Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Mangalore, Karnātaka, India

All Topics about Mangalore All Cities in India

1. Auto-rickshaw Overcharging

Avoid overpaying for auto-rickshaw rides by negotiating the fare before starting your journey.

Know Fare Rates: Familiarize yourself with the standard rates for auto-rickshaws.
Negotiate Before Ride: Always negotiate the fare before getting into an auto-rickshaw.
Ask Locals: Inquire about the fare from locals to ensure you're not overpaying.

Be cautious of unsolicited tour guide offers and always choose reputable guides.

Research Reputable Guides: Research licensed and recommended tour guides before choosing one.
Ask for ID: Ask your guide for their official identification to ensure they are legitimate.
Check Reviews: Read reviews from previous clients to gauge the quality of service offered by a tour guide.

Avoid purchasing counterfeit goods in unofficial markets to ensure quality and safety.

Buy from Official Stores: Purchase goods from official stores, malls, or shops.
Look for Quality: Inspect the quality of goods before purchasing to ensure they are authentic.
Avoid Unofficial Markets: Stay away from unofficial markets known for selling counterfeit goods.

Exchange currency only at reputable and official money exchange centers.

Choose Official Centers: Exchange money at banks, airports, or authorized money exchange centers.
Check Exchange Rates: Compare exchange rates at different locations to find the best deal.
Secure Your Money: Keep your money secure and avoid flaunting large amounts in public.

Be mindful of overcharging or poor quality food when dining out in local eateries.

Ask for Prices Before Ordering: Always ask for the prices before ordering to avoid surprises.
Check Reviews: Read reviews from other diners to find popular and affordable restaurants.
Avoid Eateries with No Prices: Avoid eateries that do not display prices or have hidden charges.

Avoid buying SIM cards from unofficial vendors at the airport to prevent fraudulent activities.

Buy at Official Stores: Purchase your SIM card at an official store or authorized dealer.
Check Your Card: Ensure the SIM card works properly and is activated before leaving the store.
Register Your SIM Card: Register your SIM card with the telecom provider to prevent misuse.

Avoid purchasing public transportation tickets from unauthorized vendors to ensure validity.

Buy at Official Outlets: Purchase your transportation ticket at an official outlet or kiosk.
Check Your Ticket: Inspect your ticket for any discrepancies to ensure it is valid.
Avoid Strangers Offering Tickets: Decline offers for transportation tickets from strangers as they may be counterfeit.

Avoid overpaying for taxi rides by negotiating the fare before starting your journey.

Know Fare Rates: Familiarize yourself with the standard rates for taxis.
Negotiate Before Ride: Always negotiate the fare before getting into a taxi.
Use Prepaid Taxis: Consider using prepaid taxis to avoid haggling over fares.

Avoid booking accommodation at unlicensed or unverified properties to ensure safety and quality.

Book with Reputable Agencies: Book your accommodation through reputable agencies or hotels.
Check Reviews: Read reviews from other guests to gauge the quality of service offered by an accommodation.
Avoid Unverified Properties: Stay away from unlicensed or unverified accommodations.

Be cautious when donating to street performers and avoid scammers who may take advantage of your generosity.

Avoid Suspicious Acts: Decline offers from suspicious-looking performers or those using aggressive tactics.
Donate Carefully: Donate only to legitimate performers who genuinely need your support.
Ask for Permits: Verify that the street performer has a permit or authorization from local authorities.

Be cautious when interacting with police officers and avoid giving them your belongings or personal information without proper verification.

Verify Identity: Ask to see their identification and contact local authorities if needed.
Stay Calm and Respectful: Remain calm and respectful during any interactions with police officers.
Avoid Offering Belongings or Information: Refrain from offering your belongings or personal information without a valid reason.

Keep your belongings secure and be mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas.

Secure Your Belongings: Use a bag with a zipper or keep valuables hidden in pockets that are harder to reach.
Avoid Distractions: Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions that may make you an easy target.
Keep Valuables Minimal: Limit the amount of valuable items you carry to reduce the temptation for pickpockets.

Decline unsolicited help from strangers, as they may be attempting to distract or scam you.

Avoid Strangers Offering Help: Be cautious when accepting help from strangers, especially in tourist areas.
Trust Your Instincts: Listen to your intuition and avoid situations that seem suspicious or unsafe.
Stay Alert: Remain aware of your surroundings and any potential dangers.

Use ATMs at reputable banks or shopping malls to avoid fraudulent activities and skimming devices.

Choose Secure ATMs: Use ATMs that are located inside banks, shopping malls, or other secure locations.
Cover Your Keypad: Cover your keypad when entering your PIN to prevent anyone from seeing it.
Check Your Account Regularly: Regularly check your account for any unauthorized transactions.

Purchase gold and jewelry only from reputable stores to avoid buying counterfeit or overpriced items.

Buy at Official Stores: Purchase your gold and jewelry at official stores or authorized dealers.
Check Quality: Inspect the quality of the gold and jewelry before purchasing to ensure it is authentic.
Avoid Unofficial Markets: Stay away from unofficial markets known for selling counterfeit or overpriced gold and jewelry.