Is Bengaluru Safe for Tourists in 2026?

Fraudsters impersonate police officers, CBI agents, or Enforcement Directorate officials and contact victims by phone before switching to a video call, claiming the victim or a family member is implicated in a serious crime such as money laundering or drug trafficking. Scammers send forged documents via WhatsApp — including fake Supreme Court orders and fabricated letters bearing the Bengaluru Police Commissioner's signature — to coerce victims into paying large sums to avoid a fabricated arrest. Bengaluru has recorded some of India's largest digital arrest losses, including a woman who lost Rs 32 crore and a software engineer who lost Rs 11.8 crore in 2024.

How to avoid: Hang up immediately if anyone contacts you by video call claiming to be law enforcement and demanding money. Bengaluru Police have stated that officers will never arrest anyone over a video call or demand payment. Report to the National Cybercrime Helpline (1930) or cybercrime.gov.in. Never share documents, make transfers, or stay on a call under claimed 'house arrest' instructions.

Where: Primarily conducted remotely via phone and video calls (Skype, WhatsApp) targeting residents and business visitors in Bengaluru's IT corridors — Electronic City, Whitefield, and Koramangala — where high-income professionals are concentrated.

Bars and nightclubs in the Indiranagar 100 Feet Road and Koramangala 5th and 7th Block areas present inflated bills to tourists and non-regular customers, adding undisclosed cover charges, "table charges," or service fees not shown on the menu. Some establishments target groups where one member has been separated from the others and present the bill before the group can reconcile spending.

How to avoid: Ask for an itemised bill and compare each line to the menu price. Check whether a cover charge applies before entering and confirm with the cashier, not just the waiter. Pay by card when possible to create a transaction record.

Where: Indiranagar 100 Feet Road bar strip, Koramangala 5th Block and 7th Block pub areas, Church Street near Brigade Road

Reports documented by the UK FCDO and local sources confirm that tourists and solo travellers in Bengaluru have had drinks spiked with sedatives or intoxicants, leading to robbery or assault. The city's dense bar scene in Indiranagar, Koramangala, and Church Street makes this an active risk area. Strangers offering to buy drinks, splitting from a group, or leaving beverages unattended are the primary risk scenarios. The UK Foreign Office explicitly warns travellers to India about spiked drinks and food from strangers.

How to avoid: Never leave your drink unattended and never accept drinks from strangers you have just met at a bar. Go out in groups and designate a sober person to monitor the situation. If you feel unexpectedly unwell after drinking, seek immediate medical help and contact your accommodation or embassy. Trust your instincts — if someone is unusually insistent about buying you a drink, decline.

Where: Bars, clubs and rooftop lounges along Indiranagar 100 Feet Road, Koramangala 5th Block, Church Street near Brigade Road, and St Mark's Road. Risk is highest late at night on weekends.