🚫 Guide to Spotting Fake Tourist Offices & Overpriced Car Rentals in Delhi

New Delhi is a vibrant gateway to India, but it's also a hotspot for tourist traps—especially fake tourist offices and inflated car rental deals near railway stations, airports, and Connaught Place. Here's how to stay smart and safe.

🔍 How to Spot a Fake Tourist Office:

• Too eager to help: They approach you saying “Govt Tourist Info Centre” or “Official Delhi Tourism” but have no signage or credentials.

• Lack of official branding: Real government-run centers have clear logos (like Incredible India or Delhi Tourism), paperwork, and GST registration.

• Pushy sales tactics: If you're being pressured into a full tour package or hotel booking immediately, it’s likely a scam.

• Fake reviews & awards: Many such offices display printed TripAdvisor stars or "certifications" that are not verifiable.

🚘 Signs of Overpriced or Scam Car Rentals:

• No printed rate card – Always ask for one. Genuine services display standard per-kilometer rates.

• Advance full payment only in cash – Red flag. Legit companies accept multiple forms of payment and provide a tax invoice.

• Driver doesn’t know your destination clearly – May be a trick to overcharge or take you to “partner” shops/hotels.

• Hidden charges like extra for tolls, parking, or driver food added later without disclosure.

✅ Pro Tips to Stay Safe:

• Book only with verified operators (like Ola, Uber, BluSmart, or India Taxi Online).

• Use Google Maps to locate official Delhi Tourism offices.

• Don’t follow anyone claiming “Your booking is cancelled” or “Come this way, official desk here.”

• At New Delhi Railway Station or Airport, stick to inside booths or app-based bookings.

• Ask locals or police staff inside stations if unsure.