
Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Bhāgalpur, Bihār, India
1. Auto-rickshaw Fare Scam
Drivers often overcharge unsuspecting tourists. To avoid this, always agree on the fare before starting the journey.
- Knowledgeable Tourist: Educated about local rates and willing to negotiate
- Fixed Price Agreement: Agreement on fare before starting the journey
- Reputable Driver: Choosing a driver recommended by local authorities or hotel staff
2. Fake Tour Guide Scam
Unlicensed guides might offer services at lower prices but may lead tourists to fraudulent shops. Always ask for a legitimate guide.
- Legitimate License: Ensure the guide has a valid license from local authorities
- Recommended Guide: Choose guides recommended by reliable sources like hotels or tour operators
- Research: Research about popular tourist destinations and attractions in Bhagalpur
3. Counterfeit Currency Scam
Criminals may pass fake Indian currency notes. Always check bills carefully and preferably use smaller denominations.
- Awareness: Knowledge about the appearance of genuine Indian currency
- Careful Checking: Thoroughly inspect all received bills before accepting them
- Money Exchange Shops: Exchange larger amounts of money at authorized exchange shops or banks
4. Overpriced Local Market Items
Local markets may offer overpriced goods to tourists. Bargain with the sellers to get a fair price.
- Negotiation Skills: Ability to negotiate prices effectively
- Market Research: Knowing the average prices of goods in local markets
- Patience: Being patient during negotiations and not rushing into a purchase
5. Mobile Phone Sim Card Scam
Sim cards sold on the street might have unauthorized services activated. Buy sim cards from authorized stores or telecom outlets.
- Authorized Store: Purchasing sim cards from authorized retailers
- Avoid Street Vendors: Refrain from buying sim cards from street vendors or unauthorized sellers
- Read Instructions Carefully: Read and follow instructions carefully upon receiving the sim card
6. Fake Temple Donation Scam
Fraudsters might solicit donations at temples pretending to be priests. Give donations only at the temple's official collection boxes.
- Official Collection Box: Placing donations in the temple's official collection boxes
- Avoid Individual Solicitations: Refrain from giving donations to individuals claiming to be priests
- Respect for Religious Sites: Respecting the religious significance of the temple and its customs
7. Unauthorized Taxi Service Scam
Unlicensed taxi drivers might overcharge or take longer routes. Use prepaid taxis or call a reputable taxi service.
- Prepaid Taxis: Choosing prepaid taxis with fixed rates
- Reputable Taxi Service: Using reputable taxi services like Ola or Uber
- Awareness of Local Rates: Knowledge about the standard rates for taxis in Bhagalpur
8. Rickshaw Puller Collusion Scam
Two or more rickshaw pullers might conspire to overcharge tourists. Always negotiate prices with a single driver.
- Single Driver Negotiation: Negotiating the fare with a single rickshaw puller
- Avoid Collusion: Refraining from engaging multiple rickshaw pullers during a single journey
- Local Awareness: Understanding the tendency for such scams in Bhagalpur
9. Overpriced Hotel Rooms Scam
Hotels might charge exorbitant rates to tourists. Compare prices and book in advance.
- Price Comparison: Comparing hotel prices from multiple sources
- Booking in Advance: Making reservations well ahead of the travel date
- Reputable Hotel Choices: Selecting hotels with good reviews and ratings
10. Street Food Poisoning Scam
Food sold by unhygienic street vendors might cause food poisoning. Stick to popular and clean eateries.
- Popular Eateries: Choosing popular, clean, and well-known street food stalls
- Hygienic Practices: Ensuring the vendor follows proper hygiene practices
- Avoid Risky Foods: Avoiding foods that are difficult to cook or store properly
11. Fake Tour Package Scam
Tour operators might sell fraudulent packages. Research and compare tour packages before booking.
- Reputable Operators: Choosing reputable tour operators with positive reviews
- Package Comparison: Comparing different tour packages from multiple sources
- Avoid Last-Minute Bookings: Booking tours well in advance to avoid last-minute scams
12. Fraudulent Money Exchange Scam
Money exchange shops might offer unfavorable rates. Compare rates and choose authorized shops.
- Authorized Shops: Choosing authorized money exchange shops
- Rates Comparison: Comparing the rates offered by various money exchange shops
- Secure Transactions: Ensuring secure transactions and avoiding cash exchanges in secluded areas
13. Beware of Snatch Theft
Pickpocketing is common in crowded areas. Keep valuables secure and be vigilant.
- Secure Valuables: Keeping valuable items like passports, cash, and credit cards hidden
- Avoid Distractions: Staying aware of surroundings and avoiding distractions while in crowded areas
- Report Suspicious Activity: Reporting any suspicious activity to local authorities or hotel staff
14. Fake Accommodation Scam
Landlords might rent substandard accommodations or non-existing properties. Book accommodation through reputable sources.
- Reputable Booking Sources: Booking accommodations through well-known online booking sites
- Online Reviews: Reading and considering online reviews before booking
- Avoid Last-Minute Bookings: Booking accommodations well in advance to avoid last-minute scams
15. Photography Scam
Locals might charge for taking photos with them. Be polite but firm about not paying.
- Politeness: Being polite and courteous when declining to pay
- Avoid Paying for Photos: Refraining from paying locals for taking photos with them
- Respect Cultural Differences: Understanding and respecting cultural differences in photography norms