipment that imitates a mobile network to send scam messages. The messages try to get victims to reveal personal information.
How can I spot it early?
An unexpected message asks for personal information. A suspicious message or caller pressures you to respond.
How do I avoid scam text messages at Portas do Cerco in Macau?
Ignore suspicious messages. Do not follow their links or share personal information. Call +853-8800-7777 if you need to enquire about a suspicious call or message.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Stop replying. If you shared financial details, contact your bank or card issuer immediately. You can enquire about suspicious calls or messages on +853-8800-7777.
Where in Macau does this happen?
Portas do Cerco
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