Stay Alert To These 5 Common Travel Scams In India !
- Satyam Kumar
- Mar 10
- 4 min read
Tips to avoid travel scams for hassle-free travel experience for first time travellers in India.
We all love the idea of traveling—whether it's to take a break from stress, explore new places, or go on a backpacking adventure to witness the beauty of the world. Traveling sounds exciting and refreshing!
However, in today’s world, travel scams have become a growing concern. While trips are meant to be relaxing, many people end up facing fraud and scams that not only ruin their journey but also leave them with a bad experience. As the number of travelers increases, so do different types of travel scams, making it important to stay informed and cautious.
In this blog, I will not only highlight some common travel scams but also share practical tips on how you can avoid them and enjoy a safe and hassle-free travel experience.
Common Travel Scams in India
Taxi Overcharging Scam
In today's time, taxi overcharging is a very common travel scam. When you visit a place for the first time, some taxi drivers may approach you. After hiring them, they might claim that the taxi meter is broken and then take a longer route to charge extra. In some cases, if you argue, they may even gather locals to intimidate you.
How to Avoid Taxi Overcharging Scam?
The best way to avoid this scam is to book your ride online using apps like Ola or Uber to ensure fair pricing. If online booking is not an option, at least check the estimated fare on these apps before negotiating with local taxis.
Use Google Maps to track your route and ensure the driver is not taking unnecessary detours.
Be cautious at railway stations and airports, as scams are more common in crowded places. If possible, walk a short distance away before hiring a taxi, as scammers often target passengers in a rush and confusion.
Scammers sometimes quote 10x higher fares in busy areas. For example, a ₹200-₹250 ride might be quoted as ₹2000-₹3000, and even after bargaining, you may still end up overpaying. Be patient and explore alternatives instead of falling into pressure tactics.
Fake Travel Agents
One of the most common travel scams in India is fraudulent travel agencies. These scammers set up fake websites or shops claiming to offer cheap tour packages, train tickets, or hotel bookings. Many tourists book through these agencies, only to realize later that the tickets are fake, the hotels don’t exist, or the agency vanishes after taking the payment.
How to Avoid Fake Travel Agents Scam?
Always book through official travel websites like IRCTC for train tickets, government tourism websites, or trusted platforms such as MakeMyTrip, Yatra, or Goibibo.
Verify the agency’s credibility by checking Google reviews, official websites, and customer feedback before making any payment.
Avoid paying in cash or using insecure payment methods. Always opt for payments via UPI, credit cards, or other traceable transactions.
If a deal looks too cheap or too good to be true, it’s probably a scam.
Free Gift or ‘Prasad Scam’
Priest trying to offer prasad, tilak or flowers. In many tourist places, especially near temples and religious sites, scammers pose as priests or guides and approach visitors. They might forcefully offer prasad, flowers, or tilak and then demand a high price. Some even pressure tourists into donating large sums of money in the name of rituals or blessings. If you refuse, they may try to guilt-trip or intimidate you into paying.
How to Avoid This Scam?
Be cautious of strangers offering religious services without your request.
Visit only well-known and government-managed temples where donation systems are transparent.
Politely refuse any forced offerings and avoid engaging with aggressive priests or guides.
If you wish to donate, do it at the official donation counters inside the temple premises.
Friendly Local Scam
Sometimes, a stranger acting very friendly may approach you, offering help, recommendations, or even companionship. They may invite you to a café, bar, or shop, claiming it’s the best place in town. However, after enjoying the service, you may realize the prices are extremely high, and sometimes, you’re even forced to pay a huge bill. In some cases, they might gain your trust and later trick you into a scam, such as fake tour packages or overpriced goods.
How to Avoid This Scam?
Be cautious of overly friendly strangers who approach you randomly.
Avoid going to unfamiliar places alone with someone you just met.
Verify recommendations online before visiting a place suggested by a stranger.
If you feel uncomfortable, firmly refuse and walk away.
Fake Police Scam
In some tourist areas, scammers pose as police officers and approach travelers under the pretext of checking documents, illegal activities, or counterfeit money. They might ask for your passport, visa, or wallet for inspection and then either steal money or demand a fake fine. Sometimes, they work in teams—one person distracts you while the other takes your belongings.
How to Avoid Fake Police Scam?
Ask for proper identification—real police officers always carry official ID.
Do not hand over your wallet or passport unless you are at a police station.
Stay calm and confident—if they pressure you, insist on calling your country's embassy or visiting the nearest police station.
Avoid carrying all your money in one place to minimize risk.
These are some common travel scams that you may encounter on your trips. I hope you found this blog helpful and will keep these points in mind while traveling. Our goal is to make your travel experience safe, secure, and truly memorable. If you have any questions or enquiry, feel free to ask in the comments—I’ll be happy to help.
Thank you, and keep travelling!
Comments