Travel Scams in India
Yes, I know that one of our main problems when we go to a place where we know nothing is to face the lies that the place has for us. Fortunately, I’ve learned how to spot the most tourist scams now – even though I’ve only been exposed to a few fraud company. This has proven to be true during my time in India, many times!
Surely most of you have experienced some of the scams mentioned below or at least heard about them! If you haven’t yet, what are you waiting for?
Read it top 10 scammer list & scam advice like what you should do, be careful, and most importantly, avoid it.
The Biggest Types of Tourist Scams in India
1. Fake Tour Guide Scam
Many travelers can travel directly from their hotel, but when you are in India, it may be tempting to hire a local guide for some of the tourist attractions you are thinking of. understand easily on your own.
This might be a good idea! India is a beautiful place with a rich history and culture, and a local guide can provide details that even a good guidebook cannot.
But also be prepared as false information is very common all over India. Scammers act as leaders or local residents and offer their services harshly, usually at the entrance of tourist sites. Scam coaches may also pick you up outside the airport or train station.
What Should You Do to Stop Scams And Fraud Prevention?
To identify legitimate tour guides, look for the appropriate identification tags or licenses that legitimate guides must have. Also, check with reputable guides in advance or check with your hotel.
Also Read: Golden Triangle Escapade: Exploring Agra, Delhi, and Jaipur in One Unforgettable Journey
2. Hotel Approval Scam
If you are traveling to India by road, you will not want to see people on the road who will stay overnight. These sponsors usually represent hotels and it is safe to go with them and check out their hotels.
The scam happens if you already have a hotel booked and the scammer says that your hotel is closed or fully booked – and of course they have other options. These options may be poor or non-existent. Or their prices will be very high because the scammer gets a big commission.
What Should You Do to Stop Fraud Prevention?
Contact your hotel directly before canceling your reservation. If a scammer calls you, don’t accept! You definitely need a local SIM card for your phone, so to make sure you’re talking to your hotel, use the phone number associated with your booking.
3. Beggars on The Street
See, if you’ve seen Slum Dog Millionaire (and you should if you haven’t) then you’re already aware of the fact that beggars are not what they first seem. In India (and in places like Siem Reap and Cambodia) one of the scams seen is demands for money.
This is a big thing in many cities and often happens in cities/towns that have a tourism/backpacking scene in the city. It is useful because it focuses on tourists by using their good intentions.
How it works: Scammers approach tourists in crowded areas or popular tourist spots, asking the traveler to buy essential items such as food, medicine, or soft milk. They often create confusion and play on the tourists – and pass your suspicions because they are asking you to buy it for them! Sounds like a win, right?
However, the necessary goods that you will immediately turn into cash. Women who ask for milk or diapers often negotiate with a local seller, where tourists pay a lot of money to buy, which the women later return come and share the profit with the seller.
What should you do?
To avoid falling for this scam, support reputable organizations by researching and donating directly to existing organizations working to provide help to those in need… By doing so, you can ensure that your grant money is being used correctly. Also, consider volunteering your time and skills with local nonprofits to make a direct and meaningful impact on the community.
While it is important to be compassionate, it is also important to be cautious when giving money to strangers. By being vigilant, supporting reputable organizations, and providing direct service, you can contribute to a positive impact while minimizing the risk of falling victim to the “appeal for the beginning” fraud.
Be very careful at night, or in places where there are few people nearby.
Also Read: Unveiling the Marvels of Northern India: A Magical Tour of Agra, Delhi, Jaipur, and Ranthambore
4. A Police Officer Asked About The Road Fee
If you’ve just arrived at the train station or airport or arrived at your destination by bike or taxi and are stopped by the police and asked for a toll, do not pay it.
Some drivers are good and honest and refuse to pay this money directly while others will ask you, saying that they can’t go forward unless you pay them, so fight back. On the other hand, taxes are legal and you must pay them.
What Should You Do?
When in doubt, ask for a receipt and refuse to pay if not provided.
5. Money Scam/Fraud
This is a scam where you lose a lot of money. It is offered at a price of INR 500. In this case, if you give the driver an INR 500 note on top, he will replace it with the note he already has and tell you that the bill you gave is fake.
What Should You Do?
To avoid this, always try to give the last rupee change.
6. Pick Pocketing
Are you traveling in a crowded area? Be careful! Find your wallet because there is someone else. This often happens in public places and on buses. Pickpockets use distraction techniques so they can pick your pocket while you’re distracted.
For example: someone will bump into you and all their stuff falls out and when you bend down to help their partner comes under and bam! Your wallet is missing.
What Should You Do?
A simple way to avoid this is to carry your wallet in your pocket. Also divide the money you carry into different places such as pockets, purses, and luggage to reduce damage.
7. A Fake Doctor Scams
According to the data I have looked at, there seem to be about 40,000 doctors in Delhi who are qualified but almost the same number of them are not qualified. Do you want to put your life in the hands of the wrong person?
What Should You Do?
When you visit a doctor, remember to check his certificate but it is better to go to a better doctor with a review to avoid fraud.
8. Women Pin The Indian Flag Symbol on Your Shirt
This is a scam I have experienced (I got scammed) and believe me, you want to stay away from these women. At the entrances to metro stations and bridges, women stand holding small pins bearing the Indian flag. They will forcefully give you the flag and when they do that they will force you to donate.
What Should You Do?
The best way to avoid it is to ignore it. Make a call on your cell phone or just plug your ears with headphones and take a quick walk. Even if they pin it on you, don’t be funny and walk with them.
9. Taxi fraud
Most tourists complain about this scam and it is something that needs to be watched out for. They take you to a longer route, charge you arbitrarily, or try many other ways to deceive you. A scam is that they ask you to change 1000 or 500 when you give, then they change and give you back a small amount saying that you didn’t give it all.
Many people come to this thinking that it is their fault. Some fraudulent drivers will be very stubborn and refuse to admit that you paid even if you did. Taking an illegal and unregistered taxi will not only get you down but can also be dangerous.
What Should You Do?
Always travel in a taxi where the driver uses his meter or get a taxi from a well-known taxi service or registered airport taxi. Also, cab aggregators like Ola, Uber, etc. are very good.
10. Checkpost Scam
Out of place? Do you take your luggage or other items through the checkpoint? Be careful, especially in train stations because there are a lot of people, someone will take your luggage as theirs when you go crazy about where it went but it’s too late, and you will not get back.
What Should You Do to Stop Scams And Fraud Prevention?
Be careful, take care of your luggage or better not send someone on your own from the place and when they get outside, leave your luggage so they can take it when you visit.
