Introduction – Why You Need to Be Alert in India

India is one of the most beautiful, vibrant, and culturally rich countries on Earth.
But like every major travel destination — India also has its tourist scams, especially in crowded cities, airports, markets, and popular sightseeing spots.

2026 has seen big improvements:

• More CCTV

• Stricter rules for tour operators

• Digital payments everywhere

• Online checking systems

Still, a few scams survive — mostly run by small groups targeting foreign and Indian tourists who are unaware of local tricks.

This guide by Travel Explorer shows you the top 10 scams and exactly how to avoid them.

1. Taxi and Auto Rickshaw Overcharging Scam

This is the biggest and most common scam in India.

How it happens

When tourists exit airports, bus stands, or railway stations, some taxi/auto drivers:

• Refuse meter

• Quote 3–5x higher rates

• Take longer routes

• Claim “road closed”, “bridge under construction”, etc.

How to avoid it

• Use Uber, Ola, Rapido

• If taking auto/taxi, insist on meter

• Ask hotel for the correct price

• Use Google Maps live navigation

• Avoid drivers who stand too close to arrival gates

2. Hotel Booking Cancellation Scam

How it works

A scammer calls you and says:

“Your hotel is fully booked. You must cancel and book our hotel instead.”

They often create fake websites, fake customer care numbers, or impersonate staff.

How to avoid

• Only call using official hotel number from Google or official website

• Never click random WhatsApp booking links

• Never prepay full amount to personal UPI IDs

3. Fake Tour Guides Scam

How it works

At popular tourist sites (Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Amer Fort, Gateway of India), fake guides approach you saying:

• “Official guide, sir!”

• “Without guide you cannot enter.”

• “Let me help you skip the line.”

They charge:

5x–20x normal price and often give wrong information.

How to avoid

• Only hire government-approved guides

• Check their official badge

• Book guides via your hotel or online

4. SIM Card Fraud (New Scam in 2026)

How it happens

Some shops issue:

• Fake SIM cards

• SIMs registered on someone else’s ID

• SIMs that stop working after 24 hours

They resell tourist SIMs illegally.

How to avoid

• Buy SIM only from airports or official stores (Airtel, Jio, VI)

• Never give passport photocopy to street vendors

5. Darshan/Temple Priority Pass Scam

Common in big temples:

• Tirupati

• Kedarnath

• Kashi Vishwanath

• Shirdi

• Mathura

• Puri

How it works

“Agents” promise:

• VIP darshan

• Special entry

• Skip-the-line pass

They charge ₹500–₹3,000 and then disappear OR give fake passes.

How to avoid

• Only use temple’s official website

• Avoid middlemen

• Ask temple staff inside complex

6. Fake Ticket Scam at Tourist Spots

Happens at monuments like:

• Taj Mahal

• Qutub Minar

• Hawa Mahal

• Jaipur forts

• Elephanta Caves

How it works

Scammers sell:

• Fake printed tickets

• Partially used tickets

• Wrong category tickets

How to avoid

• Book tickets online: ASI website, official portals

• Pay only at official counters

7. Shopping and Handicraft Overpricing Scam

How it works

Drivers or guides take tourists to “special shops”:

• They get 40–50% commission

• Prices are 3–10x higher

Common items:

• Carpets

• Marble goods

• Jewellery

• Sarees

• Handicrafts

How to avoid

• Avoid shops recommended by taxi/guide

• Always compare prices

• Visit government stores (Khadi, Cottage Emporium)

8. Beggar and Fake Donation Scam

How it works

Outside temples, traffic signals, or monuments, some people:

• Forceful begging

• Fake “charity donation”

• Women carrying rented babies

• School donation scams

How to avoid

• Do not give cash

• Donate only through official charities

• Ignore emotional manipulation

9. Online Travel Package Scams (Huge in 2026)

How it works

Fake websites offer:

• Ultra cheap Goa packages

• Low-cost Andaman trips

• Fake flight + hotel bundles

• Unrealistic Maldives offers

They take 50–100% advance and vanish.

How to avoid

• Check website age, reviews

• Book through trusted platforms only

• Never send money to personal UPI IDs

• Look for GST number and company registration

10. Pickpocketing & Distraction Scams

Happens in crowded areas:

• Delhi metro

• Mumbai local

• Jaipur markets

• Goa beaches

• Bangalore MG Road

How it works

Pickpockets create distractions:

• Asking for directions

• Creating a small fight

• Pushing in crowd

• Dropping coins

While another person steals:

• Wallet

• Phone

• Passport

• Bag

How to avoid

• Keep bag in front

• Use zipped pockets

• Avoid holding phone loosely

• Use anti-theft travel bags

• Don’t wear expensive jewelry in markets

Bonus Scams to Avoid in 2026

1. Fake Police Scam (rare but exists)

Always ask for ID card.

2. ATM Card Swap Scam

Never accept help from strangers at ATMs.

3. Currency Exchange Scam

Use only official forex stores.

4. Goa Scooter Damage Scam

Take pictures/videos before renting bikes.

How to Stay Safe in India – Travel Explorer’s 2026 Safety Rules

1. Book all hotels online

2. Use digital payments

3. Never hand over passport to strangers

4. Trust official websites only

5. Avoid offers that sound "too cheap"

6. Keep emergency numbers saved

7. Don’t share travel plans with strangers

8. Use Google Maps for every ride

9. Keep backup cash in different pockets

10. Always have digital copies of documents

Conclusion – India Is Beautiful, Just Travel Smartly

India is one of the most incredible travel experiences on Earth.
If you understand the scams and stay aware, your journey will be:

• Safe

• Enjoyable

• Affordable

• Stress-free

Travel Explorer believes that a smart traveler is always a safe traveler.