Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Calicut, Kerala, India
1. Beach Road Overflow Scam
Scammers pretend to help with a flat tire, then demand money for 'help' or services. Avoid by ignoring strangers offering assistance.
- Unsolicited Assistance: Be wary of unsolicited help; only accept help from trusted sources.
- Demanding Money: Never give money to strangers without understanding the service they are providing.
- High-Risk Areas: Be aware of high-risk areas like busy roads and tourist spots where such scams are more common.
2. Auto-Rickshaw Overcharging
Tourists often overpay for auto-rickshaw rides. Fixed rates are not always honored. Use prepaid auto booths to avoid overcharging.
- Prepaid Auto Booths: Use prepaid auto booths for fixed, reasonable rates.
- Negotiating Rates: Always negotiate the fare before starting a ride to avoid overcharging.
- Avoiding Scams: Stay informed about common scams to avoid falling victim.
3. Pickpocketing at Local Markets
Pickpockets target tourists in crowded markets. Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.
- Crowded Places: Be extra cautious in crowded places where pickpocketing is more common.
- Secure Belongings: Keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuable items openly.
- Situational Awareness: Maintain good situational awareness to notice any suspicious activities around you.
4. Fake Currency Exchange Shops
Some currency exchange shops provide counterfeit money. Stick to reputable exchange centers or banks.
- Reputable Exchange Centers: Exchange your currency at reputable exchange centers or banks.
- Counterfeit Money: Be vigilant for counterfeit money; check the notes carefully for irregularities.
- Asking Locals: Ask locals for recommendations on trusted exchange centers.
5. Overpriced Restaurants Near Tourist Attractions
Restaurants near tourist attractions often overprice their meals. Find local eateries for authentic and affordable food.
- Local Eateries: Seek out local eateries for affordable, authentic food.
- Tourist Attraction Areas: Avoid restaurants near tourist attractions to avoid overpriced meals.
- Asking Locals: Ask locals for recommendations on affordable dining options.
6. Fraudulent Taxi Drivers
Some taxi drivers may take longer routes or charge inflated prices. Use prepaid taxis or ride-sharing apps to avoid scams.
- Prepaid Taxis: Use prepaid taxis for a fixed fare and avoid overcharging.
- Ride-Sharing Apps: Use ride-sharing apps like Uber or Ola for reliable service and pricing.
- Avoiding Long Routes: Insist on a direct route to your destination, and question any deviations.
7. Tour Guides Charging Exorbitant Fees
Some tour guides demand exorbitant fees for their services. Research and compare prices before booking a guide.
- Research and Comparison: Research and compare the prices of different tour guides to avoid overpaying.
- Asking Locals: Ask locals for recommendations on trusted tour guides.
- Prepaid Tour Services: Book prepaid tour services to avoid overcharging or unexpected additional fees.
8. Gold Jewelry Scams
Scammers sell fake gold jewelry at low prices, only for it to break shortly after purchase. Stick to established jewelers or reputable shops.
- Established Jewelers: Purchase gold jewelry from established jewelers or reputable shops.
- Gold Testing: Have the jewelry tested for gold content to ensure its authenticity.
- Avoiding Street Vendors: Avoid buying gold jewelry from street vendors, who may sell fake or low-quality items.
9. Unlicensed Spa Services
Some spas offer unlicensed services that may be unsafe. Only use licensed spas for a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Licensed Spas: Use licensed spas to ensure the quality of service and safety.
- Asking for Licenses: Always ask to see a license before using any spa services.
- Reputable Spas: Research reputable spas and read reviews to ensure a positive experience.
10. Fake Ticket Vendors for Popular Attractions
Some vendors sell fake or counterfeit tickets for popular attractions. Buy tickets directly from the attraction or authorized outlets.
- Buying at Attraction: Buy tickets directly at the attraction to avoid counterfeit tickets.
- Authorized Outlets: Only buy tickets from authorized outlets or websites.
- Checking Tickets: Verify the authenticity of the tickets before using them.
11. Touts Offering 'VIP' Access to Attractions
Some individuals offer VIP access to attractions for a fee, but do not have official authorization. Avoid these touts and only use authorized channels.
- Authorized Channels: Use only the authorized channels to gain VIP access or special experiences at attractions.
- Asking Locals: Ask locals for advice on reputable companies offering VIP or special access packages.
- Verifying Credentials: Ask to see official credentials and verify their authenticity before engaging with touts.
12. Fraudulent Accommodation Listings
Some accommodation listings online may be fraudulent or misrepresented. Book through reputable platforms or directly with the property.
- Reputable Platforms: Book accommodations through reputable platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, or Expedia.
- Direct Bookings: Book directly with the property to avoid potential scams or misrepresentations.
- Reviews and Ratings: Check reviews and ratings for accommodations before booking to ensure quality and reliability.
13. Counterfeit Souvenirs
Some souvenir shops sell counterfeit items. Buy souvenirs from reputable shops or directly from local artisans.
- Reputable Shops: Purchase souvenirs from reputable shops with a good track record.
- Local Artisans: Find local artisans who create authentic souvenirs for a unique and genuine purchase.
- Asking Locals: Ask locals for recommendations on reliable souvenir shops or artisans.
14. Scams Involving Religious Sites
Some scammers may try to trick tourists at religious sites by asking for donations or offering guides. Be respectful but wary of solicitors.
- Respectful Interaction: Interact respectfully with locals and avoid giving money to unsolicited solicitors.
- Official Guides: Use only official guides for tours of religious sites to ensure authenticity and respect cultural practices.
- Donation Boxes: Use donation boxes when possible, or make donations directly to the site's management.
15. Fake Charity Collectors
Some individuals pose as charity collectors but are actually scammers. Only donate to reputable charities or verified collection points.
- Reputable Charities: Donate only to reputable charities with a good track record and verifiable cause.
- Verified Collection Points: Only donate at verified collection points or through official channels of the charity.
- Asking Locals: Ask locals for advice on reputable charities and verifiable collection points.