Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Nānded, Mahārāshtra, India

1. Auto-rickshaw overcharging

Avoid excessive fares by negotiating before starting your journey or using meter-taxis whenever possible.

Negotiation: Bargaining for a fair price before hopping in the auto-rickshaw.
Metered Taxis: Using taxis with meters to ensure you pay a fair fare based on distance traveled.
Awareness: Being aware of average fares for common routes to avoid being overcharged.

Bargain effectively in local markets to get the best price and avoid being ripped off.

Bargaining Skills: Honing your bargaining skills to negotiate for lower prices.
Knowledge of Local Prices: Researching average prices for common items beforehand.
Patience: Exhibiting patience during negotiations to secure the best deals.

Ask for fresh produce and carefully inspect canned goods before purchasing.

Inspection: Carefully examining food items before buying.
Request for Fresh Foods: Asking vendors for fresh produce when available.
Reputable Markets: Shopping at reputable markets known for their quality goods.

Book guided tours from reputable agencies and clarify all costs upfront.

Reputation: Choosing tour operators with a good reputation for quality service.
Cost Transparency: Ensuring all costs, including tips and entrance fees, are clearly stated upfront.
Reviews: Reading reviews from previous customers to gauge the quality of service.

Examine currency carefully and exchange only at authorized exchange centers.

Currency Examination: Thoroughly inspecting the quality of currency before using it.
Authorized Exchange Centers: Exchanging currency only at authorized exchange centers or banks.
Awareness: Recognizing the differences between genuine and counterfeit currency.

Ignore persistent touts and ask locals for recommendations.

Avoidance: Ignoring touts who approach you repeatedly.
Local Recommendations: Seeking advice from locals on places to eat, shop, and visit.
Confidence: Projecting confidence to deter unwanted attention.

Be cautious and vigilant when walking in crowded areas and avoid displaying valuables openly.

Caution: Exercising caution when moving through crowded streets.
Valuables Safety: Keeping valuables concealed and secure to prevent theft.
Awareness: Recognizing the signs of potential staged accidents or theft attempts.

Ask the driver to use the meter and agree on the route before starting your journey.

Use of Meter: Insisting that the taxi uses the meter for fair pricing.
Route Agreement: Asking the driver to agree on the route before starting your journey.
Awareness of Rates: Understanding the average rates for common taxi rides in Nānded.

Research and compare prices of various accommodations before booking.

Price Comparison: Comparing prices across different accommodations.
Online Reviews: Reading online reviews to gauge the quality and service of accommodations.
Reputation: Choosing accommodations with a good reputation for quality service.

Ask for official identification and verify their status if approached by anyone claiming to be a police officer.

Identification Verification: Asking for official identification and verifying it with the local police station.
Awareness: Recognizing signs of potential scam artists posing as police officers.
Caution: Exercising caution and not sharing personal information with strangers.

Research the authenticity of religious sites before visiting.

Reliable Information Sources: Using reliable information sources to verify the authenticity of religious sites.
Avoiding Unknown Locations: Avoiding unknown or remote locations where scams may be more prevalent.
Local Guides: Using local guides to visit religious sites and ensure their authenticity.

Negotiate prices at souvenir shops or find local artisans to buy directly.

Bargaining Skills: Honing your bargaining skills to negotiate lower prices.
Local Artisans: Seeking out local artisans to buy directly from them.
Knowledge of Local Prices: Researching average prices for common souvenirs beforehand.

Exchange currency only at authorized exchange centers and compare exchange rates.

Authorized Exchange Centers: Exchanging currency only at authorized exchange centers or banks.
Exchange Rates Comparison: Comparing exchange rates across different exchange centers.
Awareness: Recognizing the differences between genuine and dishonest money changers.

Research the best way to reach attractions and avoid accepting rides from strangers.

Transportation Research: Researching the best ways to travel to attractions.
Avoidance of Strangers: Avoiding accepting rides from strangers or unmarked vehicles.
Reputable Services: Choosing reputable transportation services for traveling to attractions.

Be cautious when meeting new people and keep personal belongings secure.

Caution: Exercising caution and not sharing personal information with strangers.
Valuables Safety: Keeping valuables concealed and secure to prevent theft.
Awareness: Recognizing signs of potential scams involving friendship leading to theft.