
Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Chandīgarh, India
1. Rickshaw Overcharging
Avoid getting ripped off by rickshaw drivers by negotiating fares beforehand and using prepaid options.
- Negotiation: A crucial skill to ensure you get a fair price.
- Prepaid Options: Provided at some stands for peace of mind and certainty.
- City Knowledge: Understanding average fares can help you avoid overpaying.
2. Fake Tour Guides
Stick to licensed guides or research well beforehand to ensure your guide is genuine and knowledgeable.
- Licensed Guides: Official guides are properly trained and certified.
- Research: Online reviews can help you find a good guide.
- Avoiding Scams: Ensuring you're not being led into traps or oversold services.
3. Counterfeit Goods Market
Avoid buying souvenirs from street vendors, opt for authorized shops for authentic items.
- Street Vendors: Often sell counterfeit or low-quality goods.
- Authorized Shops: Offer genuine and high-quality items.
- Supporting Local Economy: Buying from authorized shops helps the local economy thrive.
4. Sim Card Scams
Buy your SIM card at official stores to avoid getting scammed or sold malicious software.
- Official Stores: Run by network providers and offer legitimate products.
- Malicious Software: Can steal personal information or cause damage to your device.
- Data Security: Ensuring your data is safe and secure.
5. Food Poisoning
Choose restaurants with good reviews, cook food thoroughly, and avoid eating street food excessively.
- Restaurant Reviews: Online platforms can help you find clean and well-reviewed restaurants.
- Cook Food Thoroughly: Eating properly cooked food reduces the risk of illness.
- Street Food Moderation: Enjoying street food in moderation can minimize health risks.
6. Temples Donation Scams
Learn about the temple customs before donating to avoid being scammed or overspending.
- Customs Understanding: Avoid confusion and unnecessary spending.
- Donation Scams Avoidance: Ensure your donations are going to the intended recipients.
- Respectful Donation: Making informed and meaningful donations.
7. Beware of Pickpockets
Keep valuables safe by not displaying them openly, avoid crowded areas if possible, and use a money belt.
- Valuables Hiding: Keeping your belongings hidden reduces the risk of theft.
- Avoiding Crowded Areas: Reducing opportunities for pickpockets to target you.
- Money Belt Use: Helps keep your valuables secure and hidden.
8. ATM Skimming
Use ATMs in well-lit areas, protect your PIN, and avoid using machines that seem tampered with.
- Well-lit Areas: Reduces the risk of criminals installing skimming devices.
- PIN Protection: Cover your hand while entering your PIN for security.
- Avoid Tampered Machines: Look for any signs of tampering or malfunction before using the machine.
9. Fake Taxi Services
Use prepaid taxis or reputable companies to avoid being scammed or taken on long detours.
- Prepaid Taxis: Offer a fixed fare and help you avoid overpaying.
- Reputable Companies: Have established track records of providing reliable service.
- Avoiding Detours: Ensuring you reach your destination efficiently and without hassle.
10. Gold Market Scams
Buy gold from established jewelers or reputable shops to avoid being scammed or sold low-quality products.
- Established Jewelers: Offer a wide range of high-quality items.
- Reputable Shops: Have good reviews and strong customer service.
- Avoiding Low Quality: Ensuring you get the best value for your money.
11. Safety in Hotels
Choose hotels with good reviews and security measures to ensure a safe stay.
- Good Reviews: Ensuring the hotel is clean, comfortable, and well-reviewed.
- Security Measures: Including 24/7 security, secure rooms, and safety procedures.
- Safe Surroundings: Avoiding areas with high crime rates or poor lighting.
12. Water Scams
Stick to bottled water and avoid drinking tap water in Chandigarh.
- Bottled Water: Ensures the water is clean, safe to drink, and free from contaminants.
- Tap Water Safety: Avoiding the potential risks associated with tap water.
- Health Protection: Preventing illnesses caused by contaminated water.
13. Bus Station Scams
Avoid bus stations that seem too busy or chaotic and always confirm your bus ticket before boarding.
- Busy Stations Avoidance: Reducing the risk of getting scammed or lost in the chaos.
- Ticket Confirmation: Ensuring you have a valid ticket and are boarding the correct bus.
- Safe Travel: Avoiding any potential hazards or scams on your journey.
14. Internet Café Scams
Use secure and reputable internet cafes to avoid identity theft or malware infections.
- Secure Cafes: Offer privacy, good ventilation, and are well-maintained.
- Reputable Service: Have good reviews, reasonable prices, and offer secure connections.
- Data Security: Protecting your personal information from hackers and scammers.
15. Street Performances Scams
Appreciate performances while being cautious of any requests for money or donations.
- Performance Enjoyment: Supporting local artists and enjoying the city's culture.
- Money Request Caution: Being aware of scammers disguised as performers.
- Charity Scams Avoidance: Ensuring your donations are going to legitimate causes.