Question 1

What is the "Closed Monument Scam" scam in New Delhi?

Accepted Answer

A person near the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, or Qutub Minar tells tourists the site is closed today due to a government function, religious holiday, or maintenance. They offer to take tourists to a nearby "better" sight instead, earning commissions. Check official monument hours at the Archaeological Survey of India website. Walk to the actual entrance to verify — these sites are almost never closed for tourist traffic. Ignore anyone telling you a monument is closed.

Question 2

What is the "Charity Children and Begging Gangs" scam in New Delhi?

Accepted Answer

Organized groups using children approach tourists claiming to be fundraising for schools or food. The children are controlled by adult minders nearby and proceeds rarely go to any legitimate cause. Some use distraction while accomplices pickpocket. Donate to verified charities rather than individuals on the street. Keep bags secure during any interaction with strangers who approach you in tourist areas. Look around for adult handlers watching nearby.

Question 3

What is the "Holy Man Blessing Scam" scam in New Delhi?

Accepted Answer

A man dressed as a sadhu or Hindu holy man approaches tourists near temples or monuments and offers a free blessing — placing a red tilak on your forehead or tying a saffron thread around your wrist without asking. Once the blessing is given the individual demands payment, often becoming aggressive or following tourists who refuse. Accomplices nearby create social pressure to pay. This scam operates heavily around Laxmi Narayan Temple on Mandir Marg and near Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. Decline any unsolicited approach from strangers offering blessings, tilaks, or threads regardless of how friendly they appear. If someone touches you without asking, walk away immediately without engaging. Genuine religious sites have priests inside the temple complex, not soliciting on the street outside.

Street Scams in New Delhi

Closed Monument Scam

Charity Children and Begging Gangs

Holy Man Blessing Scam

Experienced a scam here?