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Q: Got robbed in massage parlor - should I bother calling police?
Yeah so I got robbed last night - by way of physical threat - in a massage parlor. I paid up front 300 kuai for a full body massage with a little extra, and when I was dressed again, the parlor owner stepped in the room and told me to pay an extra 2k. Had two massage guys with him. They weren't physically impressive, but given that they have intimate knowledge on how to inflict bodily pain, I preferred not pulling out my kung fu.
Anyways, didn't have enough cash on me so had to use credit card. I feel like a complete douche (I was already nervous before going - was my first time), and I'm wondering if there's any reason for me to bother going to police to report this massage parlor.
I've already given up hope on getting my 2k back 
8 years 15 weeks ago in Health & Safety - China
So, you paid 300RMB for the massage...
And then you got scammed into paying 2000RMB for additional services not given to you? AND you used your Credit Card?
Then you did exactly what you should have done..
Now all you have to do is go call up your Credit Card company and say that the 2000RMB charge isn't authorized, or was for services you didn't receive.. They'll reverse the charge and you'll get your money back within 10 days. That's one of the benefits of using a credit card instead of cash.
P.S. No reason to report to police as you should very easily be able to fix this yourself.
P.P.S. If anybody is ever "forced" into using their credit card like you were, they should avoid signing anything and/or just write scribbles.. It makes it that much quicker and easier to get your money back.
Cheers.
probably wont get the money back but take this as a lesson learned for the future.
there was a song... "don't pay a ferryman, not even fixed price, don't pay a ferryman, until he gets you on the other side..."
btw. when I go to the city I always have only amount of money that I need at that moment, and 200-300 RMB extra "just in case"... that reduces possible loss (even that I never was robbed or sth.)
I only carry what I'm willing to pay, for 2K you got reemed. I'd have taken a beating, but doubt 3 guys would do it, they were just intimidating you. 400 to 600 is enough for a lowai
i never cary more than 300 with me and never carry my card, lesson learned, stop looking for a dodgy massage, i would be worried about going to these kind of places, in any country actually
When going to any massage parlor, KTV or any other place that offers services that are legally frowned upon, it is VERY important to remember that these places would not be open if they didn't have connections with the local police and underground. So before you go all kungfu or release your inner hulk, understand that if you do things will probably get much, much worse.
The best advice I can give for avoiding places like this is
A) Choose a big place. The big saunas/bath houses offer the same services, better quality stock and about the same prices. They also make SO much money that strong arming a patron for 2k just isn't worth the loss of business from the bad word of mouth press.
B) Get expat recommendations. A lot of them know the best/safest places in town so you don't have to play "roll me roulette".
Either one of these steps will increase your safety and enjoyment tremendously.
All opinions expressed herein are based entirely on rumors and hearsay. The author would never, ever, under any circumstances visit a place that was not 100% legitimate.
You can get your own goons for 400 kuai each and then pay them a visit.
Dude you never should have paid..... How many stories have you heard of people being intimidated?? many, but how many do you hear of foreigners actually getting beaten?? very very rare. I have had people try various ways over the years... Dont start violence but just look like you will fight to the death and push your way out... they wont stop you. Hahaha and I loved your " first time" addition haha we needed that and now think much much higher of you HAHA better luck next time!
i think you just stay in peace.....don't do anything
Yeah. I have to agree with the "not paying" thing. I would have acted like a tiger in a fish bowl had they tried that, but hey, talk is cheap, and I wasn't there. Just saying...
I'm not a fighter, but I play one on T.V.
So, you paid 300RMB for the massage...
And then you got scammed into paying 2000RMB for additional services not given to you? AND you used your Credit Card?
Then you did exactly what you should have done..
Now all you have to do is go call up your Credit Card company and say that the 2000RMB charge isn't authorized, or was for services you didn't receive.. They'll reverse the charge and you'll get your money back within 10 days. That's one of the benefits of using a credit card instead of cash.
P.S. No reason to report to police as you should very easily be able to fix this yourself.
P.P.S. If anybody is ever "forced" into using their credit card like you were, they should avoid signing anything and/or just write scribbles.. It makes it that much quicker and easier to get your money back.
Cheers.
Maybe it is possible that this place was not the type of place that normally gives the 'little extra' services, and that is why they tried to get much more money from you.
Because most places that I have seen that have a credit card machine are not the places that do the extra services.
Not much of one for visiting brothels myself, I did for about one lonely, very drunken and depressing year, and it always made me feel like a sleaze, taking advantage of another's disadvantage and misfortune, as i'm certain none of these girls had dreams of selling themselves to get by when they were children, but i'm not a fan of goons muscling cash out of people who are just trying to get their rocks off either, so my advice is you tell the police. You won't get your money back but at least you'll raise awareness of the scam, and sooner or later the cops will be forced to put a stop to it.
Spas and massage parlors are run by the gangs and the police. So, NEVER bring your credit card anywhere. Using it in China is risky anyway. If you do bring your card, make sure you wear your Tshirt with big letters that spell 'ATM' on the front. First time? Right. And it won't be your last, I'm sure. My advice: find a girlfriend, They're a bit cheaper, and more reliable. At least they don't generally show up with the goon squad.
And carry only the cash that you'd be willing to get robbed for. As for me, 4 years in China and haven't been scammed, robbed, mugged, beaten or extorted. Keep yer wits about ye. Fingers crossed, knock on wood, and all that shiite. China: Love it or leave it.
How did I miss this?
Fuck that. It's almost 3 years later. Go back and UNLEASH YOUR INNER HULK!
Hugh.G.Rection:
I'm guessing he used his credit card to get cash.