Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Jamshedpur, India

1. Auto-rickshaw Fare Scam

Overcharging tourists for rickshaw rides within the city.

Knowledge of Fare: Ask for the meter price before starting the journey.
Fixed Price: Negotiate a fixed price for longer journeys.
Complain if Overcharged: Lodge a complaint with the auto-rickshaw union if overcharged.

Unlicensed guides offering services at tourist attractions.

Check for License: Ask for a government-issued tour guide license.
Research Tourist Attractions: Research attractions to know authorized guides.
Report Unlicensed Guides: Report unauthorized guides to the local tourism office.

Shops selling counterfeit or overpriced goods.

Selling fraudulent SIM cards or overcharging for services.

Buy from Official Outlets: Purchase SIM cards only from official service provider outlets.
Check SIM Card Validity: Ensure the SIM card has the valid data pack and talk time.
Report Unfair Practices: Lodge a complaint with the telecom service provider if overcharged or scammed.

Overcharging for food or serving poor-quality meals.

Check Menu Prices: Compare menu prices with other restaurants before ordering.
Ask for Recommendations: Ask locals for recommended dining spots.
Check Ingredients: Check the ingredients used in dishes, especially if you have allergies.

Criminals using card-skimming devices to steal banking information.

Use Secure ATMs: Use ATMs located inside banks or reputable stores.
Cover PIN: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent prying eyes.
Monitor Account Activity: Regularly check your account activity for any unusual transactions.

Taxis charging more than the standard rate or taking longer routes.

Know Fare Rates: Research taxi fare rates before starting your journey.
Use Meters: Insist on using the meter and report if it's tampered with.
Ask for Receipt: Request a receipt at the end of the journey to verify the fare charged.

Exchanging money at unauthorized booths or being given counterfeit currency.

Use Reputable Booths: Exchange money only at authorized and reputable exchange booths.
Check Bills: Thoroughly check the bills received for any discrepancies.
Report Unfair Practices: Lodge a complaint with local authorities if overcharged or given counterfeit currency.

Selling fake gold jewelry or using poor-quality metals.

Check for Authenticity: Ask a jeweler to test the gold purity with an acid test.
Buy from Reputable Shops: Purchase jewelry only from reputable shops or jewelers.
Check Hallmark: Look for a hallmark indicating the purity of the gold.

Charging tourists more than the standard hotel rate.

Research Hotel Rates: Research hotel rates online before booking.
Check Room Charges: Ensure there are no hidden charges in the room rate.
Negotiate Prices: Negotiate prices for extended stays or additional services.

Accessing your device and stealing personal information.

Use a VPN: Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for secure browsing.
Avoid Sensitive Transactions: Avoid sensitive transactions like online banking or shopping on public Wi-Fi.
Change Passwords Regularly: Regularly change your passwords for added security.

Performers asking for payment or distracting you while pickpockets operate.

Don't Carry Valuables: Minimize the amount of cash and valuable items carried.
Report Suspicious Activity: Inform local authorities about any suspicious activity.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Stay alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.

Distracting you while pickpockets operate or tricking you into giving more money.

Minimize Cash Carried: Carry the minimum amount of cash needed.
Stay Alert: Be aware of your surroundings and potential distractions.
Avoid Isolated Areas: Avoid walking alone in isolated areas, especially at night.

Serving contaminated food or overcharging for meals.

Check Food Preparation: Observe the cleanliness and preparation of your food.
Avoid Street Vendors: Avoid street vendors, especially in crowded areas.
Stick to Reputable Restaurants: Dine at reputable restaurants for a safer and cleaner experience.

Providing misinformation or charging excessively for services.

Check for Official Guide Badges: Look for official guide badges and uniforms.
Research Heritage Sites: Research the heritage sites you plan to visit.
Report Unauthorized Guides: Inform local authorities about unauthorized guides.