I’m Malaysian, and I’ll be the first to say that Malaysia is generally a safe, welcoming place to travel. Most people here are just trying to get on with their day, find the best laksa, and maybe complain about the weather. But like in any touristy destination, there are a few people who might try to take advantage of visitors who don’t know what’s normal and what’s… suspicious.
This isn’t to scare you off — it’s just stuff that I’ve learned through experience, that I wish more travelers knew. A little awareness goes a long way, and once you know what to look out for, you’ll be fine. So, here’s your insider’s guide to outsmarting common scams in Malaysia.
1. The overpriced taxi rides
How it works:
There are a few possible scenarios in which this can happen:
- You have just arrived in Malaysia and are not sure of how the currency works, how far your hotel is, and how much rides are supposed to cost. Someone approaches you at the arrival hall of the airport / bus station / train station and asks if you need a taxi. They quote a highly inflated price, and you, not knowing any better, agree to it.
- You get into a taxi thinking it’s metered, but the driver either refuses to turn it on or gives you some excuse like the meter is broken. Then they quote you a price that’s way higher than it should be.
- The meter is on, but the driver deliberately takes you on a longer route “to avoid traffic”, or pretends to get lost and takes you round and round in circles. He will usually try to make conversation with you beforehand to find out if you’re familiar with the area.
How to avoid it:
- Before arriving, check if your hotel can arrange for a pickup service from the airport or train/bus station.
- Use Grab, one of the most useful apps for traveling or living in Malaysia. It’s affordable, safe, and you’ll know the price upfront.
- If you have to take a taxi, ask if they use the meter before getting in. If they don’t, politely decline and walk away.
- Use Google Maps to ensure that the driver is taking the shortest or quickest route.
- Be extra wary of taxis hanging around tourist-heavy areas — many are legit, but some see tourists as easy money.
2. Getting overcharged for purchases
How it works:
I’m not going to sugarcoat this. Many locals in Malaysia (and most of Southeast Asia, for that matter) think that tourists have a lot of money. It doesn’t matter if you’re a broke backpacker living on instant noodles. Their logic says that if you can afford to spend thousands of dollars on flight tickets to come here, then surely you can fork out $10 extra for a souvenir.
So, you stop at a shop to check out this cute batik dress, only to get quoted double the price a local would pay. This happens a lot in local markets where there are no price tags or receipts, and touristy places like Petaling Street and Central Market — especially if you’re visibly foreign or not speaking Malay.
How to avoid it:
- Always ask the price before buying. Even for food. A simple “ni berapa?” (how much is this?) works wonders.
- If the price sounds too high, bargain or walk away. Especially in markets — haggling is expected.
- If you’re unsure, compare prices between stalls or check online for the general range.
- Learn a few basic Malay numbers. Once you throw in a “mahal sangat lah” (that’s too expensive), they usually ease off. Click here for more haggling tips.
💡 Bonus tip:
RM10 and RM20 notes are pretty similar in color and size. Under dim lighting, it’s easy to hand over a RM20 note thinking it’s RM10… and some vendors might just keep quiet about it. Also, watch out for sellers who distract you with small talk or jokes while giving your change. Most are harmless, but a few know exactly what they’re doing. You can be friendly and alert at the same time.
3. Too-good-to-be-true goods
How it works:
You’re wandering around a mall or night market when someone waves you over for a cheap LV purse, Cartier watch, or Sony headphones. The prices seem incredible — like, RM50 for a “Samsung” pair of earbuds or RM100 for a 100ml bottle of “Jo Malone’s”. Some places even sell “Apple” products in glass cases with convincing packaging.
A lot of these are knockoffs, and sometimes not even the decent kind. The power banks stop working after a week. The earbuds short out. And upon closer inspection, the Adidas sneakers actually spell Abibas.
Where this happens:
- Petaling Street (Chinatown) is a hotspot. You’ll see “branded” electronics, watches, bags, perfumes — some obviously fake, some surprisingly realistic.
- Small shops in older malls like Kotaraya, Sungei Wang, or Low Yat Plaza also sometimes have shady deals mixed in with the legit ones. You have to know who you’re buying from.
How to avoid it:
- If the price is too good to be true, it probably is. A real JBL speaker isn’t going to cost RM80. A genuine Apple charger isn’t RM10.
- For anything important or expensive — phones, chargers, cables, headphones, SD cards — stick to proper electronics stores, reputable malls, or licensed resellers, such as Senheng and Harvey Norman.
Fake goods aren’t just unreliable — they can be dangerous too. Cheap power banks have been known to overheat or explode. You don’t want to fry your phone and yourself!
4. Fake beggars
How it works:
You might see individuals — sometimes children, women carrying babies, elderly people, or people with disabilities — sitting outside train stations, markets, or busy intersections asking for money. They may also be selling things like flowers or tissue packets. But the truth is, in many cases, these people are not keeping the money themselves.
