Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Tenkāsi, Tamil Nādu, India

1. Auto-rickshaw Overcharging

Avoid overpriced rickshaw rides by agreeing on fare before starting the journey.

Knowledgeable Locals: Consult with locals for reasonable fare estimates.
Prepaid Auto-rickshaw Stalls: Use prepaid auto-rickshaw stalls for fixed prices.
Negotiating Skills: Hone your negotiating skills to get a fair deal.

Avoid unauthorized guides by booking tours through reputable agencies.

Check Credentials: Verify credentials of tour guides before engaging them.
Tourist Police Helpline: Contact the Tourist Police helpline for assistance and information.
Trusted Recommendations: Seek recommendations from trusted sources like friends, online reviews, or hotel staff.

Purchase goods only from reputable stores to avoid buying fakes.

Brand Name Stores: Buy brand name products from authorized dealers.
Local Markets: Avoid overpriced stores and visit local markets instead.
Quality Check: Inspect products carefully before purchasing to ensure quality.

Maintain a polite but cautious demeanor to avoid being targeted by scammers pretending to be friendly locals.

Street Smart Awareness: Trust your instincts and stay alert to potential dangers.
Group Travel: Travel with a group for added safety and support.
Limited Personal Information Sharing: Avoid sharing personal information with strangers.

Use ATMs located in well-lit, busy areas and be vigilant for skimming devices.

Secure Locations: Choose ATMs located in secure locations like banks or hotels.
Cover Screen and Keypad: Always cover the screen and keypad when entering your PIN.
Monitor Your Account Regularly: Regularly check your account for unauthorized transactions.

Exchange money at authorized exchange centers and banks to avoid receiving counterfeit or short-changed currency.

Authorized Dealers: Exchange money only at authorized dealers like banks, post offices, or reputable exchange centers.
Check Currency Quality: Inspect the quality of received currency for authenticity and completeness.
Negotiate Commission Fees: Negotiate commission fees with exchange dealers to get a fair rate.

Donate only at official donation boxes and respect the spiritual significance of temples.

Official Donation Boxes: Donate only at clearly marked, official donation boxes.
Respectful Behavior: Show respect for the temple and its traditions during your visit.
Avoid Unsolicited Assistance: Decline any unsolicited help offered during your temple visit.

Avoid giving money to beggars as it may encourage further exploitation.

Alternative Gifts: Offer non-monetary help like food or clothes instead.
Avoid Distractions: Stay aware of your surroundings to avoid distractions and potential dangers.
Report Suspicious Activities: Inform authorities if you witness any suspicious activities involving beggars.

Avoid accepting offers for free rides or unreasonable fares from tuk-tuk drivers.

Negotiate Fares: Always negotiate the fare before starting your journey.
Avoid Isolated Routes: Stay on main roads and avoid isolated routes.
Inquire About Destination: Ask the driver about your destination before entering the vehicle.

Purchase sim cards only at authorized retailers to avoid receiving tampered or non-functional SIMs.

Authorized Retailers: Buy sim cards only from official retailers like mobile operator stores or airports.
Check SIM Activation: Ensure the SIM card is activated before leaving the store.
Monitor Usage and Costs: Keep track of your usage and costs to avoid unexpected charges.

Haggle for prices but be fair and reasonable to avoid being overcharged or tricked.

Knowledge of Item Value: Research the value of items before visiting local markets.
Negotiating Skills: Practice your negotiating skills to get a fair price.
Be Aware of Quality: Inspect items carefully before making a purchase.

Avoid restaurants with no customers or inflated prices to enjoy authentic local cuisine at reasonable costs.

Check for Local Patrons: Look for restaurants frequented by locals.
Avoid Isolated Restaurants: Stay away from isolated restaurants that may be scams.
Reasonable Prices: Compare prices with other restaurants and stick to reasonable budgets.

Purchase tickets only at authorized booths or stations to avoid overpriced or fake tickets.

Authorized Booths: Buy tickets from clearly marked, authorized ticket booths.
Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Decline offers for discounted or free tickets from strangers.
Inspect Tickets Thoroughly: Thoroughly inspect your ticket for authenticity before boarding.

Book accommodations through reputable online booking platforms or local agencies to avoid scams.

Reputable Booking Platforms: Book accommodations on well-known and trusted online booking sites.
Avoid Street Offers: Decline offers for accommodation from street vendors or strangers.
Inspect Accommodation Before Payment: Visit the accommodation before making a payment to ensure it meets your expectations.

Rent cars only from authorized car rental companies to avoid receiving damaged or non-functional vehicles.

Authorized Car Rental Companies: Rent cars only from established and reputable car rental companies.
Inspect Vehicle Before Driving: Thoroughly inspect the car before driving it to check for any damages or issues.
Return Car in Good Condition: Return the car in good condition to avoid charges for damages not caused by you.