Scam in IndiaTours and guides
Travel agency plan changes and extra fees in India
How it works
An agency changes the travel plans you agreed on or adds commissions and fees that inflate the price.
Warning signs
- The itinerary changes after you agree to it.
- The quoted price excludes unclear fees.
- The agent will not provide a clear breakdown.
How to avoid it
- Book flights directly online when practical.
- Use IRCTC for train bookings.
- Get the itinerary and total price in writing.
- Read all charges before paying.
If it happens to you
Ask for the agreed service or a refund in writing. Keep receipts, messages and the original itinerary for a complaint.
- Move to a safe, staffed place. Avoid a confrontation. Call 112 if you are threatened, injured or in immediate danger.
- Stop further payments. If cards or account details are involved, contact your bank or payment provider immediately.
- Save receipts, booking details, messages and transaction records. Write down the location, time and vehicle or driver details.
- Report the incident at the nearest police station. For a serious crime, insist on an FIR and request a copy. Report online or card fraud to the local police cybercell or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
- Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport is missing. Tell your travel insurer and provide the records they request.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/travel2023Akbar Travels is a scamThe poster alleged an additional payment demand after booking, while another traveller reported last-minute itinerary changes that removed prepaid sightseeing.Read on Reddit
- WebIndia Consumer Forum2018Travel agent asked me extra payment of Rs.3200/- at hotelA traveller alleged that an agency changed their Himachal hotel without notice and forced an additional ₹3,200 payment.Read on Web
Questions
What is the travel agency plan changes and extra fees scam in India?
An agency changes the travel plans you agreed on or adds commissions and fees that inflate the price.
How can I spot it early?
The itinerary changes after you agree to it. The quoted price excludes unclear fees. The agent will not provide a clear breakdown.
How do I avoid travel agency plan changes and extra fees in India?
Book flights directly online when practical. Use IRCTC for train bookings. Get the itinerary and total price in writing. Read all charges before paying.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask for the agreed service or a refund in writing. Keep receipts, messages and the original itinerary for a complaint.
Where in India does this happen?
Tourist agencies It has been reported in Delhi.
How common is this scam in India?
Occasional. Scams and touts are common in India's tourist areas, especially in Delhi and around transport hubs. Common problems include inflated fares, short change, false claims about hotels, fake ticket offices and pressure to buy goods or tours. India is generally safe for foreign visitors who take basic precautions against petty crime and theft.
Who can I report it to?
Emergency services: call 112 for immediate danger or urgent police, fire or ambulance help. Give your location and speak slowly. Nearest police station: visit in person for non-emergency crimes. For a serious crime, insist on a first information report, or FIR, and obtain a copy. Local police cybercell: make a complaint about internet scams, card skimming or other cybercrime. Bring transaction records and saved messages. National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal: use the government portal to report cybercrime. Keep a record of your complaint. Ministry of Tourism helpline: call 1363 or 1800-11-1363 for tourist assistance. The helpline operates 24 hours a day. Bank, card issuer or payment provider: use its official app or contact number to block compromised cards or accounts, flag the fraud and ask about disputed payments. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Travel insurer: report the loss promptly. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of the stolen items or disputed payments. Bengaluru auto-rickshaw complaint service: record the driver's identification number. A BBMP control room contact is listed as +91 80 22975803, but it dates from December 2009. Confirm that it still handles these complaints before relying on it.
What number do I call in an emergency in India?
National emergency services: police, fire and ambulance: 112, Ministry of Tourism 24-hour tourist assistance: 1363, Ministry of Tourism alternative helpline: 1800-11-1363.
Reviewed by @snuck