Scam Check
Is this a scam? Find out in a few seconds.
Tell us what just happened in Delhi. You get a plain answer, the words to say and what to do next. Free, with no sign-in.
At the airport
In a cab, auto or tuk-tuk
On the street or at a sight
Hotel, station or tickets
Odd, but usually fine
Feel unsafe? Call 112. For a tourist problem, the free 24-hour tourist helpline is 1800 11 1363 (short code 1363).
Three signs to watch for
- They started it. A stranger walked up to you in a tourist area. Real help usually waits to be asked for.
- Your plan is “broken”. Your hotel is closed, the monument is shut, the road is blocked, the counter moved. Check at the source, not with them.
- They pick the next stop. A shop, an agency, a cafe, a friend's place. Or they want you to decide quickly.
One of these on its own can be innocent. Two or three together is the pattern travellers keep reporting. When you are not sure, saying no costs you almost nothing.
Every situation we cover
Each answer has its own page, so you can save or share it before you travel.
At the airport
In a cab, auto or tuk-tuk
On the street or at a sight
- Someone says the monument or market is closed todayProbably a scam
- A friendly stranger invites me for tea, food, a shop or his familyProbably a scam
- Someone offers ear cleaning, a blessing, a bracelet or a "free" giftKnown scam
- Someone says they're police and asks for a fine, cash or my walletCheck first
- Someone offers gems, carpets or a deal I can resell at homeKnown scam
Hotel, station or tickets
Questions travellers ask
How can I tell if a stranger in Delhi is trying to scam me?
Three signs show up again and again in traveller reports. The person started the conversation. They tell you something you planned, like your hotel, a monument or a road, is closed or has moved. And they want you to go somewhere they pick, now. If you see these, say no politely and check with your hotel, a map app or an official source yourself.
Who do I call if I'm scammed in Delhi?
For danger, call 112. For a tourist problem, the Ministry of Tourism runs a free 24-hour helpline on 1800 11 1363, short code 1363, in English and 11 other languages. If you paid by card or UPI, call your bank straight away and tell them it was fraud.
Are Delhi taxis and autos safe to take?
App cabs and the prepaid taxi booths run under Delhi Traffic Police at the airport and main railway stations show you a fare before you go. The UK government advises travellers to avoid hailing taxis alone on the street, especially at night.
Is every friendly person in Delhi a scammer?
No. Most people you meet are not. Scam Check looks at patterns: who started the chat, what they claim, and where they want to take you. A kind person doesn't need you to pay, hurry or follow them.
Scam Check is built from traveller reports and official sources, listed under each answer. Reports are individual accounts, not a count, and patterns change. It is guidance, not legal advice. Last checked Oct 2026. Spotted a wrong or out-of-date answer? Tell us.