Various tourism scams!! how to prevent from them.
People of India are very good in hospitality. They all are so much grounded to earth and treat their guests like god but exceptions are always their every thing have a positive and negative side. Tourism in India is almost safe but some people misguide foreign tourist to gain some additional amount of money from them.
Here are some of the most common tourism scams in India.
1. Fake currency:
Fake currency scams are the most common tourism scams in India. Be very carefully when you are exchanging money from someone whether he/she is a shopkeeper or a normal person. This type of scams are mostly occur on busy markets where the buyer don’t pay attention to the amount given back to him.
How to prevent from this scam: Always check the authenticity of the money that you get from the shopkeeper, check that Reserve bank of India is mentioned in the note or not, always consider using small denominators while purchasing.
2. Fake guides:
This type of scams are mostly occurs on tourist attractions places whether it is a historical monument or a modern architecture. Some people may behave like they are tourist guides or official representatives offering services to show you around the place. At the end of the session they may charge you extra money as their fee.
How to prevent from this scam: Always check their credentials before agreeing to take their service, considering heiring guide from a reputed agency.
3. Taxi, auto and rikshaw scam:
This type of scam is also most common in India especially with the foreign travelers. Some of the taxi or auto drivers charge some extra money or take you from the long route to increase the sum amount of fare.
How to prevent from this scam: Always consider use of reputed transportation services, Always ask the fare first, try using meter whenever possible.
4. Hotel scams:
Always be ware of people false claiming that the hotel you booked is closed or no longer in the business. These people might try to redirect you to some another hotel of low reputation or poor facilities ultimately you’ll loose interest in your trip.
How to prevent from this scam: Always verify your hotel booking by contacting the hotel receptionist, Avoid people came to take you to some unknown hotels.
5.Online booking scams:
Be very careful while booking your hotel online as there are many websites which are fake. Scammers may had created fake websites in the name of hotel booking with attractive offers to scam travelers.
How to prevent from this scam: Always consider booking your hotel from a reputed website, always read reviews about the hotel.
6. Street scams:
Always be cautious about the money in your pocket in the busy and crowded streets. Pickpockets may try to steel you money when you are busy in exploring the busy streets.
How to prevent from this scam: Try to place your wallet in a place which is not easily reachable, try to look your surrounding people, oftenly try to check your precious stuff.
7. Credit/ Debit card fraud:
While making payment of your purchase through your credit or debit card always be cautious of skimming devices. Always use ATM machine which are nearest to you or try bank branches.
How to prevent from this scam: always try to use ATM machines to withdraw money, use bank branches, regularly check your credit and debit card statements.
8. Jewelry and antique scam:
Some of the shopkeepers might try to charge extra for such things or they might give you a fake jewelry.
How to prevent from this scam: Always try to purchase such things from authentic shop, always request a certificate of authenticity from the shopkeeper.