Question 1

What is the "Fake Government Tourist Office" scam in New Delhi?

Accepted Answer

Near Connaught Place and the railway stations, official-looking offices display Indian Tourism signs and approach tourists with offers of help. They sell overpriced tour packages, bogus train tickets, or simply collect money for services never delivered. The official India Tourism office is at 88 Janpath. Any other "government" tourist office is likely a scam. Book trains on the official IRCTC website or at the International Tourist Bureau at New Delhi Railway Station.

Question 2

What is the "Fake Train Booking Office" scam in New Delhi?

Accepted Answer

Near New Delhi Railway Station, unofficial travel agencies display professional-looking signs mimicking the official Indian Railways booking office. Staff tell tourists their intended train is full and sell them overpriced tickets on private buses or inferior services, sometimes issuing completely fake rail tickets that are rejected at the platform. Book train tickets only at the official Indian Railways booking counters inside the station, at the tourist quota counter on the first floor, or through the official IRCTC website. Any office on the street outside the station is unofficial.

Question 3

What is the "Shoe Removal Temple Theft" scam in New Delhi?

Accepted Answer

At temples and mosques where shoes must be removed, individuals offer to "guard" footwear for a fee. Some take the shoes entirely and demand a ransom, while others claim official shoe-keeping status but charge excessive amounts. Use the free official shoe storage areas provided at most major temples. Keep an eye on where you leave footwear. Wear old or inexpensive shoes when visiting religious sites so their potential loss is not a financial concern.

Tour & Activity Scams in New Delhi

Fake Government Tourist Office

Fake Train Booking Office

Shoe Removal Temple Theft

Experienced a scam here?