Question 1

What is the "Phishing via Fake Canton Fair Exhibitor Emails" scam in Guangzhou?

Accepted Answer

During Canton Fair periods, fraudulent emails and websites impersonate legitimate exhibitors or the Canton Fair official registration system, requesting payment for booth fees, sample orders, or trade delegation packages. Businesses and buyers have transferred large sums to fake accounts. The scam exploits the high volume of B2B transactions during the fair. Only use the official Canton Fair website (cantonfair.org.cn) for registration and payments. Verify all wire transfer recipients by calling exhibitors directly on phone numbers from the official exhibitor directory, not email signatures.

Question 2

What is the "WeChat QR Code Payment Fraud" scam in Guangzhou?

Accepted Answer

Scammers in Guangzhou replace legitimate payment QR codes at market stalls and small restaurants with their own codes, redirecting payments away from the actual vendor. This is especially common at temporary stalls in wholesale markets and around Yide Road. Victims pay the scammer instead of the business, and the vendor still expects payment. Always verify the name displayed after scanning a QR code matches the business you are in. Prefer cash at market stalls or use major apps where the merchant name is shown before confirming payment.

Online Scams in Guangzhou

Phishing via Fake Canton Fair Exhibitor Emails

WeChat QR Code Payment Fraud

Experienced a scam here?