India: 5 scams to avoid for a successful trip

In some countries, tourists inadvertently attract malicious and dishonest individuals. Unfortunately, India is not immune to all kinds of scams. Nowadays, scammers are doubling their efforts to achieve their goals.

If you plan to spend a few days on vacation in India, you absolutely must know the 5 most common scams. This way, you can protect yourself and have a pleasant and problem-free trip.

1. The classic taxi scam 🚕

When you arrive in India, you will probably take a taxi to take you to your hotel to drop off your luggage. The problem is that not all taxi drivers are honest. It often happens that tourists get into taxis and that during the journey, the driver explains that the meter is not working.

The problem is that if the meter does not display the price of the trip, the driver can give any price and of course, it will be higher than normal. So before getting into a taxi, make sure that the meter is fully functional and if it isn't, choose another taxi.

2. The ATM scam 💸

The ATM scam is also a very common scam. The principle is simple, when you go to withdraw money from an ATM, someone approaches you to offer to help you by revealing a technique to avoid paying bank fees. Of course, this kind of technique doesn't exist. In reality, this person has a small device that they put in their pocket and that allows them to scan the information on your bank card.

Then, all they have to do is memorize your code that you will enter on the ATM and the trick is done. This scammer can then use your bank information.

To avoid this, do not let anyone approach you when you withdraw money.

3. Cheap tickets 🛩

If someone stops you on the street and offers you train, plane, bus or other tickets at unbeatable prices, don't fall for it, it's a scam. Indeed, there is a very good chance that these tickets are fake and that you will not reach your destination.

And of course, as soon as you give the money for the tickets, the person will disappear immediately and you will have no way to turn against them in case of a problem. So always buy your tickets in official shops where you can get a receipt.

4. Photo proposals 📸

During your trip to India, you will surely visit tourist sites and that means tourists sometimes too gullible. To bring back souvenirs with you, you will take many photos and sometimes, you will want to have your photo taken in front of this or that monument. Many scammers are located near these tourist sites and go to meet tourists to offer to take their picture.

This may start with good intentions for you, but in fact, these people do this only to steal your smartphone or camera. So never accept this kind of proposal from a stranger and if you really want to have your picture taken, try to look around a bit and select someone who seems trustworthy.

5. Watch out for fake policemen 🚔

Sometimes, during a walk, you will be approached by policemen. Claiming suspicion of drug possession, these policemen ask for your identity papers and your wallet and when you give them, they run away with it. The sight of a uniform can be a sign of seriousness, but it is not always the case. Scammers go very far and can be dressed like real policemen and even have a police badge.

Therefore, if you are stopped by police officers and have doubts, ask them to show you their identification card and do not hesitate to contact a nearby police station to make sure you have real police officers in front of you.

6. For a peaceful trip, trust Blue Valet 🚙

When you want to go on vacation abroad, especially in India, you want everything to go as smoothly as possible. Thus, thanks to our advice, you will be able to avoid the most common scams in India (these tips can apply anywhere in the world). That said, we have one last little piece of advice to give you that concerns your car. Specifically, to get to the station or airport, you will take your car, which is logical.

But where will you park it during your entire stay in India?

If you haven't thought about it, know that Blue Valet is here to help you! Make your reservation on our website or on our application and then, on the day of your departure, go to the drop-off point at the station or airport. A valet will be waiting for you to pick up your car there. We monitor your vehicle throughout your trip to India and upon your return, your valet will be waiting for you again at the drop-off point to return your car to you. With Blue Valet, you can leave with peace of mind!