Scam in PakistanShopping
The 'no change' claim in Pakistan
How it works
Some merchants claim they cannot change a large note because they do not want to accept it. Drivers may also lack change. This can leave you struggling to complete a purchase or settle a fare.
Warning signs
- You only have a Rs 500 or Rs 1,000 note for a small payment.
- The seller says there is no change after the price is agreed.
How to avoid it
- Carry small notes for everyday spending.
- Ask about change before buying or starting a ride.
- Use exact change when possible.
- Keep larger notes separate from your spending money.
If it happens to you
Ask for your note back if the payment cannot be completed. Seek change elsewhere or decline the purchase.
- Get to a safe, staffed public place. Do not chase a thief or continue a confrontation.
- Check what is missing. Freeze stolen cards, contact your card issuer, and secure or remotely lock a stolen phone.
- Save receipts, booking details, messages, and photos. Write down the time, place, amount, and a description of what happened.
- Report theft, threats, or fraud to the police. Ask for a report or reference number and keep a copy.
- Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport is missing or you need urgent assistance. Tell your insurer and any booking or payment provider involved.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/pakistan2024Enough of goodwill gesturesA contributor reports increasingly encountering drivers, riders and shopkeepers pretending they have no change.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/pakistan2022How have you been scammed in Pakistan?A commenter recounts a rickshaw driver keeping the change from money supplied for fuel after promising to fetch it from home.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the the 'no change' claim scam in Pakistan?
Some merchants claim they cannot change a large note because they do not want to accept it. Drivers may also lack change. This can leave you struggling to complete a purchase or settle a fare.
How can I spot it early?
You only have a Rs 500 or Rs 1,000 note for a small payment. The seller says there is no change after the price is agreed.
How do I avoid the 'no change' claim in Pakistan?
Carry small notes for everyday spending. Ask about change before buying or starting a ride. Use exact change when possible. Keep larger notes separate from your spending money.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask for your note back if the payment cannot be completed. Seek change elsewhere or decline the purchase.
Where in Pakistan does this happen?
Small shops and cash payments to drivers across Pakistan.
How common is this scam in Pakistan?
Common. The main tourist traps in Pakistan are inflated taxi and rickshaw fares, higher shopping prices for foreigners, and pressure from airport touts. Other risks include poor-quality goods sold at high prices, refilled water bottles, pickpockets in crowded parts of Lahore, and bag snatching in Karachi. Agree prices early, check what you buy, and keep your cash and phone secure.
Are there similar scams in Pakistan?
Yes: higher shopping prices for visitors, poor-quality goods sold at high prices, rickshaw shopping detours.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, threats, or fraud at a police station. Ask for a written report or reference number. For emergencies, police helpline 15 is listed; the country-wide instructions specify calling from a landline. Airport staff: for a porter dispute or pressure from touts, seek help at a staffed airport desk. Give the location and explain what was agreed or paid. Card issuer or bank: use your bank's app or official contact number to freeze missing cards and report disputed payments. Embassy or consulate: use its official emergency contact details for passport loss, serious threats, or difficulty obtaining help. Keep these details available before travelling. Insurer or booking provider: contact the provider through its official support channel. Keep receipts, evidence, and any police report for a claim or payment dispute.
What number do I call in an emergency in Pakistan?
Police; country-wide instructions specify a landline: 15, Ambulance; landline or mobile: 115, Ambulance and emergency rescue; Rescue 1122: 1122, Police rescue from a cellphone in Faisalabad only: 911.
Reviewed by @snuck