
Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Supaul, Bihār, India
1. Temple Scam Alert
Avoid donating excessively at temples, as some priests may exploit tourists for more money.
- Donation Control: Stick to a reasonable donation amount
- Ask for Receipts: Always ask for receipts for your donations
- Trustworthy Guides: Use reliable and trustworthy guides to navigate temples
2. Auto-rickshaw Overcharging
Avoid overpaying for auto-rickshaw rides by negotiating fares beforehand.
- Know Fare Rates: Learn the standard fare rates for popular destinations
- Negotiate Before Riding: Always negotiate fares before getting into an auto-rickshaw
- Use Meters: Insist on using the meter if available
3. Fake Tour Guides
Avoid unofficial tour guides who may lead to scams or unsafe situations.
- Check Credentials: Always verify the guide's credentials and affiliations
- Use Reputable Services: Book tours through reputable agencies or local tourism boards
- Trust Your Instincts: Trust your instincts when choosing a guide and be cautious of pushy sales tactics
4. Fraudulent Shopping Deals
Be wary of overpriced or fake items at local markets and shops.
- Ask Around: Compare prices with other nearby shops to avoid overpaying
- Buy from Reputable Shops: Purchase items from well-established and reputable shops
- Know the Quality: Research common scams involving specific products before shopping
5. Currency Exchange Rip-offs
Avoid exchanging money at street vendors or unofficial exchange centers.
- Use Banks and Authorized Centers: Exchange currency at banks, authorized exchange centers, or ATMs
- Check Rates Before Exchanging: Always check the exchange rate before completing a transaction
- Avoid Street Vendors: Avoid exchanging money with street vendors to avoid potential scams
6. Sim Card Scams
Avoid buying SIM cards from unauthorized sellers or street vendors.
- Buy From Official Outlets: Purchase SIM cards only from official service provider outlets
- Check ID Verification: Ensure that the seller requires proper identification for the purchase
- Be Aware of Fraudulent SIMs: Learn about potential scams involving fake or compromised SIM cards
7. Transport Ticket Scams
Avoid paying for transport tickets in excess by verifying the authenticity and validity of tickets.
- Check Tickets Before Purchasing: Verify ticket prices, destinations, and validity before purchasing
- Buy From Authorized Vendors: Purchase tickets only from authorized vendors or directly from the transport company
- Avoid Overpriced Tickets: Be cautious of overpriced tickets, especially in popular tourist areas
8. Restaurant Billing Fraud
Avoid unexpected high bills or hidden charges by verifying prices and checking the bill before paying.
- Check Prices Before Ordering: Always check menu prices before ordering to avoid surprises
- Ask for Itemized Bills: Request itemized bills to ensure you are not being overcharged
- Avoid Eating at Unfamiliar Places: Eat at well-established restaurants or those recommended by locals and travelers
9. Accommodation Scams
Avoid low-quality or overpriced accommodations by researching hotels and booking in advance.
- Book in Advance: Book your accommodation well in advance to avoid last-minute scams
- Check Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests before booking accommodations
- Negotiate Prices: Negotiate prices for your accommodation if necessary
10. Fake Tourist Attractions
Avoid visiting fake or overpriced tourist attractions by researching destinations and checking reviews.
- Research Destinations: Learn about popular tourist attractions before your visit
- Check Reviews: Read reviews from other travelers to ensure the attraction is genuine and worth visiting
- Avoid Street Vendors Promoting Attractions: Avoid attractions recommended by street vendors or unofficial guides
11. Transportation Scams at Train Stations
Avoid overpaying for transportation services or falling for scams by verifying prices and using trusted providers.
- Check Prices Before Boarding: Always verify the cost of your transportation before boarding
- Use Reputable Providers: Choose reputable transport providers, such as government-operated services
- Avoid Street Vendors: Avoid transportation services offered by street vendors or unofficial agents
12. ATM Scams
Protect your bank account from skimming and other ATM scams by using well-lit, secure machines.
- Choose Well-Lit, Secure Machines: Always use well-lit, secure ATMs in public areas or inside banks
- Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN to prevent potential scammers from observing
- Check for Skimming Devices: Inspect ATMs for suspicious devices or tampering before using them
13. Internet Café Scams
Protect your personal information by using trusted internet cafes and being cautious of suspicious activities.
- Use Reputable Internet Cafés: Choose well-established, reputable internet cafes
- Avoid Suspicious Activities: Be cautious of other customers or employees engaging in suspicious activities
- Secure Your Devices: Use strong, unique passwords and avoid accessing sensitive information on public computers
14. Street Performer Scams
Avoid giving excessively to street performers or being distracted by scammers posing as performers.
- Donate Responsibly: Support talented artists but avoid overpaying or donating to scammers
- Stay Alert: Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for distractions or potential scams
- Ask Locals About Reputable Performers: Ask locals about well-known, talented performers to ensure you are supporting the right artists
15. Fake Police Officers
Avoid falling for scams involving fake police officers or individuals pretending to be law enforcement.
- Verify Identification: Always verify the officer's identification and ask for their badge number
- Stay Calm and Cautious: Stay calm, collected, and be cautious when approached by law enforcement officers
- Report Suspicious Activities: Report any suspicious activities or encounters with individuals pretending to be police officers to local authorities