Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Delhi, India

Delhi, India, Delhi, Local Insights & Practical Info, Common Scams & How to Avoid Them

Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Delhi, India

Fake Tour Guides

1. Fake Tour Guides

Some individuals pose as official tour guides at popular sites. They may overcharge or provide incorrect information. Verify a guide's identity and affiliation before hiring.
  • Identification Badge: Guides should have an official license.
  • Local Guide Association: Use guides from recognized associations.
  • Online Research: Check reviews and ratings of potential guides.
  • Pre-booking: Arrange guides through reputable agencies.
  • Language Proficiency: Ensure the guide speaks your language.
Taxi Overcharging

2. Taxi Overcharging

Some drivers may set excessive prices or take longer routes. Use prepaid taxi booths or ride-sharing apps to avoid overcharging. Always confirm the fare with the driver before starting the trip.
  • Prepaid Booths: Utilize official booths at airports or stations.
  • Ride-Share Apps: Use apps like Uber for transparent fares.
  • Frequent Local Routes: Learn common routes to your destinations.
  • Meter Usage: Ensure the meter is turned on or negotiated fare is clear.
  • Local Fare Knowledge: Understand the typical fare ranges.
Rickshaw and Auto Risks

3. Rickshaw and Auto Risks

Auto-rickshaw drivers might refuse to use meters, quoting high prices instead. Insist on using the meter or agree on a price before the ride. Be aware of the actual distance to your destination.
  • Meter Enforcement: Verify if the meter is operational.
  • Route Familiarity: Know the shortest route beforehand.
  • Fare Agreement: Settle the fare before boarding.
  • Language Barrier Resolution: Basic knowledge of Hindi phrases helps.
  • Persistent Negotiation: Be firm yet polite during negotiations.
Street Food Scams

4. Street Food Scams

Vendors may overcharge or serve low-quality food. Always check the listed prices and be cautious about street vendors. Choose busy stalls with high turnover for fresh food.
  • Price Transparency: Always ask for a menu with prices.
  • Vendor Selection: Opt for popular and busy vendors.
  • Health Safety: Assess the cleanliness of the food stall.
  • Local Recommendations: Seek advice from locals about safe stalls.
  • Quality Over Quantity: Smaller portions might indicate fresher food.
Beggar Scams

5. Beggar Scams

Some beggars may work in organized groups and can be persistent. It’s safer not to give money directly; instead, donate to charities. Be polite but firm if approached.
  • Charitable Donation: Support through verified charities.
  • Firm Refusal: Politely decline and move on.
  • Sense of Safety: Stay aware of your surroundings.
  • Recognize Scams: Be wary of fake injuries or stories.
  • Police Assistance: Approach authorities if harassed.
Fake SIM Cards

6. Fake SIM Cards

Sellers might offer non-activated or costly plans. Get SIM cards from official telecom stores instead of street vendors. Check service coverage with locals.
  • Telecom Retailers: Use official outlets for purchases.
  • Identification Requirement: Providers require ID for activation.
  • Network Reputation: Choose well-known service providers.
  • Plan Comparison: Compare data and call plans.
  • Coverage Check: Inquire about network strength in your areas of travel.
Gem and Jewelry Scams

7. Gem and Jewelry Scams

Some shops sell counterfeit or overpriced jewelry. Avoid deals that seem too good to be true and seek recommendations before buying expensive items. Use government-certified shops when possible.
  • Authenticity Verification: Get a certificate of authenticity.
  • Fixed Price Stores: Prefer shops with non-negotiable prices.
  • Local Recommendations: Ask for trusted shop names.
  • Verifiable Reviews: Check online feedback about the shop.
  • Bargain Avoidance: Consider very low prices as a red flag.
Fake Goods at Markets

8. Fake Goods at Markets

Sellers in busy markets might try to pass off imitations as genuine products. Inspect products thoroughly and be skeptical of any merchandise labeled as 'branded' but sold at a discount. Haggling is expected, but know real value.
  • Price Benchmark: Know the standard price for authentic items.
  • Quality Assessment: Examine fabric and craftsmanship closely.
  • Warranty Checks: Verify the warranty terms if applicable.
  • Shop Selection: Use shops with known reputations.
  • Brand Authentication: Request real product documentation.
Railway Ticket Fraud

9. Railway Ticket Fraud

Unauthorized agents sell counterfeit train tickets. Purchase tickets directly from railway counters or through official websites. Verify date and train details carefully.
  • Authorized Sellers: Use official IRCTC platforms for booking.
  • Ticket Inspection: Double-check ticket details for accuracy.
  • Queuing Advantage: Accept the inconvenience of official booths.
  • Scam Awareness: Identify and avoid touts near stations.
  • Date Confirmation: Ensure ticket and ID match travel plans.
Overpriced Handicrafts

10. Overpriced Handicrafts

Some shops inflate prices for tourists. Bargain cautiously but confidently, knowing local price norms. Prefer government-run emporiums for authentic products.
  • Bargaining Skill: Research average prices beforehand.
  • Government Emporiums: Consider state-run stores for fixed rates.
  • Product Origin: Learn about authentic crafts and their origins.
  • Handmade Verification: Question the crafting process for assurance.
  • Receipt Request: Ask for a detailed bill after purchase.
ATM Card Skimming

