Petty crimes are common in India. The most common example is pickpocketing. There are also cases of theft of valuables from bags. Tourists are common targets, especially those that travel solo. Theft is a common petty crime in India, with tourists as the usual victims. But like everywhere, when you take preventive measures, you and your valuables are safer. When walking the streets, don’t bring a lot of cash. Not all streets of India are safe. Also, when buying something from the market, be alert. Your valuables may become pickpocket targets. How this happens is that sellers usually give you a very high price. As you negotiate your way to a lower price, another person may be taking advantage of the situation. These people can easily get their hands into your bags or pockets and run with your belongings. And while we’re at it, beware as well of the scams in India. Here are a few of them. The Broken Taxi Meter Taxis should have working meters in them. Before getting into a cab, make sure to ask if the meter is working. If not, don’t take that ride. Sometimes, in the middle of your taxi ride, your driver would just tell you the meter was not working. He will try to negotiate a higher price for your destination. Should this be the case, ask the driver to stop. Get out of the taxi and look for another one. The Holy Men When in India, you should also try visiting their holy places. But even bad guys go here. Once in a while, an individual pretending to be a holy man would approach and pray over you. The “holy man” will then give you a gift in the form of a thread bracelet. And then comes the donation. Sometimes, these “holy men” would even ask for a large amount of money as donations. When you come across these con men, just walk away. Refuse the gift. The Hotel Imagine yourself traveling by bus for six hours. You have just arrived. You are sleepy and want to get to your hotel room the soonest possible time. There is nothing left to do but to take a cab to your hotel. Unfortunately, some taxi drivers would tell you that the hotel you checked in online does not exist. Sometimes, the driver would tell you the hotel you booked online already closed years ago. The driver would then suggest another hotel where you can stay. This is usually a property owned by a friend, family member, or somebody they know. And drivers get money out of this. It would be best to arrange transportation with your hotel to avoid such scams. Get in touch with the hotel in advance. Ask them if they can pick you up from the bus station or the airport. — In general, India is a beautiful country. Its culture is rich, and the country’s people are mostly warm and friendly. There will always be crimes. There will always be streets to avoid. But like many other destinations, there will always be scams. I am not saying India is the worst. I have always enjoyed exploring India. And over the years that I have come back and forth, I remained safe. Just take the usual precautions as I do.