Booking trains, tours, and hotels is where a lot of trip money moves, so it draws scammers. A fake or dishonest travel office takes your cash for something they never book, or books the cheapest option at a premium price. Booking through official channels sidesteps nearly all of it.
How this scam works
A walk in travel office or a slick website offers to sort your train tickets, tours, or hotels, often near stations or tourist areas.
Some copy the names of real, trusted agencies to borrow their reputation.
You pay, often in cash, and either nothing is booked, or you get the cheapest option while paying a premium.
By the time you discover the problem, the office is hard to find and the money is gone.
Red flags
- Pressure to pay cash up front for tickets or tours you cannot yet verify.
- An agency name that matches a famous one but at a different address or website.
- Reluctance to give you written confirmation or a real booking reference.
What to do
- Book trains yourself through the official IRCTC website or app, and use well known booking platforms for hotels.
- Pay by card where possible so you can dispute a charge, and get every booking in writing with a reference.
- If you were defrauded, report it at cybercrime.gov.in and to the local tourist police.
How to report this scam in India
For cyber or card fraud, report at cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930. See the travel scams guide for more.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book Indian train tickets safely?
Use the official IRCTC website or app, or a reputable booking platform. Avoid paying cash to a walk in agent for tickets you cannot immediately verify.
An agency uses a famous name. Is it genuine?
Not necessarily. Scammers copy trusted agency names. Check the exact address and website, look for real reviews, and get a written booking reference.
Back to all travel scams