The cheats often befriend the victims at railway and long-distance bus stations, airports or hotels where Hong Kong tourists often go.

The cheats claimed they have fake renminbi bills that are indistinguishable from real bills. To persuade the victims, they use the "fake bills" to shop and succeed, but the money they use is real.

Victims then fall for the scam and are given the counterfeit bills, which cannot be spent.

(Ta Kung Pao)