Question 1

What is the "Silk and Pashmina Quality Fraud at New Market" scam in Kolkata?

Accepted Answer

Vendors in and around New Market (Sir Stuart Hogg Market) on Lindsay Street market acrylic or synthetic fabric as genuine Pashmina or Banarasi silk. The fabric is displayed in dim lighting inside the stall and the weave test or burn test is refused or faked. Prices are initially high to create an impression of authenticity before a theatrical discount to still-inflated levels. Request a burn test: genuine wool or silk burns slowly and smells of hair; synthetics melt and smell of plastic. Buy textiles from government-certified emporiums on Jawaharlal Nehru Road for guaranteed quality.

Question 2

What is the "Gem Export Investment Scam at New Market" scam in Kolkata?

Accepted Answer

Friendly locals or self-described "students" approach tourists near New Market and Sudder Street, gradually building rapport before inviting them to meet a family member who deals in gems or handicrafts. The pitch involves buying items at supposed wholesale prices to resell at a profit back home, with the promise of export paperwork. The items received — if any — are low-grade paste gems or inferior textiles worth a fraction of what was paid. Politely decline any unsolicited offer to visit a shop or meet a family member in connection with purchasing goods for resale. Genuine wholesale gem trade does not operate through street contacts approaching tourists. Never make a purchasing decision based on the promise of future profit.

Question 3

What is the "Aggressive Donation Demands" scam in Kolkata?

Accepted Answer

Near temples (Kalighat Kali Temple, Dakshineswar), individuals approach tourists with donation books, pressing them to contribute large amounts to "temple funds" or "social welfare." The books are fake and the money goes to the collector, not any legitimate fund. Make donations only at official temple collection boxes inside the premises. Any person soliciting donations outside a temple entrance with a clipboard or book is not representing the temple. A polite "no" and walking past is all that is needed.

Street Scams in Kolkata

Silk and Pashmina Quality Fraud at New Market

Gem Export Investment Scam at New Market

Aggressive Donation Demands

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