Beware of counterfeit Money from ATMs

[mokahome]

While I know that counterfeits are rampant in China, I thought that banks could be trusted to give out real notes until a few hours ago.

I withdrew money from a Standard Chartered ATM at ShenZhen train station to later find that they had given me a bogus bill.

After speaking to hotel reception (with my limited chinese), I found out that ATMs cannot always be relied upon. They advised me to check all my notes after withdrawing, still not sure what to do if I receive a counterfeit though. I later decided to call the police, the operator took down all the details and told me that they'd "be in touch," and was later surprised by a policeman who showed up at my hotel room about 5-10mins later (would have been around 1:30am).

Anyone have similar experiences? I've only been in China for two days and have received counterfeit money, ate at a street restaurant that was raided by police, almost lost my mobile to a thief using thongs to search around my jacket pocket, and been paid a visit by the police. Funny thing is, I plan on living here until July.

I will visit the back when they open, but am pretty sure they'll just deny the whole thing. If you can't trust banks with handling money, then who can you trust?

[pandaxiongmao]

Use the ATM when the bank is open, so you can complain right then and there. If they don't help you, contact the police.

Even if you get your money from the teller, you should check your money. One time I converted a lot of money into RMB, there were three fake 100s in the stack of bills. I told them and they promptly replaced those bills with real ones.

Also check your money if you get back a lot of change from a shop. I have had few problems in China compared to other places.

Check your money:

http://www.whatsonxiamen.com/news_msg.php?titleid=4528

It sounds like you need to use buttoned/zippered/velcroed pockets so you don't get things taken from you. I'd put your important items like your phone and wallet in an inside pocket. Places other than China have far more skilled pickpockets.

[Xiwang]

My tutor told me that she has received counterfeit bills twice at ATMs. At the beginning of the semester, a classmate of mine was approached by a vendor at the Forbidden City who asked her if she could exchange two 50s for a 100 Yuan note. Of course, she later found out that the the 100 Yuan note was counterfeit.

I'm sorry that you have had so many negative experiences in your short time here. I haven't really had any so far.

I think that I need to get out more.