Money & ATM Scams in Macao, China
Card skimming, currency exchange fraud, dynamic currency conversion, and cash cons. Below are the money & atm scams scams reported in Macao — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Kyoto, Beijing, and Shanghai.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
2
Money & ATM Scams Scams
11
Total in Macao
How it works
Macao has a high density of licensed and unlicensed pawnshops clustered around casino areas, particularly near the Fisherman's Wharf. Operators target gamblers who have lost money, offering quick cash loans at extremely high interest rates with confusing terms hidden in Chinese-language contracts. Borrowers who cannot repay face aggressive debt-collection tactics.
How it works
Macao has many fake luxury brand storefronts (especially near casinos) selling counterfeit merchandise with legitimate-looking receipts. Travelers believe they have purchased genuine goods at duty-free prices, only to discover fakes when they try to return items or have them authenticated later.
See all scams in Macao
11 total warnings across all categories