This is a really common trick used in the big cities and one for foreign tourists to watch out for. There are many shops in India that offer taxi drivers a commission (money or some gift) in return for bringing tourists (punters) into their shops. If it’s the last day of your holiday and you actually have no trouble going to a tourist shop, then this might not bother you so much, but if you are taking a taxi ride from ‘A’ to ‘B’ and your driver keeps insisting you stop at various shops along the way, then (if you’ve read this) you will know exactly what’s going on! The best thing to do is simply refuse to get out of the vehicle and insist that the driver takes you directly on to your destination.

This is less common but another one to watch out for. Sometimes a trickster will approach you in such a way that he has noticed something sitting in your ear or some dirt on your clothes. With a quick sleight of hand he will then either show you some of the dirt, which he has flicked out from your ear or actually apply some fake muck on your shoes without you noticing! The resolution (that the swindler hopes you will take) is to then pay him for his ear or shoe cleaning services.

It’s not uncommon when visiting popular tourist sites to be approached by local people who say they only want to help and be your guide for free. As the old saying goes “there’s no such thing as a free lunch” and these free guides are actually touts hoping to emotionally bribe you at the end for their kind-hearted services. Be on extra guard at main touristy spots; train/bus stations, forts, temples, museums as these places are often reeking with touts and conmen looking to prey on tourists for a cheeky earner. The best way to deal with such people is to say that you’re meeting a friend and don’t require any help. As a general rule, never follow a stranger who is offering a cheap taxi ride or knows a cheap hotel nearby.

Sometimes when you get close to a particular staff member at a hotel then you might be approached with an emotional appeal. There will often be some backstory of a family calamity or disaster that means the person desperately needs immediate financial help. These cases are usually supported with a poorly written letter in English to holdup the claims. If this happens, then politely suggest you should go with the person and speak to their manager about this matter or if it happens in public, then suggest you should find a police officer to help out.

There were several horror stories of these jewellery scams a few years ago, particularly in areas such as Goa and places where foreigners typically visit. Be wary of people offering large cash payments in return for delivering expensive jewellery abroad in return for an initial cash deposit. The jewellery is often worth nothing and tourists have been reported to lose thousands of pounds in the process!