Major Scam in Goa based on Tourisms

Goa is one of the most remarkable locations for travel. More than 10 million visitors come to Goa each year. We share information about major scams in Goa. 

Scooter or car damaged scam: 

A Goa tour means you need to book a scooter or a Car. Damaged scam is one of the most trending scams in Goa. Most of the time, the owner provides a damaged scooter (Scratches, dents, or any small damage). During the return time, they claim that you damaged the scooter or car, and you need to pay a large amount. They target some specific tourists and make a pre-plan. 

Tips to protect yourself : 

1. Before taking the scooter or car, take videos and photos from all angles. 
2. If any Scratches, dents or any other damage, then talk with the agency and take a photo and video. 
3. If you trust that you are in the Scams, then try to contact tourist support services and local authorities for help. 

Police scam with a Yellow Number plate: 

A Yellow Number plate is one of the other trending scams in Goa. A scooter with a yellow number plate is only for commercial use, such as a Rental. A scooter with a white number plate is only for private purposes and is illegal to rent. Tourists are unfamiliar with it, and they make a mistake. 

How Scams :

1. Mismatch document: White number plate for private and yellow for Tourist. The police stop you. If you drive a white plate-rented vehicle, then you need to pay a large penalty. The Reason, Mismatch document, you are a tourist, and you drive a white plate Vehicle. 

Tip, protect from scams: 

1. Always take the Yellow plate with Black Number.
2. Verify the Vehicle documents, including registration, emission, and insurance Certificates. 

Overparking Scam: 

Some Parking agencies try to charge an overcharge for parking, and they totally ignore the posted rates. 

Tip to protect you :

Before protecting, ensure the rate of the parking charge is clearly detailed. Do not trust any poster or offer. 

Watersports Scams : 

Everyone wants to participate in water sports activities in Goa. Watersports activities are another scam in Goa. Some waterscams in Goa: 

Short duration (trend scam): 

You buy a package like banana boat rides, parasailing, and jet ski based on the Advertised. But the operators of watersports provide you with very short-duration activities, like 1-2 minutes.  

Unsafe and Unregistered Operators:

 Some operators provide a very cheap Diving package. Actually, their dive package is very dangerous. They provided their services near the shore, where they promised to provide deep experience. 

Advance payment:

Some scammers take the package charge in advance. After your payment, the result is that they become unreachable, or some middleman may leave your standard without a service or boat. 

Tips to protect from watersports scams : 

1. Look for the certified and reputable companies with positive reviews. 
2. If anyone offers you multiple water activities with a cheap combo package (1000- 1500 rupees), do not trust them. 
3. Check the package in detail, especially the duration of the service. 
4. Ignore paying the entire package charge at a single time in advance. 
5. Try to book watersports activities at the beach without a middleman. 
6. Ask to show the Uniforms and officials’ IDs from the operators.

Tattoo Scams : 

Tattoo scam is another trending way in Goa. Some tourists are attracted to getting a tattoo. But If You are in Goa and you are thinking about getting a tattoo, then you need to read some scams in Goa based on tattoos…

Switch price of the Temperatory tattoo:

Most of the Scammers attract tourists with low-cost temporary tattoos in Goa. They offer 50 rupees per tattoo. But it is just strict to attract lots of tourists. After starting the tattoo, they reveal that the actual cost per inch is not per tattoo. Then, after completing the tattoo, the final price will be so high. 

Tips to protect yourself from the Switch price scheme: 

1. Clarify the tattoo price before starting any work, such as the final price for writing. 
2. Do not start a tattoo if the tattoo artist confuses you, like per square inch. 
3. Try to avoid tattoos on the beach and find a reputable fixed studio (If you want to do a tattoo)

Scam of “Black Henna” tattoo : 

Another popular scam is a Black Henna tattoo. Scammers on the beach offer you a Henna tattoo at a low price. They use a very toxic dye. After a complete tattoo, you will suffer with allergic reactions, chemical burns and permanent scarring.

