Street Scams in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas. Below are the street scams scams reported in Kota Kinabalu — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Lombok, Palawan, and Mandalay.
Last updated: April 4, 2026
1
Street Scams Scams
8
Total in Kota Kinabalu
How it works
The Filipino Market (Pasar Filipina) near the waterfront and the weekend Gaya Street market sell counterfeit branded goods including watches, sunglasses, clothing, and electronics at prices that suggest authenticity. While many vendors are open about selling replica goods, some actively claim items are genuine and price them accordingly. Pearl jewelry at the Filipino Market is frequently artificially treated or misrepresented as natural.
See all scams in Kota Kinabalu
8 total warnings across all categories