Pickpockets
A pickpocket will try to take your belongings when you are unaware. By the time you are aware that you have lost something, they have already disappeared. Their favourite areas to target are packed and crowded areas, where a jostle or bump of the elbow will not go amiss. Some even take sharp pocketknives to make an unnoticeable slit at the side of your bag and make away with what they can. Keep your bags and valuables close to you when walking in such areas and always be alert.
Child Flower Sellers
A common sight in Changkat Bukit Bintang, children approach strangers, mostly couples, and plead with them to buy flowers for RM10 a stalk. These child flower sellers are often refugee girls between the ages of nine and twelve who sell flowers until the clubs close and the last of the customers leave at about 03:00 during weekends. More often than not, they are ignored or rebuffed but those who feel pity for these children will buy a stalk or two. After selling a few stalks, the children head back to their mother or caretaker (often seated in an alley in Changkat Bukit Bintang) to replenish their stock.
Tour Guide Scam
This usually occurs in airports, such as Kuala Lumpur International Airport, when tourists arrive at the arrival hall. A fake tour guide will pretend to be from the agency or hotel that you have booked and inform you that they will bring you to your hotel. But first, they will demand for an additional sum on top of the amount you have paid to the hotel.
ATM Skimming
Card-skimming devices installed on ATMs are a problem around the world. Tourists who are unfamiliar with the look of ATMs in Kuala Lumpur are susceptible to having their card information stolen.
Card skimmers are installed over the actual card slot on ATMs and record your card’s magnetic data as it passes through. Sophisticated skimmers even employ tiny cameras or membranes over the keypad to record your PIN.
Fake Monks
You may be a religious person and feel it is your duty to give to these fake monks. They look like monks, with shaved, bald heads and the costume as well. Sometimes, they will force small amulets, medallions or cards into your hands without asking for anything but once you accept, they will demand for a “donation” in return. Avoid accepting these so-called gifts and just walk away or wait until they leave.
Monkeys around the Batu Caves
The macaque monkeys around the Batu Caves just outside of town are well-practiced tricksters. Daily, the cheeky residents of the area snatch sunglasses, water bottles, and anything else within reach on the many tourists who climb the stairs to see the caves. They would not think twice about grabbing that expensive iPhone from your hands as you lean against the railing for a selfie.