Got hit by the infamous “Elderly Fall Down” scam in China (Chengdu). Almost lost $2k SGD. Learn from my mistake, fam.
Guys, needed to post this here because I’m still sweating from adrenaline and my chest feels like I just finished 2.4km IPPT run in full gear.
So I’m currently on a 1-week solo trip in Chengdu. Weather super nice, hotpot super shiok, life was good. Until this afternoon around 2 PM near a quiet alley off a popular shopping street.
I was walking and listening to music when I heard a loud thud and someone groaning. I turn around and see this auntie (looks to be around 60s) sprawled on the pavement next to her bicycle. Her groceries were scattered everywhere, apples rolling on the floor, total tragedy scene.
Instinctively, being a good Singaporean boi raised on “Courtesy is for free and for you and me”, I immediately rushed over to check on her. Ask her in my best broken Mandarin, “Auntie, nǐ hǎo ma? Need help?”
The MOMENT I reached down to grab her arm to pull her up, her eyes instantly widened, she grabbed my wrist like a vice grip (wah lau, stronger than my BMT sergeant), and screamed at the top of her lungs: “YOU PUSHED ME! WHY YOU PUSH OLD WOMAN?!”
Sua ku me was instantly stunned like vegetable.
Within 10 seconds, out of nowhere, two large bro-looking guys appeared. Red flags immediately raised inside my head. One started aggressively recording me with his phone, shouting that I’m a foreigner trying to bully old people. The auntie started crying on the floor holding her hip, saying her bones broke and demanding 10,000 RMB (~$1,900 SGD) on the spot for “medical fees” or they’re calling the local police.
I remembered reading about this exact scam (pengci / 碰瓷) online years ago, but when it happens to you, your mind really goes blank. My first thought was, “Die liao, later I get detained cannot go back home to eat my Hainanese chicken rice.”
They were crowding around me, gesturing angrily, trying to pressure me into doing a WeChat Pay transfer right there to “settle out of court”. They kept saying if the police get involved, my passport will get blacklisted.
Luckily, my Singaporean kiasu instincts kicked in. I forced myself to calm down, took out my phone, and pointed to a CCTV camera attached to a shop roof right above us.
In my most firm voice I shouted: “CALL POLICE LAH! CALL NOW! THAT CAMERA LOOKING RIGHT AT US!” (Except I said it in Mandarin: “Bào jǐng! Xiàn zài jiù bào jǐng! Yǒu jiān kòng!”)
The moment I pointed to the CCTV and pulled out my own phone to dial 110, the “injured” auntie suddenly moved her legs like a professional athlete, stood up, dusted off her trousers, and walked away totally fine. The two guys muttered some expletives and scampered off into the alley.
Total turnaround took less than 30 seconds. I stood there holding an apple from her fallen bag, completely speechless.
TL;DR / Lessons for Singaporeans traveling in China:
- DO NOT touch or help fell-down elderly on the street by yourself. I know it sounds cold-hearted and goes against our values, but pengci is real.
- If you want to help, stand back, take out your phone to video record the scene first, or call the local emergency number (110) directly.
- Look out for CCTV cameras immediately if anyone tries to frame you.
- Never ever transfer money on the spot out of fear.
Stay safe out there, Sinkies. Don’t let your Singaporean kindness get abused like mine almost did. Now excuse me while I go drink some bubble tea to calm my nerves.