11. ATM Card Skimming

Criminals may set up skimmers on ATMs to steal card information. Use ATMs located inside banks for added security. Regularly check your bank statements for unauthorized transactions.
  • ATM Location: Choose ATMs inside secured bank premises.
  • Security Awareness: Look for suspicious devices on machines.
  • Coverage Confirmation: Ensure CCTV is present.
  • Quick Transaction: Minimize time at the ATM.
  • Account Monitoring: Frequently review account statements.
Hotel Reservation Fraud

12. Hotel Reservation Fraud

You might be told your booking is invalid upon arrival. Always confirm reservations with the hotel directly ahead of your trip. Verify booking details through official channels, not through brokers or third parties.
  • Direct Contact: Confirm directly with the hotel before arrival.
  • Online Booking Portals: Use renowned booking websites.
  • Confirmation Printouts: Bring hard copies of your reservation.
  • Double-Check Dates: Verify check-in and check-out dates.
  • Avoid Prepayment: Pay upon arrival if possible.
Currency Exchange Issues

13. Currency Exchange Issues

Unauthorized vendors might give you a poor exchange rate or counterfeit notes. Exchange currency at authorized banks or reputable counters. Count money carefully before leaving the counter.
  • Bank Exchanges: Use banks or licensed money changers.
  • Rate Verification: Be aware of the current exchange rates.
  • Note Inspection: Check unfamiliar notes thoroughly.
  • Service Fees: Clarify any hidden charges.
  • Count Precision: Always recount your money before departing.
False Reviews and Ratings

14. False Reviews and Ratings

Reviews for hotels, restaurants, or tours may be fabricated. Cross-check multiple sources and look for detailed comments from verified users. Trust feedback from recognized travel websites.
  • Review Source: Trust reputable travel platforms.
  • User Comments: Look for in-depth, consistent reviews.
  • Authentic Feedback: Beware of one-sided feedback with no negatives.
  • Variety Checks: Cross-reference across different websites.
  • Rating Consistency: Evaluate from multiple reviews.
Pickpocketing

15. Pickpocketing

Often occurs in crowded spaces like markets and public transport. Keep your belongings close and avoid displaying valuables. Consider using money belts or hidden pockets.
  • Secure Storage: Use concealed pouches for valuables.
  • Awareness: Be especially cautious in crowded areas.
  • Bag Position: Keep bags in front and zipped.
  • Valuables Minimization: Carry only necessary items.
  • Companion System: Travel with others if possible.
Counterfeit Tickets for Attractions

16. Counterfeit Tickets for Attractions

Tickets sold outside official counters can be fake. Buy tickets directly at attractions or online from official websites. Be wary of overly discounted tickets.
  • Source Legitimacy: Trust only official ticket counters.
  • Attraction Audit: Verify tickets through official sources.
  • Receipt Retention: Keep receipts for ticket purchases.
  • Suspicious Discounts: Avoid unusually low prices.
  • Timely Purchase: Buy in advance when possible.
Impersonators in Uniforms

17. Impersonators in Uniforms

Some scammers dress in uniforms to demand fees or fines. Always ask for identification and verify authority through official contacts. Report any suspicious behavior.
  • Official ID: Request identification and verify it.
  • Contact Confirmation: Call official numbers to verify claims.
  • Uniform Examination: Check for inconsistencies in uniforms.
  • Immediate Reporting: Alert authorities if deceived.
  • Independent Verification: Confirm stories with unbiased sources.
Call Spoofing

18. Call Spoofing

Fraudsters may call claiming to be from official entities for personal information. Keep personal and financial information private. Hang up and independently verify claims through official contact numbers.
  • Caller Verification: Independently verify any claims made.
  • Information Guarding: Do not disclose sensitive details.
  • Legitimate Contacts: Use official channels for contact.
  • Disconnection Strategy: Hang up immediately if suspicious.
  • Redirection Tactics: Direct them to provide information instead.
Overpriced Camel or Elephant Rides

19. Overpriced Camel or Elephant Rides

Some rides are overpriced, especially around tourist landmarks. Negotiate fares beforehand and ensure the animals are treated well. Opt for vendors with positive reviews or recommendations.
  • Fair Pricing: Agree on pricing in advance.
  • Animal Treatment: Assess the condition of the animals.
  • Vendor Reputation: Verify vendor through reviews.
  • Ride Experience: Choose well-rated operators.
  • Inclusive Fees: Confirm if the price includes all services.
Staged Accidents

20. Staged Accidents

Scammers might involve unsuspecting travelers in perceived accidents to demand compensation. Stay calm and involve local police if needed. Refrain from paying without verification.
  • Accident Precautions: Record details immediately if an incident occurs.
  • Witness Statements: Collect contact information from witnesses.
  • Police Involvement: Alert authorities right after the incident.
  • Payment Hesitation: Do not pay without definitive proof.
  • Documentation: Retain all related paperwork and evidence.