Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Bhiwandi, Mahārāshtra, India

1. Auto-rickshaw Overcharging

Avoid overpaying for auto-rickshaw rides by negotiating the fare before starting your journey.

Know the Base Fare: Be aware of the base fare and per kilometer charge.
Use Metered Auto-rickshaws: Prefer using metered auto-rickshaws for a fair price.
Bargain Ahead: Always bargain and agree on the fare before you board the vehicle.

Avoid unlicensed or fake tour guides. Always verify their authenticity.

Check for Licenses: Request to see their license or affiliation with a recognized travel agency.
Research Tour Operators: Do your research on the tour operator before booking any tours.
Ask for Recommendations: Seek recommendations from trusted sources or your hotel staff.

Be cautious when handling cash to avoid receiving counterfeit money.

Check for Security Features: Verify the security features on the banknotes such as watermarks and holograms.
Count Your Money: Always count your money immediately to ensure you received the correct amount.
Use ATMs with Care: Avoid using ATMs in isolated or dimly lit locations and cover the keypad while entering your PIN.

Be aware of sim card scams where you are charged for unnecessary services.

Check Service Plans: Understand the service plans before purchasing a SIM card.
Negotiate Prices: Always negotiate prices for mobile services and packages.
Read Reviews: Research the service providers online to avoid scams.

Avoid buying counterfeit or overpriced goods from unauthorized shops.

Shop at Reputable Markets: Shop at reputable markets and authorized stores for authentic goods.
Bargain Wisely: Bargain wisely but ensure that the prices are reasonable.
Check Quality: Inspect the quality of goods before making a purchase.

Avoid donating to fake charities or scammers posing as charity collectors.

Research Charities: Research the charity before making a donation.
Donate Directly: Donate directly to the charity's official website or office.
Avoid Street Donations: Avoid donating to street collectors as they may not be affiliated with a legitimate charity.

Protect your personal information when using cyber cafes or public computers.

Use Secure Connections: Only use secure connections (HTTPS) for sensitive transactions.
Avoid Saving Passwords: Never save passwords or sensitive information on public computers.
Install a VPN: Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) for additional security.

Avoid buying gold jewelry from untrustworthy vendors who might sell counterfeit or underweight items.

Verify the Gold Purity: Ensure that the gold jewelry is tested for its purity using a BIS hallmark.
Check Weight and Price: Compare the price and weight of gold jewelry with market rates.
Shop at Reputable Stores: Purchase gold jewelry from reputable stores or jewelers.

Avoid being overcharged by taxis by negotiating the fare before starting your journey.

Know the Base Fare: Be aware of the base fare and per kilometer charge.
Use Metered Taxis: Prefer using metered taxis for a fair price.
Bargain Ahead: Always bargain and agree on the fare before you board the vehicle.

Avoid food poisoning by only eating from hygienic street food vendors.

Check for Hygiene: Look for clean, well-organized food stalls with covered food.
Ask for Recommendations: Seek recommendations from locals or your hotel staff.
Stick to Cooked Foods: Opt for cooked foods rather than raw or undercooked items.

Avoid being overcharged by tuk-tuks by negotiating the fare before starting your journey.

Know the Base Fare: Be aware of the base fare and per kilometer charge.
Use Metered Tuk-tuks: Prefer using metered tuk-tuks for a fair price.
Bargain Ahead: Always bargain and agree on the fare before you board the vehicle.

Exchange money at authorized foreign exchange booths or banks to avoid receiving counterfeit or unfavorable exchange rates.

Research Exchange Rates: Compare exchange rates between different vendors before making a decision.
Avoid Street Money Exchangers: Avoid exchanging money with street vendors as they may provide unfavorable rates or counterfeit currency.
Verify the Exchange Booth's License: Ensure that the exchange booth is licensed and authorized.

Avoid being scammed when donating to temples by offering your donations directly to the priest.

Offer Donations Directly: Offer your donations directly to the priest rather than placing it in a donation box.
Research Temple Customs: Understand the customs and traditions of the temple before visiting.
Avoid Pressure to Donate: Never feel pressured to donate more than you can afford or are comfortable with.

Avoid being overcharged by rickshaw pullers by negotiating the fare before starting your journey.

Know the Base Fare: Be aware of the base fare and per kilometer charge.
Use Metered Rickshaws: Prefer using metered rickshaws for a fair price.
Bargain Ahead: Always bargain and agree on the fare before you board the vehicle.

Avoid overpaying for food by choosing restaurants with reasonable prices.

Research Prices: Compare prices of different restaurants before dining.
Ask for Recommendations: Seek recommendations from locals or your hotel staff.
Negotiate Prices: Always negotiate prices, especially for large groups.