5 Common Travel Scams In Goa And How To Fend Them Off

Goa is the smallest state in India and a popular beach destination. Its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, cheap alcohol, and rich architectural heritage make it a top tourist spot. It was a significant site of Portuguese colonial settlement in Asia, reigning from 1510 to 1961. The best time to visit is between November and February.

However, despite the beauty and luxury of the place, many fraudulent activities are happening around every corner. The patterns of scams in Goa are quite recurrent, with reports of similar scams happening repeatedly. As the place is visited by nationals and foreigners alike, scammers see it as a goldmine for executing their fraudulent activities. However, by referring to our list of common scams, you can educate yourself on how to recognize them and ways to get out of them if you feel like you're being framed.

Begging Fraud Exploiting Deaf Youth

One of the most prevalent scams in Goa is the Begging Fraud Exploiting Deaf Youth. The scam involves a young boy or girl approaching you with a sign indicating that they are a deaf and orphaned child and requesting money to purchase a hearing aid. However, if you exclaim "Police!" in front of the child, they will run away even if there is no police officer present, revealing that they are not actually deaf. Moreover, most of these children are not orphans, and they are often coerced into participating in these scams by their parents or immoral organisations that use the proceeds to purchase drugs and alcohol. Thus, it is advisable to ignore these child beggars and not give them any money, as it will not help the children in need and can instead support the wrong people.

Cross-Border Gem Trafficking Scheme

Another scam tourists in Goa should be aware of is the Cross-Border Gem Trafficking Scheme, one of the top tourist scams to watch out for. In this scam, a man in a business suit carrying a briefcase filled with gems may approach you. He will try to befriend you and explain his idea for making money professionally and kindly. He will request that you use your duty-free allowance to export the gemstones to your place of origin. It may seem convincing because you don't have to pay anything. However, after you ship the stones, a person pretending to be a "customs officer" will call you and accuse you of breaking the law and will ask you to pay a fine. Your new "friend" will encourage you to pay the fine, which is when you'll get scammed.

Illicit Massage Business Ruse

Goa is widely known for its lively social scene, which attracts people from various backgrounds looking for diverse experiences. However, in such a vibrant atmosphere, some visitors may stumble upon questionable establishments that cater to less savoury interests. In particular, certain massage parlours in the area have been seen exploiting the curiosity of unsuspecting tourists. These establishments approach individuals, often promising bodily services beyond a standard massage. However, it is essential to exercise caution, as such promises may not materialise as expected, leading to misunderstandings or even falling victim to fraudulent schemes.

Damaged Vehicle Scam

Opting for car or bike rentals is a convenient and popular way of transportation in Goa. However, it's crucial to be vigilant while renting since some rental agencies use fraudulent practices. One common scam is to accuse renters of damaging the vehicle and then force them to pay inflated repair expenses. To avoid disputes, we suggest recording a detailed video of the vehicle, including rental agency information. This precautionary measure serves as undeniable evidence against false accusations. Additionally, recording acts as a deterrent since companies are less likely to risk negative online reviews on platforms like YouTube.

Investment Doubling Scheme

One of the scams to be wary of in Goa is the Investment Doubling Scheme. This deceitful trick, which is well-known in the broader context of India's fraudulent practices, is also prevalent on the beautiful beaches of Goa.

The scam involves a seemingly harmless card game played by locals and supposed "foreign tourists," who are accomplices of the local swindlers. In the beginning, the rounds may look promising, as the "foreign players" apparently increase their stakes quickly, tempting onlookers who are unaware of the scam. The con artist gradually introduces underhanded techniques as the game progresses, leading to significant losses for unsuspecting participants. As the stakes increase, participants often become trapped in a web of deceit, losing all their funds and becoming victims of the scam's elaborate ploy.