The classic scams, how each one works, and the counter-move. Knowledge is the whole defense.
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How it works: Someone attaches themselves as your 'official guide', narrates for ten minutes, then demands a steep fee, sometimes claiming a government license.
Counter-move: No guide is required at these sites. A polite, firm 'no thank you' before they start, and keep walking. Book verified guides through Explore instead.
How it works: Persistent offers of 'taxi, cheap taxi' at double-plus prices, or 'help' with luggage that becomes a demanded tip.
Counter-move: Book a Yango or inDrive from the app inside the terminal, or use an official fixed-price counter. Never follow someone to a car.
How it works: No price agreed at the start; on arrival the driver demands double 'because traffic / because far'.
Counter-move: Agree the exact number out loud before boarding, 'teen sau, theek hai?', and have close-to-exact cash ready.
How it works: An attractive rate; the stack includes fake Rs 1,000/5,000 notes you discover much later.
Counter-move: Licensed exchange companies and banks only. Passport, receipt, count at the counter.
How it works: Plain-clothes 'officer' asks to check your wallet or passport for 'fake currency', money is palmed during the check.
Counter-move: Real police don't take wallets. Ask for ID and offer to walk together to the nearest police post; impostors leave immediately. Note their description and report.
How it works: A Rs 5,000 note produces a shrug and hope you'll wave off the difference.
Counter-move: Break big notes at supermarkets; keep a pocket of 100s and 500s for the day's small spending.
How it works: No printed prices; totals inflate for foreign faces.
Counter-move: Prefer places with a printed menu, or ask prices before ordering. Check the Fair Prices page so you know what a plate should cost.
How it works: Sapphires/emeralds at 'a fraction of home prices', worth a fraction of the fraction.
Counter-move: Unless you're a gemologist, treat gem deals as entertainment. Buy crafts for love, not investment.
How it works: 'No passport needed' SIM registered to someone else's identity.
Counter-move: Illegal to use and a genuine checkpoint problem. Ten minutes at an official store solves it properly.
How it works: A 'helpful' bystander at a struggling ATM ends up with your PIN in memory.
Counter-move: Branch-attached ATMs, body between keypad and world, decline all help, cancel and leave if a machine misbehaves.