Our incredible India isn’t typically the gap year travellers’ first choice vacation point. Perhaps due to the assault of odours and dirt, or possibly it’s due to the horror tales of cons in India experienced by travellers. For any foreigner, it is unbearable to visit India and not come across at least one scam or any local trying to trick you off. In that case, you shouldn’t be distrustful, but it is always suggested to be very conscious and careful. Here are a few instances of the most regular scams that you’re likely to encounter in India.

I Don’t Know Where Your Hotel Is

This is one of those scams that is frequently tried on travellers coming to Delhi airport who wish to book a pre-paid taxi to their desired location or hotel. Throughout the ride, the taxi driver will claim that he is not aware where your destination or hotel is located (or even claim that it’s already occupied or has been shut) and ask to guide you to some other better hotel, or a travel agent who can assist you in finding a good hotel.

Most of the first-time visitors end up falling for this scam as people are already exhausted from their long flights and overcome by the assault of India for the very first time. As a visitor, you must make sure that you insist on being taken to the desired location that you intentionally planned to stay in. Moreover, while you’re in New Delhi, refrain from giving the pre-paid taxi ticket to the driver until he does the same. The driver necessitates this ticket in order to obtain his due compensation from the taxi office for the ride.

Imported Gemstones

Another con trick that is extensively spread in Jaipur and also in parts of Agra, where several visitors come to buy original gemstones. It's also now occurring frequently in other prevalent traveller destinations such as Goa and Andaman Islands. The scam comprises travellers being approached by a so-called gem trader, who efforts to influence them to purchase some gemstones for him, import them under their duty-free grant, then sell them on to one of his keen associates in their home country for much more money than they initially paid.

Obviously, the information that you'll be shared about the "associate" are just made up names and you'll be left with a lot of valueless gems. Certainly, evade anyone who approaches you with a proposal like this or any similar set-up. Further, there has also been the intelligence of conmen acting as fellow travellers, so do be conscious of anybody who tries to assist you anywhere in the country. Occasionally you won't be asked to purchase the gems, but as an alternative to providing a "financial guarantee" of your credit card number and signature.

Run Meter Run!

While most of the cab drivers and auto-rickshaw drivers are authentic, but some have meters that they’ve rigged to run fast so that they can ask for a higher fare. It pays to watch the meter to make sure that it’s ticking over at a steady speed, and not too fast. Alternative disparity to this scam is the cab driver claiming that the meter is broken, and then citing an exaggerated fare to your destination.

Constantly assert on going by the meter. If you do observe that the meter is running fast, communicate the driver that it seems to be broken and give him a chance to "correct" it. If you know the accurate fare to your destination, only pay that amount to the driver -- not the exaggerated fare. If he denies to accept it, propose going to the police station to resolve the matter out.

You Place is Closed or Moved!

This is a shared scam that you are possible to experience across India, but most often in and around famous tourist destinations in Big cities. In New Delhi, visitors seeking the International Tourist Bureau/Passenger Reservation Center at New Delhi Railway Station are often guided that it's closed or has moved. They are then taken to a travel agent to make their booking. At New Delhi Railway Station, you may also be told that your train has been cancelled or postponed, and you will need to take a taxi or another train to your destination.

Other disparities of this con trick will become across when your effort to visit shops and tourist lures that are seemingly “closed”. In each case, an offer will be approaching to take you to a substitute and sometimes even “better” place. You should advise these individuals and endure to advance to wherever you wanted to go.

Blessing for a Fee!

Down by the Ghats in religious places such as Pushkar and Varanasi, Saints (Hindu holy men) will normally approach tourists and ask if they want a blessing. They'll tie a red holy thread on your wrist and then demand a huge amount of cash. Also, be alert of so-called saints who approach tourists and ask for contributions. Never feel grateful to pay such an amount in any situation like this. Only give what you feel is rational.

This applies anywhere someone asks that you pay a high price for something. Make sure that you always negotiate a price before any services are performed, otherwise, you may be asked to pay an inflated price at the end. In addition, always be wary of anyone who approaches you to give you advice, directions, or help. They are sure to ask for money, even if they deny it!

Money Scams

Make sure you keep a very cautious eye on your money in India! People will try and short-change you. And, they have some sneaky ways of doing it, including magician's sleight of hand! You may give the correct payment in cash but the scammer will "disappear" some of the notes while recounting them, and then claim that you haven't handed over enough.

If you confront them authoritatively, the missing bill will miraculously be located and reappear. Alternatively, if you hand over a large denomination note, such as 2,000 rupees, the person may pass it back to you claiming that it's fake. Of course, they've swapped the real note for a fake one without you seeing.

Begging Scams

It can be heart-breaking to see a "mother" with a sleepy baby in a sling begging for money at traffic lights in India. However, these babies are often rented for the day and sedated. Another common begging scam involves approaching tourists to buy powdered milk to feed a baby. The beggar will guide you to a nearby shop where it's readily available. The milk will be over-priced though. If you hand over the money for it, the beggar and shopkeeper will keep the proceeds between them. A similar scam operates involving pens.