Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Alīgarh, India

All Topics about Alīgarh All Cities in India

1. Rickshaw Overcharging

Avoid being overcharged by rickshaw drivers by negotiating fares before starting your journey.

Know Fare Rates: Be aware of the standard fares for different destinations within Aligarh.
Negotiation Skills: Practice your bargaining skills to get a fair price.
Avoid Late Travel: Travel during daylight hours and avoid late-night travel to avoid overcharging.

Avoid fake tour guides by booking licensed guides from reputable travel agencies or through local tourist offices.

Check Credentials: Ask for proof of licensing and verify their credentials.
Read Reviews: Read reviews about the guide before hiring them.
Book in Advance: Book guided tours through established agencies to ensure you're getting a legitimate guide.

Inspect currency carefully and exchange money at official banks or authorized money changers.

Check for Security Features: Familiarize yourself with the security features of Indian currency.
Exchange in Official Establishments: Always exchange money in banks or authorized money changers to avoid receiving counterfeit bills.
Count Your Change: Count your change carefully to ensure you receive the correct amount.

Bargain for prices in local markets and shops to avoid overpaying for items.

Know Market Prices: Research common prices of products before visiting the market.
Negotiate Skills: Practice your bargaining skills to get a fair price.
Shop Around: Visit multiple shops to compare prices and find the best deal.

Avoid accidents by keeping your belongings secure and being cautious in crowded areas.

Stay Alert: Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
Secure Your Belongings: Keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuable items openly.
Travel with Copies of Important Documents: Carry copies of important documents instead of originals in case of theft or loss.

Use ATMs located at banks or reputable establishments to avoid fraudulent transactions.

Check ATM Security: Inspect the ATM for any signs of tampering before using it.
Limit Transactions: Limit transactions to cash withdrawals and avoid using credit cards at untrusted ATMs.
Monitor Account Activity: Regularly monitor your account activity for any unusual transactions.

Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services to avoid unscrupulous drivers.

Check for Licensing: Look for the taxi's license number and verify it with the driver.
Use Reputable Services: Use established ride-sharing services or call a licensed taxi company to ensure safety.
Avoid Late Travel: Travel during daylight hours and avoid late-night travel to minimize risks.

Pay your bill promptly when dining out to avoid being accused of a dine and dash scam.

Pay Attention to Your Bill: Keep track of your food and drinks and their prices.
Inspect the Restaurant: Inspect the restaurant for any signs of scams before dining.
Pay Your Bill Promptly: Settle your bill as soon as you finish eating to avoid misunderstandings.

Donate to legitimate charities and avoid giving money to individuals claiming to collect for charity.

Check the Organization: Research the organization before donating to ensure its legitimacy.
Avoid Street Solicitation: Avoid giving money to individuals asking for charity on the street.
Donate through Official Channels: Donate through official channels such as the organization's website or a recognized donation platform.

Stay aware of your surroundings and only comply with law enforcement officers wearing proper uniforms.

Check Uniform: Verify that the officer is wearing a legitimate uniform.
Ask for Identification: Request identification from the officer before complying with their requests.
Stay Calm and Cautious: Stay calm and cautious when interacting with law enforcement officers.

Buy items only from reputable stores to avoid counterfeit goods.

Check Store Reputation: Research the store's reputation and reviews before shopping.
Inspect the Product: Inspect the product for any signs of poor quality or unusual features.
Check Pricing: Compare prices with other stores to ensure you're not overpaying.

Book tours through reputable travel agencies or directly with local tour operators.

Check the Company: Research the company's reputation and reviews before booking a tour.
Read Tour Details: Carefully read the details of the tour package to ensure it meets your expectations.
Ask Questions: Ask questions about the tour before booking to clarify any doubts or concerns.

Book accommodations through reputable online platforms or directly with the hotel.

Check Hotel Reputation: Research the hotel's reputation and reviews before booking.
Inspect the Accommodation: Inspect the accommodation upon arrival to ensure it meets your expectations.
Check Booking Details: Carefully check the booking details before finalizing the reservation.

Exchange money at banks or authorized money changers to avoid unfair exchange rates.

Check Market Rates: Research the current market exchange rate before exchanging money.
Avoid Street Exchange: Avoid exchanging money on the street to avoid unfair rates.
Compare Rates: Compare exchange rates at multiple banks or authorized money changers before making a decision.

Avoid unofficial guides on monuments by asking for licensed guides at the monument's ticket office.

Check for Licensing: Request to see a guide's license before hiring them.
Ask at the Ticket Office: Inquire about licensed guides at the monument's ticket office.
Read Reviews: Read reviews about the guide before hiring them.