Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Surab, Balochistan, Pakistan

1. Grand Bazaar of Surab

Bustling marketplace filled with local goods; Be cautious of overpriced items and pickpocketing.

Price Comparison: Compare prices at different stalls to avoid overpricing.
Trustworthy Shops: Avoid unfamiliar or empty shops; look for busy, well-established ones.
Security Awareness: Keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuables.

Taxis and rickshaws are common; Be sure to agree on price before riding.

Fixed Rates: Ask for the fixed rate before entering the vehicle.
Registered Drivers: Prefer registered drivers with a sign or badge.
Safety Measures: Ensure the vehicle has seatbelts and child safety seats (if applicable).

Guides can provide valuable insights; Ensure you agree on fees beforehand.

Licensed Guides: Check for a guide's license to ensure their professionalism.
Fixed Fees: Negotiate and agree on fees before starting the tour.
Recommendations: Ask for recommendations from locals or reputable sources.

Be careful when using ATMs; Watch out for card skimmers and suspicious individuals near machines.

Secure ATMs: Use ATMs located inside banks or well-lit, busy areas.
Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad while entering your PIN to prevent keylogging.
Check Statements: Regularly check your account statements for any unauthorized transactions.

Delicious local cuisine; Be mindful of food hygiene and sanitation.

Cleanliness: Observe cleanliness in the vendor's setup and their handling of food.
Busy Vendors: Choose vendors with a steady stream of customers.
Cooking Methods: Avoid raw food that hasn't been properly cooked.

Affordable lodging; Be aware of hidden fees and dishonest staff.

Reputable Hotels: Choose hotels with good reviews from reliable sources.
Transparent Fees: Ask about all fees upfront and read the fine print before booking.
Room Safety: Check for safety features like locks, fire extinguishers, and smoke alarms.

Attractions often require tickets; Be wary of counterfeit or overpriced tickets.

Official Outlets: Buy tickets from official outlets or the attraction's website.
Comparing Prices: Compare prices with other ticket-holders and online sources.
Security Measures: Inspect the quality of the ticket for any signs of tampering.

Celebrations of local culture; Be aware of scams that may occur during the festive atmosphere.

Avoid Solicitation: Decline unsolicited offers or requests for donations.
Stick with the Group: Stay in a group, especially during crowded events.
Reliable Information Sources: Get information from reliable sources about festival customs and safety tips.

Helpful if you encounter vehicle troubles; Ensure the assistance is genuine.

Registered Companies: Look for registered companies with a sign or badge.
Verified Contact Information: Ask for their contact information and verify it online.
Secure Transactions: Transact in a secure location, such as inside a bank or police station.

Easily exchange currency; Be cautious of poor exchange rates and scams.

Favorable Rates: Compare exchange rates with other offices to find the best deal.
Security Measures: Ensure the office has security measures like CCTV cameras and a safe deposit box.
Licensed Offices: Check for a license to ensure the exchange office's legitimacy.

Convenient internet access; Be cautious of data theft and malware.

Secure Connections: Use a VPN or secure connection to protect your data.
Password Protection: Avoid accessing sensitive accounts while using public Wi-Fi.
Public Spots Monitoring: Be vigilant and avoid sharing personal information over public Wi-Fi.

Helpful for sending or receiving money; Be careful of high fees and scams.

Transparent Fees: Ask about all fees upfront before using the service.
Registered Companies: Choose registered companies with a good reputation.
Secure Transactions: Ensure the service follows secure transaction procedures.

Individuals offering transport services; Be aware of overpricing and scams.

Fixed Rates: Negotiate a fixed rate before accepting their service.
Registered Drivers: Insist on using registered drivers with a sign or badge.
Safety Measures: Ensure the vehicle has seatbelts and child safety seats (if applicable).

Scammers posing as charity collectors; Be cautious of fake charities and scams.

Verified Charities: Research the charity to ensure its legitimacy.
Avoid Solicitation: Decline unsolicited offers or requests for donations.
Secure Transactions: Donate through secure channels, such as the charity's official website or a bank transfer.

Enjoying local cuisine; Be cautious of hidden charges and poor service.

Transparent Billing: Ask about any additional charges before dining.
Good Reviews: Choose restaurants with good reviews from reliable sources.
Friendly Service: Look for welcoming and attentive service during your dining experience.