Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Nava Raipur, Chhattīsgarh, India
1. Rickshaw Overcharging
Watch out for inflated prices from rickshaw drivers. Negotiate the fare before starting the journey.
- Awareness: Know the standard rate of a rickshaw ride in Nava Raipur.
- Negotiation: Always negotiate the fare before starting your journey.
- Bargaining Skills: Practice your bargaining skills to get a fair price.
2. Fake Tour Guides
Some guides may offer unauthorized tours. Stick to registered tour guides provided by your accommodation or travel agency.
- Registration: Ensure the guide is registered with Nava Raipur Tourism Department.
- Recommendations: Get recommendations from your accommodation or travel agency.
- Avoiding Scams: Stay away from guides who approach you randomly in the street.
3. Counterfeit Goods
Beware of sellers offering cheap goods. Check for quality and authenticity before purchasing.
- Quality Control: Inspect the product carefully for poor workmanship.
- Branding: Check for missing or tampered brand labels.
- Price Check: Compare prices with other shops to identify overpriced goods.
4. Fraudulent Money Exchange
Be cautious when exchanging money. Use reputable exchange centers and always count your money immediately.
- Reputation: Choose established exchange centers with good reviews.
- Counting Money: Always count your exchanged money immediately to ensure the correct amount.
- Avoid Late-Night Exchanges: Exchange money during daylight hours to avoid potential scams.
5. Transport Ticket Scams
Be wary of ticket sellers offering fake or overpriced transport tickets. Buy tickets only from authorized vendors.
- Official Vendors: Purchase tickets only from authorized ticket booths.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices with other travelers to avoid overpriced tickets.
- Avoid Random Offers: Do not accept offers from unofficial ticket sellers.
6. Unauthorized Restaurants
Stick to established restaurants for meals. Avoid eating at unlicensed street food vendors.
- License Check: Look for a restaurant's license or permit displayed on the premises.
- Food Quality: Check if food is fresh and properly prepared before eating.
- Recommendations: Get recommendations from locals or your accommodation for safe eateries.
7. Overpriced Accommodation
Beware of overpriced accommodations. Compare rates and book in advance through reputable channels.
- Comparison Shopping: Compare prices across multiple booking websites.
- Booking Advance: Make reservations in advance to secure the best rates.
- Reputation: Choose accommodations with good reviews and ratings.
8. ATM Skimming Scams
Use ATMs located in secure areas like banks or shopping malls. Cover the keypad while entering your PIN.
- Location: Choose ATMs in well-lit, secure locations.
- Cover Keypad: Always cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent shoulder surfing.
- Regularly Check Account: Regularly check your account for any unusual transactions.
9. Telephone Scams
Ignore calls from unknown numbers offering deals or asking for personal information. Hang up immediately.
- Unknown Numbers: Do not answer calls from unknown numbers.
- Personal Information: Never share personal information over the phone with strangers.
- Report Scams: Report suspicious calls to your service provider or local authorities.
10. Internet Café Scams
Be cautious when using internet cafes. Avoid logging into sensitive accounts and use secure websites only.
- Secure Websites: Only access secure websites with HTTPS.
- Password Protection: Avoid logging into sensitive accounts on public computers.
- Data Backup: Backup important data before using internet cafes.
11. Fraudulent Charities
Be wary of street beggars or charities requesting money. Research legitimate organizations to support.
- Legitimate Organizations: Research and donate to registered charities.
- Avoid Street Beggars: Do not give money to street beggars.
- Scam Prevention: Ask locals for advice about legitimate charities in Nava Raipur.
12. Taxi Scams
Avoid taxis without meters. Agree on the fare before starting your journey.
- Metered Taxis: Only use metered taxis for a fair fare.
- Agreement on Fare: Always agree on the fare before starting your journey.
- Avoid Unofficial Taxis: Do not use unofficial or shared taxis.
13. Gold Jewelry Scams
Inspect jewelry carefully before purchasing. Only buy from reputable jewelers with certificates of authenticity.
- Certified Jewelers: Purchase jewelry only from certified jewelers.
- Inspection: Thoroughly inspect the jewelry for imperfections.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Do not buy gold jewelry from street vendors or unlicensed shops.
14. Rental Car Scams
Inspect the rental car carefully before driving off. Check for existing damages and take photos as proof.
- Thorough Inspection: Inspect the rental car thoroughly for any damage.
- Photograph Damage: Take photos of any existing damages before driving off.
- Reputable Rental Companies: Choose a reputable car rental company with good reviews.
15. Sim Card Scams
Buy sim cards only from authorized dealers. Register the sim card immediately.
- Authorized Dealers: Purchase sim cards only from authorized dealers.
- Registration: Register the sim card immediately after purchase.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Do not buy sim cards from street vendors or unauthorized dealers.