There are strong suspicions (and some confirmed reports) that many of these individuals are part of organized begging syndicates. These groups exploit vulnerable people — often trafficked or coerced migrants — and place them in high-traffic areas to collect donations, only to take the money at the end of the day. The people you see may not even be allowed to go home until they hit a daily “quota.”
It’s heartbreaking, honestly, but giving money directly to them might be helping the wrong people.
How to avoid it (and still be kind):
- If you want to help, consider donating to verified local charities or NGOs that work with refugees, urban poor, or trafficking survivors (e.g. Tenaganita, Pertiwi Soup Kitchen, or Refuge for the Refugees).
- You can keep small care packs (bottled water, snacks, sanitary pads, etc.) in your bag if you want to give something tangible that can’t be taken from them later.
- Know that you’re not being cold-hearted by saying no — it’s okay to walk away and help in a more sustainable way.
5. Charity scams
How it works:
Someone approaches you with a laminated card, clipboard, or donation box, asking for money to support a religious school or disabled students, to build a mosque or an orphanage in rural Malaysia, or to send aid to war-torn countries. The causes sound important, and the people asking may look polite and well-dressed.
But oftentimes it’s individuals or loosely organized groups that exploit public sympathy, using religion or current events to get donations that never reach the intended cause.
How to avoid it:
- It’s okay to say no. Just smile, shake your head, or say “no thank you,” and walk on.
- If you genuinely want to donate, look for registered local NGOs or verified platforms instead.
6. ATM scams
How it works:
There are a couple of variations here. One is ATM skimming, where criminals install a tiny card reader over the real one and secretly collect your card data. They might also have a hidden camera nearby to catch you entering your PIN.
The other version involves a stranger trying to distract you at the ATM and memorize your PIN — or grab your card/money when you’re not looking.
This isn’t common, but it does happen, and it can be a nightmare if you lose access to your bank account while traveling.
Where it’s more likely to happen:
Isolated areas or freestanding ATMs that aren’t inside secure bank buildings.
How to avoid it:
- Use ATMs inside banks or at major shopping malls with security guards or CCTV, instead of random standalone ones by the roadside or in quiet corners.
- Cover your hand when entering your PIN.
- If anyone tries to talk to you while you’re at the ATM, ignore them. Whatever it is they want to say can surely wait until you’re done.
- If your card gets stuck, call the bank using the number on the ATM (or better yet, walk into the nearest branch). Make sure you also block your card immediately.
- If the ATM looks strange — like the card slot seems loose, or there’s a weird attachment — don’t use it.
7. Tour packages that don't deliver
How it works:
You book a “budget tour” from a Facebook / Instagram page, or from someone who seems legit, only to find the van doesn’t show up, the itinerary is nothing like what you were promised, or the so-called “city tour” turns out to be just a car service, where you get rushed through a string of attractions by a driver who barely speaks English, with no actual tour guide to explain what you’re looking at.
How to avoid it:
- Book tours through verified platforms like Klook, Viator, and GetYourGuide, or through reputable hotels and tour agencies.
- Always read reviews. If it sounds vague or too good to be true (“3-in-1 Genting + Batu Caves + Elephant Sanctuary in 4 hours!”), it probably is.
- Booking through Facebook or Instagram isn’t always a bad idea — sometimes you can actually score really good deals that way, especially with smaller local operators who don’t have fancy websites. But do your homework first. Check if the page looks legit:
- How many followers do they have?
- How long has the page been around?
- Have they changed their names a lot?
- Are people actually commenting on their posts — and do those comments look genuine? (Some pages look trustworthy at first glance, but keep deleting angry comments or blocking anyone who asks too many questions).
8. Phone scams
Phone scams are the most commons scams in Malaysia, and although they usually target locals more than tourists, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re staying longer or planning to use a local SIM card.
How it works:
You get a call (sometimes from a number that looks official) claiming to be from the police, immigration, banks, the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN), or even the post office. They come up with a problem like there’s suspicious activity on your bank account, or your identity was used in a crime — usually drug trafficking or money laundering — and you’re now under investigation.
They may also transfer you to another “officer” to make it sound more convincing. Then comes the big ask: they’ll tell you to transfer money to “clear your name” or “verify your account.” The goal is the same: scare you into giving up personal info or transferring money.
How to avoid it:
- Keep in mind that government agencies will never call you out of the blue to threaten arrest or demand money.
- If someone says you’re in legal trouble, hang up and call the agency directly using the number on their official website.
- Never give out your passport number, TAC, or banking info over the phone — no matter how official the caller sounds.
- Don’t trust the caller ID. Spoofing is easy.
- If you’re unsure, talk to a trusted local or your hotel/host. Malaysians are usually familiar with these scams and will spot the red flags immediately.
9. The fake (or dodgy) police scam
This is not widespread and doesn’t happen often, but I’ve been friends with enough migrant workers in Malaysia to know that it does happen to them.
