Common Scams During a Visit to India: Be Careful

Like most of the popular tourist destinations in the world, some tourist scams are also found in India. Foreign tourists are especially targeted who are not familiar with local rules, prices and culture.

This guide explains the most common travel scams happening not only in India but in other countries of the world, their methods and practical ways to avoid them. The right information is your most important security.

Common taxi scams to watch out for:

• 'Your Hotel is Closed' Scam - Drivers claim your hotel is closed and take you to commission hotels
• Meter tampering and high fares - Taxis refuse to use meter or meter runs fast
• Detour (Long Way) Scam - Drivers deliberately take longer routes
• Commission Taxi Tours - Drivers take you to shops where they get commission

How to avoid: Use pre-paid taxis, book online apps (Uber/Ola), fix fare before starting, call your hotel to confirm it's open.

The Gem Export Scam - A 'local' lures you to buy gems with promises of profit. Gems are usually fake.

Commission Shops - Drivers/guides take you to overpriced shops where they get commission.

Carpet and Textile Scams - Promised export quality items turn out to be low quality.

• Never buy gems or jewelry for 'export business'
• Shop at government emporiums or reputable stores
• Don't let drivers choose where you shop
• Ask locals for honest shop recommendations

Unofficial guides misrepresent themselves as official guides and charge excessive fees.

How to avoid:

• Book guides from your hotel or tourism office
• Check for government-issued ID badges
• Fix the price before starting the tour
• Ignore guides who approach you at monuments

Card skimming - Devices steal your card information

Fake helping hand - Someone 'helps' you and steals your PIN

How to avoid:

• Use ATMs inside banks during banking hours
• Cover the keypad when entering PIN
• Don't accept help from strangers at ATMs
• Check for suspicious devices on the ATM

Menu price tricks - Different prices for tourists vs locals

Bill padding - Extra items added to your bill

How to avoid:

• Check prices on menu before ordering
• Ask if service charge and taxes are included
• Review bill carefully before paying
• Eat at places with visible price lists

Fake travel agencies - Taking advance payment and disappearing

Train ticket scams - Fake tickets or overcharging

How to avoid:

• Book tickets only from official websites (irctc.co.in for trains)
• Verify agency credentials before paying
• Don't book through random agents on the street
• Keep copies of all bookings

Fake charities - People collecting money for fake NGOs

Professional beggars - Organized begging operations

Baby rental scams - Women rent babies to look more sympathetic

How to avoid:

• Donate to verified NGOs only
• Don't give money to street beggars (give to shelters instead)
• Be especially cautious around tourist areas
• If you want to help, donate food rather than money

• Do your research before traveling
• Book transportation and accommodation online in advance
• Learn about fair prices for common services
• Trust your instincts - if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is
• Don't feel pressured to make quick decisions
• Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone
• Stay calm and polite even when rejecting scammers