Question 1

What is the "Fake Archaeological Survey Guide" scam in Agra?

Accepted Answer

People near the Taj Mahal entry gates claim to be ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) certified guides and show fake credentials. They charge inflated fees and provide inaccurate or misleading information about the site. Official ASI-licensed guides operate exclusively from the ticket counter inside the gate. Ask to see a laminated ASI guide ID card and verify the number on the ASI website. Standard guide fees are clearly posted — anything above that is a scam.

Question 2

What is the "Carpet and Gem Export Investment Scam" scam in Agra?

Accepted Answer

Shop owners near Sadar Bazaar and the Taj Ganj area pitch tourists on buying carpets, gemstones, or marble inlay work as tax-free export investments, claiming the items will be shipped home and resold at a profit. Victims pay large sums and either receive inferior goods, nothing at all, or items that cannot legally be exported. The scam typically begins with a tuk-tuk driver who steers tourists into a specific showroom for a commission. Never buy high-value goods on the basis of promised resale returns or export schemes from unsolicited introductions. If purchasing carpets or gems legitimately, use government-certified emporiums displaying the Uttar Pradesh Handicrafts logo and pay by credit card so disputes are recoverable.

Question 3

What is the "Fake Discounted Taj Mahal Tickets" scam in Agra?

Accepted Answer

Touts outside the Taj Mahal ticket gates sell fake or stolen entry tickets at a "discount." The tickets fail at the turnstile and tourists must purchase real tickets again — often at higher cost because prime viewing slots are now sold out. Purchase tickets only from the official ASI ticket windows at the East, West, or South Gate, or from the official government tourism website. There are no legitimate third-party ticket discounts for the Taj Mahal. Any savings offered by a tout come at the cost of a fake ticket.

Question 4

What is the "Fake Agra Fort Audio Guide Rental" scam in Agra?

Accepted Answer

Individuals near the ticket windows at Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri offer unofficial audio guides — typically a mobile phone loaded with poorly-recorded commentary — for 300–600 INR per device. Official audio guides are available from the ASI counter inside the entrance at a lower price. The unofficial devices are sometimes never returned or charged double. Rent audio guides only from the official ASI counter inside the monument gate. Ignore offers made in the ticket queue or outside the entrance.

Tour & Activity Scams in Agra

Fake Archaeological Survey Guide

Carpet and Gem Export Investment Scam

Fake Discounted Taj Mahal Tickets

Fake Agra Fort Audio Guide Rental

Experienced a scam here?