Tips to protect yourself from the “black Henna” tattoo scheme : 

1. Natural Henna is always Brown, not Black (Remember). 
2. If a Beach artist offers you a black Henna tattoo, then avoid it. It contains a dangerous chemical. 

Illegal tattoo stalls and cheap price Tattoo parlours: 

1. Several types of illegal tattoo stalls on the beach based on 2024 to 2025 social media. They do not maintain any Hygiene products. 
2. Various Tattoo parlours use very low-cost ink. Low-quality ink spreads out or fades fast, and the final quality of the tattoo is very low. 

Tips to protect yourself : 

1. Avoid tattoos on the beach or at a low price. If you want to, then go to the reputed or fixed Stadio. 
2. Research about the artist based on a review from Google and Justdial. 
3. Avoid the cheap price tattoo scams. 

Hotel Scam : 

Hotel scam is another major scam in Goa. Numerous tourists have already suffered from these scams. Hotel scams occur with the help of fake websites, scammers create luxury villas and fake hotel listings and more. Let’s discuss the scams in detail… 

Hijacked listings:

Some scammers are able to take your contact number from booking.com to a legitimate hotel list. They contact tourists and try to get the payment directly.

Phishing attacks:

Some Sommers send tourist payment links via email and messages from legitimate booking platforms and hotels. Scammers pressure you to pay as soon as possible. After clicking the provided link, which leads you to a fake payment gateway, they can take your account details. 

Tips to protect yourself : 

1. Book your hotel with the help of official websites. Read the review of the service, read recent and old comments. The Secure website’s URL begins with “https://” and the look of the icon of the website. 
2. Avoid too good and low-priced deals. 
3. Try to use a Credit card for a wire transfer because the company that offers the credit cards offer more protection.
4. Avoid the third-party request for payment.  
5. Report a hotel scam: call: 1930, visit: https://cybercrime.gov.in/, and contact your bank immediately. 

Taxi and transport scams : 

Transport is one of the most important parts of travel. One Bad news, there is no Ola and Uber service. Taxi is the only option for transportation. Some details of the scam in Goa : 

1. Overpriced fare: Overpriced fare is one of the common scams in Goa. The driver charged non-negotiable or exorbitant rates for the short distance. 
2. Shared ride: Most of the drivers take your fare upfront, and they stop to pick up other passengers without informing you. It will make your journey late. 
3. Broken meter: Some of the drivers tell you that the meter is broken. Then they try to get a high rate for the fixed price. 
4. Only cash scams: Some drivers, after the ride, tell you that they do not have any change. At the end of your trip, try to overcharge you. 
5. Forced taxis from the airport and railway station: A Common scam in the airport and railway station, most taxi drivers stop you to pre-book a cab or rental car. They try to influence you to take their taxi. 

Tips to protect from the ride : 

1. Prepaid taxi Counter: At the major railway station and airport, there exists a prepaid taxi counter to book your service. They take a fixed cost and give you a receipt slip with the taxi number.  
2. You can arrange your ride from the airport directly with your hotel. Yes, it is expensive, but it is a fixed price and a safe transfer. 
3. You can use the Goamile app for transport. This application is like an Uber or Ola. Remember, it is not as cheap as Ola and Uber, but it is safe. You can convert your safe travel via the Goamile app. 
4. Do not share your personal information with a taxi Driver or anyone. 
5. Avoid taking a taxi from the street; always book a Goamile or ask your hotel or restaurant to arrange a taxi. 
6. Before getting a cab or taxi, ensure you and the driver know the final price based on your destination. Do not start your ride until you and the driver agree on the fare. 
7. Track your journey with a GPS app or Google Maps. 
8. Try to carry small change; you can avoid the “No change” scam. 
9. Do not show your expensive belongings, and keep your valuable items and phone secure. 
10. If you feel unhappy, then go forward. 

Some other Tips during the Goa travel : 

1. Do not forget to take a receipt while shopping. It will help you during the exchange if you do not like it. 
2. Do not go to the cheap nightclub, because it is another way to be scammed. 
3. Nothing is free here; do not trust anyone. 

Thank You 😊