Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Morādābād, India

1. Auto-rickshaw Scam

A common scam where drivers overcharge tourists or take longer routes. Avoid this by agreeing on the fare before starting your journey.

Some people pose as tour guides offering services but lead you to shops where they receive commission. Opt for pre-booked, reputable guides.

Reputation: Choose guides with good reviews and recommendations.
Pre-booking: Pre-book your guide to ensure their legitimacy.
Agency Verification: Book guides through verified tourism agencies or hotels.

Vendors sell fake goods at lower prices. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

Know the Price: Research fair market prices before shopping.
Brand Authenticity: Beware of counterfeit items, especially from street vendors.
Shopping Districts: Stick to reputable shopping districts for safer purchases.

Some money changers cheat tourists by giving less than agreed upon or exchanging lower quality notes. Use established and reputable change services.

Criminals use skimming devices to steal your card details. Use ATMs located in secure areas or banks.

Secure ATMs: Use well-lit, secure ATMs with CCTV cameras.
Card Monitoring: Regularly monitor your account for suspicious activity.
Cover Your PIN: Always cover your PIN when entering it to prevent prying eyes.

Some taxi drivers might take longer routes or overcharge. Use pre-booked, reputable taxi services.

Pre-booking: Pre-book your taxi to ensure their legitimacy.
Metered Taxis: Opt for metered taxis when available.
Tips and Gratuity: Tip your driver based on the quality of service provided.

Unhygienic street food can cause sickness. Opt for busier and popular street food stalls.

Popular Stalls: Choose busy and popular street food stalls with a good reputation.
Cleanliness: Look for clean stalls with proper food handling practices.
Cooking Methods: Avoid eating items that are not properly cooked or stored.

Friendly locals may lead you to scams or overpriced shops. Be cautious and verify their intentions.

Verification: Verify the person's identity and intentions before trusting them.
Reputation: Ask for recommendations or verify their reputation with others.
Common Sense: Use your common sense and be cautious when meeting new people.

Petty theft is a concern in crowded areas. Keep belongings secure and avoid wearing flashy items.

Secure Belongings: Keep your belongings close and out of sight.
Zippered Pockets: Use zippered pockets or secure bags to hold valuables.
Crowded Places: Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places.

Some sim card vendors sell invalid SIM cards or overcharge. Buy from reputable stores or providers.

Reputation: Choose well-known brands and providers.
Store Location: Buy from official stores or reputable retailers.
Check SIM Validity: Ensure the validity of your sim card and check for any hidden charges.

Some hotels or homestays may overcharge tourists. Research your options before booking.

Temple guides may pressure you to make donations or sell fake items. Visit reputable temples and research customs.

Reputation: Choose well-known and reputable temples.
Research Temple Customs: Understand the customs and donations expected at each temple.
Avoid Pressure: Decline offers from aggressive vendors inside temples.

Some individuals may pose as beggars or charity collectors but are not genuine. Be cautious and research local charities.

Research Local Charities: Choose reputable and well-known charities to support.
Avoid Pressure: Do not feel pressured to give money to anyone asking for charity.
Donation Methods: Prefer making donations through official channels instead of directly giving cash.

Criminals swap your sim card with a duplicate to access your accounts. Protect your number by securing your account.

Account Security: Set up two-factor authentication on your accounts.
Password Protection: Use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts.
Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly monitor your account activity for suspicious behavior.

Train station scams can include overcharging for tickets or theft. Stay alert and verify ticket prices.

Ticket Price Verification: Verify ticket prices before purchasing.
Official Ticketing Counters: Buy tickets from official counters or authorized vendors.
Secure Belongings: Keep your belongings close and secure at the train station.