Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Purnea, Bihār, India
1. Auto-rickshaw Fare Scam
Overcharging for auto-rickshaw rides is common. Always agree on a fare before starting the journey.
- Knowledgeable Drivers: Ask locals about fair rates or use apps that track fares to ensure you're not overcharged.
- Shared Rides: Consider sharing rides with fellow travelers to reduce costs and minimize the risk of scams.
- Awareness: Stay informed about common scams in Purnea to avoid falling victim.
2. Counterfeit Currency Scam
Be wary of receiving fake Indian rupee notes in transactions. Check the authenticity of bills using a UV light or by feeling the texture.
- Currency Verification: Carry a UV light or use apps that can help verify currency authenticity.
- Reliable Locations: Transact in banks, reputed shops, or reliable money exchangers to minimize the risk.
- Trust and Vigilance: Trust your instincts and remain vigilant when handling cash transactions.
3. Tourist Guide Scam
Unlicensed guides may offer their services but provide misleading or false information. Always verify a guide's credentials and choose reputable guides.
- Licensed Guides: Ensure your guide has a valid license issued by the local Tourism Department.
- Recommendations: Ask for recommendations from fellow travelers or reputed hotels for reliable guides.
- Research: Research about the attractions you wish to visit and have a general understanding of their history and significance.
4. Temples & Mosques Scam
Some temples and mosques may request donations or 'fees' from visitors. Be cautious and only give donations voluntarily.
- Local Customs: Research the local customs and expectations for giving donations at places of worship.
- Genuine Donation Boxes: Look for official donation boxes or places designated for offerings.
- Scam Awareness: Stay informed about common scams at religious sites and remain vigilant during your visit.
5. Food Stall Scam
Some street food stalls may serve undercooked or substandard food. Choose busy and popular stalls with good hygiene practices.
- Busy Stalls: Choose busy stalls where many customers are present, as they typically have a reputation for serving good food.
- Hygienic Conditions: Look for clean and well-maintained food stalls with proper hygiene practices.
- Local Recommendations: Ask locals about popular and reputable street food stalls to ensure a delicious and safe meal.
6. Transport Ticket Scam
Some public transport operators may issue incorrect change or overcharge for tickets. Always keep small denominations and double-check your change.
- Small Denominations: Carry small denominations of Indian rupees to avoid being shortchanged.
- Double-Check Change: Always double-check the change you receive after purchasing tickets for public transport.
- Awareness: Stay informed about common scams in public transportation and remain vigilant during your journey.
7. Hotel Room Overcharging
Some hotels may overcharge tourists for rooms or services. Always confirm the price before booking and check for hidden fees.
- Price Confirmation: Confirm the price of your room and any additional services in writing before booking.
- Reputable Hotels: Choose reputable hotels with good reviews from fellow travelers.
- Hidden Fees: Ask about any additional fees, such as taxes or service charges, before booking your room.
8. Souvenir Scam
Some souvenir shops may sell fake or low-quality items. Research the local crafts and visit reputable shops.
- Local Crafts: Research the local crafts and learn about their unique characteristics.
- Reputable Shops: Visit shops with good reviews from fellow travelers or recommended by locals.
- Quality Assurance: Check the quality of items before purchasing and ask questions about their authenticity.
9. Rickshaw Puller Tips Scam
Some auto-rickshaw pullers may demand excessive tips. Offer a reasonable tip based on the quality of service provided.
- Quality of Service: Offer a tip based on the quality of service provided by your auto-rickshaw puller.
- Reasonable Tips: Research the average tip amount for auto-rickshaw rides in Purnea before your journey.
- Scam Awareness: Stay informed about common scams involving tips and remain vigilant during your travels.
10. Fake Tour Operators Scam
Some tour operators may provide poor service or cancel tours at the last minute. Research and book with reputable companies.
- Reputable Companies: Research tour companies with good reviews from fellow travelers.
- Confirm Bookings: Confirm your booking and receive written confirmation before paying any fees.
- Cancellation Policy: Understand the cancellation policy and fees associated with the tour operator before booking.
11. Sim Card Scam
Some sim card vendors may sell fake or substandard SIM cards. Purchase your SIM card from official retailers.
- Official Retailers: Purchase your SIM card from official retailers of telecom companies.
- SIM Card Quality: Ensure the SIM card functions properly and has good network coverage in Purnea.
- After-Sales Support: Check if the vendor provides after-sales support, such as assistance with activation and troubleshooting issues.
12. Business Card Scam
Some businesses may provide fake business cards or offer services that are not available. Verify the legitimacy of businesses and their services.
- Legitimate Businesses: Verify the legitimacy of businesses by researching their online presence, reviews, or asking for references.
- Services Offered: Confirm the services offered by the business before engaging with them.
- Scam Awareness: Stay informed about common scams in Purnea and remain vigilant during your interactions with businesses.
13. Unlicensed Money Exchangers Scam
Some money exchangers may offer unfavorable exchange rates or charge excessive fees. Use reputable and licensed money exchangers.
- Licensed Money Exchangers: Choose licensed money exchangers authorized by the Reserve Bank of India.
- Competitive Rates: Compare exchange rates between different money exchangers and choose the one offering the best rate.
- Fee Transparency: Ensure that the money exchanger is transparent about any fees associated with the transaction.
14. Lodging Scam
Some lodging providers may offer poor-quality accommodations or overcharge for rooms. Research and book with reputable lodging providers.
- Reputable Lodging Providers: Research lodging providers with good reviews from fellow travelers.
- Room Quality: Ensure the room meets your expectations in terms of cleanliness, comfort, and safety.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices between different lodging providers to ensure you're getting a fair deal.
15. Transportation Scam
Some transportation service providers may overcharge or offer substandard services. Research and book with reputable transportation providers.
- Reputable Transportation Providers: Research transportation providers with good reviews from fellow travelers.
- Service Quality: Ensure the transportation service meets your expectations in terms of safety, comfort, and punctuality.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices between different transportation providers to ensure you're getting a fair deal.