Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Nāgercoil, Tamil Nādu, India

1. Auto-Rickshaw Overcharging

Avoid overpaying for auto-rickshaw rides by negotiating the fare before starting your journey.

Knowledge of Fare: Understand the standard fare for your destination.
Bargaining Skills: Negotiate before you start your journey to secure a fair price.
Avoiding Rush Hours: Travel during off-peak hours to save money and reduce the chance of overcharging.

Avoid unofficial tour guides who may lead you to overpriced shops or fraudulent attractions.

Verify Licenses: Confirm that your guide holds a valid government-issued license.
Research Tour Companies: Choose reputable tour companies with good reviews.
Ask for Recommendations: Get recommendations from trusted sources like your hotel or fellow travelers.

Inspect your currency carefully to prevent being given counterfeit money.

Feel the Money: Counterfeit bills may feel different than real ones.
Look for Security Features: Real bills have security features such as watermarks and holograms.
Examine Shops Carefully: Shop at reputable stores where the likelihood of receiving counterfeit money is lower.

Be wary of overpriced or fake gold jewelry sold by street vendors.

Know the Price of Gold: Understand the current price of gold to avoid overpaying.
Check for Purity Marks: Look for hallmark stamps indicating purity.
Buy from Reputable Shops: Purchase jewelry from established jewelry stores or trusted vendors.

Avoid fake emergency service providers who may overcharge or scam you.

Verify Identification: Check the ID of any emergency services provider.
Contact Local Police: Call local police if you are unsure about an emergency service provider's legitimacy.
Avoid Paying Upfront: Only pay for services after they have been provided.

Prevent being overcharged or scammed when purchasing a local SIM card.

Know the Price: Understand the standard price for a SIM card and top-ups.
Check Network Coverage: Ensure the network provides good coverage in your travel areas.
Buy from Official Outlets: Purchase SIM cards from official outlets or trusted stores.

Avoid overpaying for accommodation by researching prices and negotiating.

Know the Average Price: Understand the typical price range for your desired accommodations.
Negotiate Prices: Negotiate with hotel or hostel staff to secure a lower price.
Check Reviews: Read reviews from other travelers before booking your accommodation.

Avoid being scammed when making donations at temples by understanding the acceptable practices.

Know the Customs: Research the customs and expected donation amounts for temples.
Avoid Pressure: Do not feel pressured to give more than you are comfortable with.
Donate Directly: Place donations directly in the offering boxes or at the designated areas.

Avoid being scammed by unofficial touts who may lead you to overpriced shops or tourist traps.

Verify their Role: Confirm if they are authorized representatives for the attraction.
Research Attractions: Gather information about popular attractions to avoid being led astray.
Ask for Recommendations: Get recommendations from trusted sources like your hotel or fellow travelers.

Avoid overpaying for taxi rides by negotiating the fare before starting your journey.

Know the Fare: Understand the standard fare for your destination.
Bargain Before Ride: Negotiate before you start your journey to secure a fair price.
Avoid Rush Hours: Travel during off-peak hours to save money and reduce the chance of overcharging.

Avoid foodborne illnesses by choosing safe street food vendors.

Look for Cleanliness: Choose clean, well-maintained food carts.
Check Cooking Practices: Ensure the food is cooked at high temperatures to kill bacteria.
Avoid Risky Foods: Avoid foods that are difficult to cook or store safely, such as uncooked seafood and unpasteurized dairy products.

Avoid being scammed in fake accident situations where people feign injuries to solicit sympathy and money.

Stay Alert: Remain aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions.
Do Not Engage: Do not engage with the perpetrators; continue walking or find a safe place to be.
Report Suspicious Activity: Contact local authorities if you witness suspicious activity.

Avoid being scammed by people offering unsolicited help who may lead you to overpriced shops or tourist traps.

Verify their Role: Confirm if they are authorized representatives for the area.
Research Attractions: Gather information about popular attractions to avoid being led astray.
Ask for Recommendations: Get recommendations from trusted sources like your hotel or fellow travelers.

Avoid being scammed when exchanging currency by choosing reputable exchange offices.

Check Reviews: Read reviews from other travelers before exchanging your money.
Compare Rates: Compare exchange rates at multiple offices to find the best deal.
Exchange Money in Secure Locations: Exchange money in secure locations like banks or authorized exchange offices.

Avoid donating to fraudulent charities by researching legitimate organizations.

Research Organizations: Gather information about popular charitable organizations.
Verify their Legitimacy: Ensure the charity is registered and has a physical address.
Check for Transparency: Look for organizations that are transparent about how donations are used.