How it works:
You’re walking down the street or hanging out in a park when someone claiming to be a police officer approaches you. They can be in plain clothes with a badge or in full uniform. They may ask:
- To see your passport or visa
- To check your wallet or bag “for drugs or illegal items”
- To follow them to a nearby van, room, or “station”
- For a spot fine for something vague — like not carrying your passport, not having the right visa, or breaking a law you didn’t even know existed
- Know your rights. In Malaysia, you are allowed to ask for police ID. A real officer is legally required to show their badge and ID card. It should have their photo, name, police ID number, and the official logo of Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM).
- You do not have to hand over your wallet, cards, or cash on the spot. If you’re in a public area, don’t go anywhere private — stay visible. You are not required to follow someone to a secondary location unless formally arrested.
- If you really did break the law and it’s a real police officer you’re dealing with, insist on going to the police station. Don’t take the offer to pay on the spot to “settle things”.
- Ask to call your embassy, hotel, local friend, or the tourist police hotline: +603 2149 6590.
10. Driving distractions & fake accidents
If you’re renting a car in Malaysia or driving your own, it’s worth knowing that a few scams target people behind the wheel. Again, these aren’t super common, but they have happened.
The mysterious note on your windscreen
You come back to your parked car and find a handwritten note under your wiper. While you’re opening the door to read it, someone might sneak up to snatch your bag or mug you. This usually happens in quiet parking lots or side streets.
→ What to do: Don’t open your door or pick up the note right away. Check your surroundings first, and if anything feels off, drive to a safer location before getting out.
The raw egg on the windshield trick
Someone throws a raw egg on your windshield while you’re driving. If you turn on your wipers, it smears into a mess and blocks your view, forcing you to pull over. That’s when they approach your car to mug you.
→ What to do: Don’t stop. Keep driving to a well-lit petrol station or a populated area before cleaning it off.
The motorcycle bump at the traffic light
You’re at a traffic light, and a motorcyclist slowly reverses into your car, then makes a scene pretending to be hurt. Sometimes they’ll demand compensation on the spot or try to guilt you into paying to avoid police involvement.
→ What to do: If possible, before driving in Malaysia, install a dashcam or rent a car with one. If it happens to you, stay calm. Don’t hand over any money. Suggest calling the police or say that you’ve got everything on camera — if it’s a scam, they’ll usually back off fast. If you’re feeling unsafe, drive to the nearest police station or public place.
Other petty crimes to watch out for
Petty crime isn’t rampant in KL, but it happens — mainly pickpocketing in crowded places like Petaling Street, Bukit Bintang, and on trains during rush hour, although in my experience, they are nowhere near as skilled and organized as the pickpockets in Europe.
Another common petty crime is snatch theft by motorcyclists who grab bags or phones from people walking too close to the road.
How to avoid it:
- Don’t keep your wallet or phone in your back pocket.
- Use a crossbody bag that zips shut, and wear it in front of you in crowded areas.
- Be wary if someone bumps into you or tries to distract you with questions, leaflets, or sudden “accidents.”
- Walk with your bag or phone on the side away from traffic.
- Don’t use your phone right next to the road or while crossing the street.
- Avoid dangling handbags or sling bags with thin straps. They’re easy to grab and snap.
- At night, take a Grab instead of walking alone on quiet streets.
What to do if you get scammed while traveling
First of all, don’t panic, and don’t beat yourself up over it. Scams are designed to catch you off-guard, and even locals and the most seasoned travelers fall for them. What matters is what you do next.
- Get to safety first. If you feel uneasy or something just happened, step into a shop, café, or hotel lobby to catch your breath and assess the situation.
- File a police report. For anything involving money loss, theft, or lost documents, go to the nearest police station. You’ll need a report if you want to make an insurance claim or get a replacement passport.
- Contact your bank. Cancel your card or freeze your account if you’ve been tricked into sharing your details or making a dodgy payment.
- Call your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen or if you need emergency help.
If you bought travel insurance (which I really recommend), now’s the time to use it. Most policies cover things like stolen belongings, scams, canceled tours, and emergency expenses. If you’re not sure how travel insurance works or which one to choose, I’ve written a full guide here:
👉 Do You Need Travel Insurance for Malaysia? Here’s What to Know
Final thoughts
Is Malaysia unsafe?
No, Malaysia is not unsafe. The vast majority of people you’ll meet here are kind, helpful, and just as interested in your story as you are in theirs. Like any big city, Kuala Lumpur has its share of petty scams, but nothing that should stop you from coming — or enjoying yourself once you’re here.
Think of this list as a friendly heads-up, not a warning sign. A little awareness just means fewer surprises and more room to enjoy the good stuff.
If you’re planning a trip and want to know what to eat, where to go, or how to survive your first squat toilet encounter, stick around! Start here to get honest recommendations, weird stories, and practical tips from a local.
Have you encountered any scams while traveling in Malaysia? Share your experience in the comment section below.
