🚩 Local Scams · Dongguan
Last verified 26 Jul 2025
1 Scam Spotlight Table
"Factory-Outlet Authentic" Electronics
Humen wholesale malls • Houjie gadget arcades
How it works: Shop tout claims Apple / Sony "ex-factory" phones for half price; sealed box actually Grade-C refurb or clone.
🛡️ Avoid: Buy only at authorised resellers; insist on on-site power-up before paying.
Meter-less "Black Cab"
Dongguan East & Humen HSR stations
How it works: Driver quotes flat ¥200 to Shenzhen airport; detours via toll roads, no receipt.
🛡️ Avoid: Use Meituan/DiDi; legal taxis start "粤S-T…", meter + e-receipt.
Massage-Parlour Upsell
Chang'an nightlife belt • South City Mall lanes
How it works: Street flyer offers ¥68 foot-massage; staff lock door, add "medicine soak", "tip", final bill ¥600+.
🛡️ Avoid: Stick to branded chains (Tong Ren Tang, Huaxia) or confirm quán-jià (all-in price) up front.
E-Bike Deposit Trap
Songshan Lake lakeside loops
How it works: Rental kiosk wants ¥600 cash "damage deposit," promises refund by QR; number disconnected next day.
🛡️ Avoid: Scan official Meituan/HelloBike QR where deposit is digital & traceable.
Fake "Quality Inspection"
Changping & Dalang factory outlets
How it works: Man in lanyard stops tourists at factory-tour exits; demands ¥200 "sample test fee" for any purchased goods.
🛡️ Avoid: All legitimate inspection posts are inside customs zones—ignore street requests.
"Tea-Taste" Gifts
Keyuan Garden souvenir alley
How it works: Saleswoman pours free Dongguan guan-yin oolong, packs 250 g tin, scans code for ¥480—market price ¥110.
🛡️ Avoid: Compare price at supermarkets first; refuse sealed tins you didn't ask for.
QR-Code Phishing
Dongcheng coffee rows • Metro elevator panels
How it works: Sticker on café table advertises "¥1 latte"; opens bogus WeChat Pay page that drains wallet.
🛡️ Avoid: Scan only codes printed on menu or cashier stand; check URL starts payapp.*.
Pick-Pocket "Sardine"
BRT Line 4 (Keyuan Rd ↔ Wanda Plaza) during rush hour
How it works: Accomplice bumps you on BRT bus; partner unzips day-pack.
🛡️ Avoid: Wear pack front-facing; keep valuables in inner zipped pocket.
2 Why It Matters
Dongguan's wholesale-market maze and cash-lite habits make counterfeit goods and QR swindles the easiest traps. Nightlife belts also see occasional massage-upsells targeting business travellers. A little awareness keeps your yuan for OEM sneaker hunts, not "inspection fees".
3 Pro Tips
1
Use cashless rides — Meituan/DiDi show plate + fare; reject cash-only taxis.
2
Ask quán-jià ma? (全价吗) before massages or bike hires—locks them to an all-in price.
3
Carry small notes — ¥10–¥20 bills limit overcharge risk if a vendor claims "QR offline".
4
Verify serial numbers — phone SNs on settings screen must match box & Apple/Sony check page.
5
Emergency lines — Police 110 • Guangdong tourist hotline 12301—store both in your phone.
✨ Stay Smart, Stay Safe
Stay sharp and keep Dongguan about factory tours, lake rides and bao xian dai buns—No Tourist Traps. No BS.