Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Dispur, Assam, India

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

Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Dispur, Assam, India

1. Taxi Scams at Guwahati Airport

Avoid overpriced or unlicensed taxis at the airport by pre-booking with reputable services. Always agree on a price before starting your journey.
  • Pre-Booking: Avoids overpricing and ensures licensed taxi service.
  • Agree on Price: Prevents unexpected fare hikes during the journey.
  • Reputable Service: Ensures safety and reliability.

2. Fake Tour Guides at Dispur

Avoid unlicensed guides who may lead you to overpriced shops or attractions. Always ask for a license and check with the local tourist office.
  • License Check: Ensures the guide is legitimate and registered.
  • Local Tourist Office: Provides a list of licensed tour guides for your convenience.
  • Avoid Overpriced Spots: Prevents unnecessary expenses and ensures authentic experiences.

3. Counterfeit Goods at Fancy Bazaar

Be cautious when shopping for souvenirs. Check for quality and compare prices with other stores to avoid buying counterfeit goods.
  • Quality Assessment: Ensures the product is genuine and of good quality.
  • Price Comparison: Prevents overpaying for counterfeit goods.
  • Ask a Local: Helps you find reputable shops and avoid suspicious ones.

4. Currency Exchange Scams

Exchange currency only at licensed money changers or banks to avoid getting short-changed. Check the exchange rate beforehand online.
  • Licensed Money Changer: Ensures legitimacy and fair exchange rates.
  • Check Exchange Rates: Prevents being overcharged for the exchange.
  • Bank Transactions: Offers additional security and convenience.

5. Beware of Street Food Vendors

Stick to popular and well-known street food vendors. Be cautious if the food looks old or not freshly cooked.
  • Popular Vendor: Ensures the food is safe to eat and of good quality.
  • Freshly Cooked Food: Prevents foodborne illnesses.
  • Avoid Suspicious Vendors: Ensures you're not unknowingly ingesting contaminated food.

6. ATM Scams at Cash Machines

Use only ATMs located in well-lit and crowded areas. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to avoid skimming devices.
  • Well-Lit Area: Prevents potential theft or muggings.
  • Crowded Areas: Minimizes the chances of being targeted for fraud.
  • PIN Security: Protects your personal information and account security.

7. Beware of Overfriendly Locals

Be wary of overly friendly locals who may offer help and then ask for money. Maintain a respectful distance and trust your instincts.
  • Maintain Distance: Prevents potential scams or muggings.
  • Trust Instincts: Helps you identify suspicious behavior.
  • Ask a Reputable Source: Gets you reliable help and advice when needed.

8. Business Card Scams

Avoid giving out your business card to everyone. Keep it for important contacts or when necessary.
  • Important Contacts: Prevents potential misuse of your contact information.
  • When Necessary: Ensures your privacy and protects you from unwanted solicitations.
  • Avoid Unnecessary Sharing: Protects your personal and professional network.

9. Fraudulent Accommodation Rentals

Book accommodations through trusted websites or reputable local agencies. Verify the location and check for reviews before making a reservation.
  • Trusted Websites: Ensures the accommodation is legitimate and of good quality.
  • Reputable Local Agencies: Offers additional security and personalized assistance.
  • Reviews Check: Prevents you from staying in a subpar or potentially dangerous accommodation.

10. Beware of Overpriced Accommodations

Compare prices for accommodations across various websites and agencies to avoid being overcharged.
  • Price Comparison: Prevents overpaying for accommodations.
  • Reputable Websites: Ensures the accommodation is legitimate and of good quality.
  • Agree on Price Beforehand: Prevents unexpected fare hikes during your stay.

11. Rickshaw Scams in Dispur

Avoid unlicensed rickshaws and always agree on a price before starting your journey.
  • Licensed Rickshaw: Ensures safety, reliability, and fair pricing.
  • Agree on Price: Prevents unexpected fare hikes during the journey.
  • Avoid Unlicensed Rickshaws: Ensures a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

12. Street Performer Scams

Appreciate street performances but avoid interacting with pushy performers who may insist on payments. Set a reasonable tip if you choose to give one.
  • Reasonable Tip: Acknowledges the performer's talent and effort while preventing unwanted solicitations.
  • Avoid Pushy Performers: Prevents potential scams or muggings.
  • Enjoy the Performance: Appreciates local culture and talent while being mindful of potential risks.

13. Beware of Sim Card Scams

Purchase SIM cards only from official outlets or authorized dealers to avoid being sold faulty or counterfeit sim cards.
  • Official Outlets: Ensures the SIM card is legitimate and functions properly.
  • Authorized Dealers: Provides customer support and after-sales assistance.
  • Avoid Suspicious Sellers: Prevents being scammed or sold faulty equipment.

14. Beware of Pickpockets in Crowded Places

Be aware of your belongings and keep them close when in crowded areas. Use a money belt or anti-theft bag to secure your valuables.
  • Money Belt or Anti-Theft Bag: Prevents potential theft and keeps your belongings secure.
  • Keep Belongings Close: Prevents potential theft or loss of items.
  • Avoid Distractions: Stays alert and focused to avoid becoming a target for pickpockets.

15. Overpriced Shopping in Dispur

Shop around for the best prices when purchasing items. Compare prices and negotiate if necessary.
  • Price Comparison: Prevents overpaying for goods or services.
  • Negotiation: Helps you get a fair price for the item.
  • Shopping Around: Ensures you're getting the best deal and value for your money.