Street Scams in Chennai, India
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas. Below are the street scams scams reported in Chennai — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like New Delhi, Jaipur, and Mumbai.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
2
Street Scams Scams
10
Total in Chennai
How it works
T. Nagar is Chennai's premier textile shopping district, and vendors here frequently pass off synthetic or polyester fabric as pure Kanchipuram or Mysore silk at near-authentic prices. The scam is sophisticated — fabric is often treated with chemicals to give it the sheen and weight of real silk, and shopkeepers present elaborate certificates that are meaningless. Buyers only discover the deception after washing, when synthetic fabric pills or loses colour. Losses can range from ₹3,000 to ₹30,000 per saree.
How it works
Near temple entrances, people in semi-religious attire approach tourists claiming to collect donations for the deity, the temple fund, or charitable activities. The money goes directly to the scammer and not to any legitimate temple fund.
See all scams in Chennai
10 total warnings across all categories