Organized Begging and Milk or Food Scam

These scams are the hardest to walk past because they target your kindness. A hungry child, a person who appears disabled, a holy man offering a blessing. Much of it is organized, and giving directly often funds the ring rather than the person. There is a better way to help.

Also known as: buy milk for baby, disabled beggar racket, temple donation

• A request to buy a specific expensive item from a specific nearby shop.
• The same person or story appearing in the same tourist spots.
• An unasked blessing or gift followed by a demand for money.

• If you want to help, give to an established local charity rather than individuals on the street.
• Politely decline blessings, threads, or gifts pressed on you, since they come with a demand.
• Do not feel guilty for saying no. Much of this is run by organizers, not the person in front of you.

For cyber or card fraud, report at cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930. See the travel scams guide for more.

Should I buy milk for a begging mother in India?

It is best not to. The buy milk request is a common trick where the goods are returned to the shop for cash afterward. If you want to help, give to a reputable local charity.

Are the beggars in tourist areas organized?

Many are part of organized rings that position people, including some posing as disabled, in busy tourist spots. Giving directly often funds the organizers.