Tourist Scams in India — Safety Guide 2026
India has 168+ documented tourist scams across 14 cities in our database. Scam activity is rated high. The most common risks are street scams, tour & activities, taxi & transport.
Overall risk
High
Scams documented
168+
Cities covered
14
High severity
62
All 14 covered cities in India
Udaipur
14 documented scams
Kochi
14 documented scams
Bengaluru
13 documented scams
Amritsar
13 documented scams
Rishikesh
13 documented scams
Hyderabad
13 documented scams
New Delhi
12 documented scams
Jaipur
12 documented scams
Mumbai
11 documented scams
Varanasi
11 documented scams
Agra
11 documented scams
Goa
11 documented scams
Chennai
10 documented scams
Kolkata
10 documented scams
Most common scam types in India
Street Scams
46 reports
Tour & Activities
33 reports
Taxi & Transport
29 reports
Restaurant Scams
13 reports
India travel safety questions
Is India safe for tourists?
India is visited by millions of tourists every year and is generally safe with preparation. Our database documents 168+ tourist scams across 14 cities in India. Scam activity is rated high overall. The most common risks are street scams, tour & activities, taxi & transport scams. Reviewing the specific warnings for your destination before you travel significantly reduces your risk.
What are the most common tourist scams in India?
The most frequently documented tourist scams in India are Street Scams, Tour & Activities, Taxi & Transport, Restaurant Scams. Udaipur has the highest documented scam count with 14 reported incidents. Scam operators typically target tourists near transit hubs, major attractions, and busy markets.
Which city in India has the most tourist scams?
Udaipur has the highest number of documented tourist scams in India with 14 recorded incidents in our database. Other cities with significant scam activity include Kochi and Bengaluru.
How can I stay safe from scams in India?
The most effective protection in India is knowing the specific scams used before you arrive. Key precautions: use app-based transport instead of street taxis, verify prices before agreeing to any service, keep valuables secured in crowded areas, and be cautious of unsolicited help or attention from strangers near tourist sites. Review the detailed warnings for each city you plan to visit.
Editorial note: Scam warnings for India are compiled from government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT), verified news sources, and traveler reports. Read our methodology →
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