Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Pīshbar, Khorāsān-e Jonūbī, Iran
1. Mineral Hot Springs Scam
Watch out for fake guides offering mineral hot springs tours. Always ask locals for recommendations and verify prices.
- Fake Guides: Unlicensed individuals luring tourists to inflated priced 'hot springs'
- Inflated Prices: Prices for tours significantly higher than local rates
- Lack of Recommendations: No prior recommendations from locals or reputable sources
2. Unauthorized Taxi Services
Avoid unmarked taxi services at the airport; use authorized taxis or arrange for pickup with your accommodation.
- Unauthorized Taxis: Services without proper licensing and insurance
- Lack of Safety Measures: No safety features like seat belts or functioning meters
- Overcharging: Charges significantly higher prices than standard rates
3. Counterfeit Souvenirs
Beware of cheap, low-quality souvenirs. Buy from reputable shops or local artisans for authentic keepsakes.
- Low Quality: Souvenirs with poor craftsmanship and materials
- No Authenticity: Items not made locally or by local artisans
- Overpriced: Souvenirs priced much higher than their real value
4. Fraudulent Currency Exchange
Exchange money at banks or authorized exchange offices. Be cautious of street vendors offering unfavorable rates.
- Unfavorable Rates: Currency exchange rates significantly lower than standard rates
- Lack of Security: No security measures in place to protect your money during the transaction
- Counterfeit Money: Receiving counterfeit currency instead of genuine banknotes
5. Overpriced Food and Drink
Avoid street vendors offering expensive food and drinks. Find local eateries for authentic and affordable meals.
- Expensive Prices: Food and drink prices significantly higher than standard rates
- Lack of Quality: Inferior food quality or contaminated drinks
- Unsafe Preparation: Preparation methods that do not adhere to hygiene standards
6. Fake Guides at Historical Sites
Avoid unauthorized guides at historical sites. Confirm the guide's licensing and research the site before visiting.
- Unlicensed Guides: Individuals posing as licensed tour guides without proper credentials
- Inaccurate Information: Misleading or incomplete information provided about the site's history and significance
- Overcharging: Guided tours priced significantly higher than standard rates
7. Fraudulent Accommodation Services
Book accommodation through reputable online platforms or local agencies. Avoid street vendors offering subpar accommodations.
- Substandard Quality: Accommodations with poor living conditions and facilities
- No Amenities: Lack of essential amenities like hot water, Wi-Fi, and electricity
- Location: Accommodation located in unsafe or inconvenient areas
8. Transportation Scams on Buses
Purchase bus tickets from the ticket counter. Be wary of overly helpful strangers offering fake tickets.
- Fake Tickets: Tickets that are invalid or for different routes
- Overcharging: Payment of significantly higher prices than the standard fare
- Unsafe Transportation: Vehicles not in good condition or operated by unqualified drivers
9. Scams at the Bazaar
Beware of aggressive salespeople offering overpriced items. Negotiate prices and compare with other shops before purchasing.
- Overpricing: Items priced significantly higher than their real value
- Aggressive Sales Tactics: Salespeople using pressure tactics to make a sale
- Counterfeit Goods: Items of poor quality or fake goods passed off as authentic
10. Bogus Charity Scams
Donate to reputable charities. Be cautious of individuals asking for donations on the street.
- Unreliable Charities: Charities that do not effectively use donations
- Fraudulent Collectors: Individuals posing as collectors for charity organizations
- Lack of Transparency: No documentation or evidence of where the donations are being used
11. Counterfeit Local Products
Buy local products from authorized retailers. Be cautious of cheap imitations at markets.
- Low Quality: Products with poor craftsmanship and materials
- No Authenticity: Items not made locally or by local artisans
- Overpriced: Products priced much higher than their real value
12. Overpriced Carpet Scam
Bargain for carpets at bazaars. Be aware of overpriced carpets in shops.
- Overpricing: Carpets priced significantly higher than their real value
- Low Quality: Carpets with poor craftsmanship and materials
- Lack of Authenticity: Carpets made from synthetic fibers or not traditional to the region
13. Scams at the Airport
Avoid offering help with luggage or transportation. Use airport-approved services.
- Unauthorized Services: Individuals offering unauthorized services at the airport
- Overcharging: Payment of significantly higher prices than the standard fare
- Theft: Individuals attempting to steal from tourists
14. Fraudulent Money Exchange Kiosks
Exchange money at banks or authorized exchange offices. Be cautious of street kiosks offering unfavorable rates.
- Unfavorable Rates: Currency exchange rates significantly lower than standard rates
- Lack of Security: No security measures in place to protect your money during the transaction
- Counterfeit Money: Receiving counterfeit currency instead of genuine banknotes
15. Scams at the ATM
Use well-lit and secure ATMs. Be cautious of individuals loitering nearby.
- Unsafe Environment: ATM located in an unsafe or poorly lit area
- Skimming Devices: Fraudulent devices attached to ATMs to capture data from your card
- ATM Fraud: Individuals attempting to steal your card or PIN during the transaction