Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Durgāpur, West Bengal, India

All Topics about Durgāpur All Cities in India

1. Rickshaw Fare Scams

Avoid overpaying for rickshaw fares by negotiating prices before starting the journey. Always use registered or prepaid rickshaws.

Price Negotiation: Negotiate fares before boarding the rickshaw to avoid overpaying.
Registered Rickshaws: Use registered or prepaid rickshaws for assured fair pricing.
Avoid Late Nights: Avoid traveling by rickshaw during late nights as prices may be inflated.

Verify tour operators through reviews and recommendations. Book packages only from authorized agencies.

Reviews & Recommendations: Check for online reviews and seek recommendations before booking with a tour operator.
Authorized Agencies: Book tours only from authorized or reputable travel agencies in Durgapur.
Offer Comparison: Compare offers and prices of different tour operators to ensure you're getting a fair deal.

Beware of counterfeit goods being sold at street markets. Stick to authorized stores or malls for genuine purchases.

Authorized Stores: Purchase items only from authorized stores or shopping malls in Durgapur.
Brand Reputation: Look for well-known brands to ensure the goods you're purchasing are genuine.
Street Market Avoidance: Avoid street markets known for selling counterfeit goods as much as possible.

Use licensed money changers for exchanging foreign currency. Check the exchange rate and commission beforehand.

Licensed Money Changers: Exchange your foreign currency only at authorized or licensed money changers in Durgapur.
Check Exchange Rate: Compare exchange rates of different money changers before making a decision.
Commission Awareness: Be aware of the commission charges and ensure they are reasonable before exchanging currency.

Use ATMs located at banks or reputable locations. Avoid using non-functional or suspicious machines.

ATMs at Banks: Withdraw cash from ATMs located within banks or reputable locations.
Non-Functional Avoidance: Avoid using non-functional or suspicious looking ATMs to reduce the risk of fraud.
Card Safety Measures: Take card safety measures such as covering the keypad while entering your PIN and being cautious of your surroundings.

Purchase sim cards only from authorized retailers. Be wary of unsolicited offers or help regarding sim card registration.

Authorized Retailers: Buy sim cards only at authorized retailers in Durgapur.
Registration Caution: Be cautious of unsolicited help or offers during sim card registration to avoid potential scams.
Data Protection: Protect your data by using strong passwords and keeping your phone secure.

Research restaurants for reasonable prices. Avoid eating at restaurants near tourist attractions or popular areas.

Price Research: Do price research beforehand to avoid overpaying at restaurants.
Tourist Attraction Avoidance: Avoid eating at restaurants near tourist attractions as prices tend to be higher there.
Local Recommendations: Seek recommendations from locals for affordable and delicious food options in Durgapur.

Book guided tours or escorts only through authorized agencies. Be cautious of unsolicited offers or help.

Authorized Agencies: Book guided tours or escorts only from reputable and authorized travel agencies in Durgapur.
Unsolicited Offers Caution: Be cautious of unsolicited offers or help regarding guides or escorts to avoid potential scams.
Trip Research: Research your travel itinerary in advance to know where and when you might need a guide or escort.

Use prepaid taxis or negotiate fares before starting the journey. Be aware of common taxi scams and their tactics.

Prepaid Taxis: Use prepaid taxis to avoid overpaying for your ride.
Fare Negotiation: Negotiate fares before starting the journey to ensure you're getting a fair deal.
Awareness of Scams: Be aware of common taxi scams, such as taking longer routes or inflating prices.

Buy tickets for events or attractions only from authorized outlets. Avoid buying tickets from street vendors or strangers.

Authorized Outlets: Purchase tickets for events and attractions from authorized outlets in Durgapur.
Street Vendor Avoidance: Avoid buying tickets from street vendors or strangers to reduce the risk of scams.
Event Schedule Verification: Verify event schedules and ticket prices beforehand to avoid buying fake or overpriced tickets.

Only donate to reputable charities or organizations. Research the cause and impact of the charity before donating.

Reputable Charities: Donate only to well-known and reputable charities or organizations in Durgapur.
Cause Research: Research the cause and impact of a charity before donating to ensure your money is going towards a good purpose.
Avoid Street Solicitations: Be cautious of street solicitations for donations as they may be scams.

Research accommodation prices beforehand. Book rooms only through authorized booking platforms.

Price Research: Do price research beforehand to avoid overpaying for accommodation.
Authorized Booking Platforms: Book rooms only through authorized booking platforms in Durgapur.
Location Consideration: Consider the location of your accommodation to ensure it is convenient and safe.

Avoid eating street food from unhygienic or suspicious vendors. Stick to popular or well-reviewed street food stalls.

Popular Street Food Stalls: Eat street food only from popular or well-reviewed street food stalls in Durgapur.
Hygiene Consideration: Check the cleanliness and hygiene of the food vendor before purchasing.
Avoid Suspicious Vendors: Avoid vendors that appear unhygienic or suspicious to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Keep your belongings safe and secure at all times. Be aware of pickpocket hotspots in crowded areas.

Secure Belongings: Keep your belongings safe and secure at all times to reduce the risk of theft.
Crowded Area Caution: Be aware of pickpocket hotspots in crowded areas, such as markets or tourist attractions.
Safety Measures: Use safety measures such as keeping your valuables hidden and zipped up to deter potential thieves.

Avoid using internet cafes for sensitive activities. Use your own device or a trusted VPN when accessing the internet in public places.

Sensitive Activity Avoidance: Avoid using internet cafes for sensitive activities like banking or emailing.
Trusted VPN Use: Use a trusted VPN when accessing the internet in public places to protect your data.
Device Preference: Use your own device whenever possible to ensure the security of your personal information.