Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Raurkela, Odisha, India

All Topics about Raurkela All Cities in India

1. Auto-rickshaw Overcharging

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

Negotiation: Always negotiate the fare before entering the auto-rickshaw.
Meter Use: Ensure the driver uses a meter to calculate the fare.
Knowledge of Local Rates: Acquire knowledge about standard local auto-rickshaw fares to avoid being overcharged.

Avoid rogue tour guides by only hiring those recommended by trusted travel agencies or online reviews.

Reputable Sources: Always hire a tour guide from reputable sources such as travel agencies, hotels, or verified online reviews.
License Verification: Verify the guide's license and credentials before hiring them.
Pre-arranged Tour Details: Discuss and confirm all tour details in advance to ensure transparency and avoid misunderstandings.

Prevent falling for counterfeit currency scams by checking the authenticity of Indian Rupee notes using simple tests.

Feel Test: Authentic Indian Rupee notes have a rough feel due to the cotton fibers embedded in them.
Watermark Verification: Check for watermarks on both sides of the note and ensure they match the denomination.
Color Changing Ink: Newly printed Rupee notes have a special security feature that changes color when tilted.

Avoid being ripped off at shops by bargaining, checking prices, and asking for receipts.

Price Comparison: Compare prices at multiple shops before making a purchase.
Bargaining Skills: Develop bargaining skills to negotiate better prices.
Receipt Verification: Always request a receipt and check it for the correct price and item description.

Donate to legitimate temple funds by offering donations directly to the priest or designated donation boxes.

Offer Directly to Priest: Donate directly to the temple priest instead of giving money to intermediaries.
Donation Boxes: Use clearly marked donation boxes for offerings, and avoid unmarked containers.
Research Temple's Reputation: Research the temple's reputation before making large donations to ensure your contribution goes toward a good cause.

Avoid falling for fake police officer scams by asking for proper identification and verifying their status with local authorities.

Proper Identification Check: Ask the officer to show proper identification and verify its authenticity.
Contact Local Police Station: If in doubt, contact the local police station for confirmation of their status.
Travel with Copies of Important Documents: Always carry copies of your important documents such as passport and visa to assist in verifying your identity.

Avoid overpaying for accommodation by researching rates online and negotiating with the hotel or hostel staff.

Online Research: Research room rates at various accommodations online before making a reservation.
Negotiation Skills: Develop negotiation skills to secure better room rates and deals.
Read Reviews: Read online reviews of accommodations to ensure they are reputable and offer fair prices.

Avoid foodborne illnesses by choosing busy street food stalls with clean conditions and fresh ingredients.

Busy Stall: Choose busy street food stalls as they are more likely to have fresh ingredients and follow hygiene practices.
Clean Conditions: Look for clean conditions, such as a clean workspace and proper handling of utensils.
Fresh Ingredients: Ensure the ingredients used are fresh and look for signs of spoilage, such as discoloration or an unpleasant odor.

Avoid sim card scams by purchasing sim cards from official retailers and following the activation process.

Official Retailer: Purchase sim cards only from authorized retailers.
Activation Process: Follow the activation process carefully to ensure your sim card is properly registered.
Data Security: Protect your data by setting a strong password and enabling security features on your device.

Avoid overpaying for event tickets by buying them from authorized vendors or online ticket platforms.

Authorized Vendors: Purchase tickets only from official vendors or reputable online ticket platforms.
Avoid Street Sellers: Do not buy event tickets from street sellers or unauthorized sources.
Check Event Timings: Confirm the event timings and verify ticket availability before making a purchase.

Avoid unlicensed taxi scams by only using licensed taxis and verifying their registration details.

Licensed Taxi Identification: Look for the local taxi service's logo and license number on the vehicle.
Meter Use: Ensure the driver uses a meter to calculate the fare.
Regulation Compliance: Verify that the taxi is compliant with local regulations, such as having proper safety equipment and insurance coverage.

Avoid being ripped off at money exchange kiosks by choosing reliable establishments and verifying the exchange rates.

Reliable Establishment: Choose a reputable and regulated money exchange establishment.
Check Exchange Rates: Verify the current exchange rate online or at multiple establishments to ensure fairness.
Secure Transactions: Ensure secure transactions by counting the currency received immediately after the exchange.

Avoid unwanted attention and potential scams from street vendors by politely declining their offers and maintaining a confident demeanor.

Politeness: Be polite but firm when declining unsolicited offers.
Confidence: Maintain a confident demeanor to discourage persistent vendors.
Avoid Eye Contact: Avoid making prolonged eye contact with aggressive vendors to minimize interactions.

Prevent ATM skimming scams by using well-lit, secure ATMs and monitoring your account activity regularly.

Well-lit ATM: Use an ATM that is in a well-lit area and appears secure.
Secure ATM Transaction: Cover the keypad while entering your PIN to prevent others from seeing it.
Regular Account Monitoring: Regularly monitor your account activity for any unauthorized transactions.

Protect yourself from pickpockets by carrying essential items securely and staying aware of your surroundings.

Secure Wallet or Bag: Carry a secure wallet or bag with a flap or zipper that can be closed.
Stay Aware: Remain aware of your surroundings and keep a close eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
Leave Valuables at Home: Limit the amount of valuable items you carry and leave non-essential valuables at your accommodation.