India is a huge and diverse country that harbours the full scale humanity in all of it's glory and misfortunes.You should know that with the rapid growth of tourism (and the Indian economy) so has the number of scams perpetrated against foreigners.Not all Indians are nice, friendly vegetarians, 'shanti-shanti' people who practice yoga.

Don’t let this advice get you down or feel that you will be unsafe.As a traveler you will meet, no doubt, some extraordinary Indians who are kind, honest and still hold the belief that  Athithi Devo Bhava. “Guest as God” is still intact, just not by everyone.Others may believe that “the traveller is a walking ATM.”I can think of countless times that I have been impressed at the sincerity and genuine nature of the local people in India. Paradoxically, I can think of many times that I have been complete dismayed by their attitude and yet again be-fooled by some miscommunication.

Confidence-Scams

It is unfortunate that many foreigners continue to be scammed, and sometimes scammed big in India, year after year. 

It goes something like this: A French Canadian girl in her twenties hangs around Pushkar for a few weeks that turns into a few months. Staying with her new found local 'friends.'   She gets in with them, maybe cooking meals, rents a room at their house or an apartment cheap and time passes.  She's having the time of her life, India is sooo much better than her life back home she soon realizes.

Alas no money no honey she too much return to work. So, she goes back home to Canukastan to work, still in contact with her great friends, after months of working decides to sent them about 3000 $USD by Western Union money transfer, in return they are going UPS a package of valuable, saleable Gems or other types of jewelry, magic carpet etc. back to her in Canada. (i know, i know this sounds ridiculous but it happens again and again.)

Tour Groups (Tour Gropes)

An unfortuate trend in foreign tourism is the tendance for people to think that they need to join a tour group to travel in India.. The number of flight to India has increased ten fold in resent years. Lots of cheap flight so lots of cheap tours. They offer many types of tours, for students, seniors, etc. What ever people want to spend money on a tour will be created. In my opinion these tours are not good value or even a good way of seeing India. It is particularly sad to see younger travelers get sucked into trekking or tour groups, robbing them of the experience of solo traveling. The problem is that they want to please the customer; they give him/her what they ‘think’ they want.  The newbie tourist wants to do ‘everything’ in a short period of time. So the tour operator schedules a fast pace itinerary to cover many destinations every day. What inevitably happens is you are rushed through many places and end up not seeing much except the back of a bus and some guys head. You sign up for the tour because of the ‘perceived value.’

Car and Driver myth has grown in popularity, probably an off shoot of the tour group myth. For most tourist there is no need to hire a car and driver for your stay in India, a taxi at times that you need it will be much simpler.

Trains are much fast and safer for long distances and connect a variety of locations not to mention planes. Safety is an important concern for your trip to India, road accidents are very common in India. Cars provided to tourist are often a very cheap variety, with thin metal build, these cars or vans cost below 2k and are not built to western standards.  Most cars do not even have seat belts or safety seats for children.

Chai and other fast food

Rickshaw drivers

“Yes sir only 100 Rs” BUT, when you get there he’s asking for 150, 200
or more rupees! Now it “took longer” price of fuel etc. They are not afraid to cause a scene and say “oh yes you owe me more money!” Don’t be afraid to stand up to them either. Don’t get scammed.

As a foreigner you will be a magnet for scams, particularly in the main toutist spots such as Manali, Dharmasala, Agra, Varanasi, Rajastan, Pune, Goa, Tamil Nadu.

Remember that in India there is always a ‘baksheesh’system. Anyone guiding you to a hotel or guest house, shop or tour will take a commission after your gone, often for everyday you stay there. Make sure you avoid any touts, like a contagious disease. This included private car drivers.

A good way to get rid of them is to say “Ja, Ja, Ja”

this means “go go go” as in go away. Also wave your hand in front of their face is a good way to communicate that you want nothing to do with them.

Many of the tout are junks addicted to opiates, these people can be dangerous.

Lies should be course for par.

Volunteer Agencies

"They've just got it in their head that they have to volunteer - why shouldn't i provide that service to them?"-Charity boss in Pokhara

It has become trended for westerners(often Americans)to try and do some 'helping' or 'good deed' activities while on holiday in India. This conveniently fits around trekking trip to Nepal or drunk raves in Goa. They think nothing of playing Mommy or daddy to orphaned children for a few weeks, still glossy eyed from the previous nights' festivities. That's how successful adults behave live, don't you know?

The self righteous attitudes seem to grow day by day. They will scoff at other travelers who spends their time 'doing nothing.' While of course they are akin with mother Teresa, like a great bald eagle landing to save the poor backward natives.

Where have we heard this before? The missionaries in the 18th century too felt a need to help the native Indians  in North America. This spelt the genocide of their culture and civilization. I think the modern day volunteers are doing exactly the same thing. Spreading their western/ Christian mentality disguised as do-goody.

India has a high unemployment rate,

need-milk-for-baby

A common beggar tactic is congregate around a popular tourist area. . Read more...

Beware of Fake products in India. Always check the plastic wrap on bottled water. Buy known brands with ISO certificate on the bottle. Scrutinize anything that comes in a package.

'Lux soap, Dove products and Fair and Lovely are most often fake.'

Beware of any western brands, they are sure to be fake. Clothing may have western label but they are probably cut to Indian size and will not fit you. Make sure clothing is export quality.

Pashmina shawls are often fake synthetic. Tip: use a match to burn a thin strand of fibre, synthetic polyester will smell like burning plastic.

Antiques from Tibet are usually from China and made to look old but running over the dirty ground for a while first.

"Delhi is the hub of counterfeit products in India as nearly 70 per cent counterfeit products originate there."  The Hindu

Read more Fake Product in India.