Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Loni, Uttar Pradesh, India

1. Auto-rickshaw Scam

Overcharging tourists for short rides or taking longer routes.

Fraudsters posing as guides to take tourists to unauthorized shops or inflate prices.

Verify Credentials: Ask for legitimate licenses and verify their credentials.
Research Guides: Research and choose a guide beforehand from reputable sources.
Beware of Offers: Be wary of overly friendly offers or suggestions.

Receiving counterfeit Indian currency during transactions.

Inspect Currency: Inspect the currency carefully for any defects.
Transact in Safe Places: Transact only in safe places like banks or reputable shops.
Count Money Immediately: Count your change immediately to avoid errors.

Booking more rooms than available, leaving tourists stranded.

Aggressive beggars asking for donations at temples.

Respectful Donations: Donate only at designated spots and respectfully decline unwanted requests.
Avoid Alone: Never visit temples alone, especially late in the evening.
Be Aware of Surroundings: Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid carrying excessive valuables.

Items not matching the price displayed or fake products being sold.

Being sold an expensive or fake SIM card.

Check Provider: Choose a reputable network provider for your SIM.
Check Price: Compare prices with other shops and be wary of unusually low or high prices.
Verify Coverage: Ensure the SIM covers your travel area before purchase.

Misrepresenting or overcharging for tour packages.

Selling overpriced or counterfeit train/bus tickets.

Book Online: Book tickets online through IRCTC (Indian Railways) for trains.
Verify Ticket: Check your ticket for correct details and authenticity.
Avoid Unfamiliar Shops: Stick to authorized ticket counters or reputable shops.

Serving less food or contaminated food.

Overbooking accommodations and leaving tourists stranded.

Performers demanding payment for unsolicited performances.

Enjoy Freely: Enjoy performances without paying if you don't wish to.
Be Wary of Offers: Be wary of offers for additional items or services.
Report Unwanted Approaches: Report unwanted approaches to local authorities.

Asking for inflated fares or taking longer routes.

Taking advantage of festivals to sell counterfeit or overpriced items.

Installing skimmers on ATMs to steal card information.

Use Secure ATMs: Use ATMs inside banks or secure areas.
Monitor Transactions: Monitor your transactions regularly for unauthorized usage.
Protect PIN: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent skimming.