Kolkata Scam Map

Kolkata Metro : oldest, cheapest, safest

₹5–25 fare across the city. Women-only first coach. Crowded at peak hours but safe. Quickest way to avoid Park Street traffic at evenings.

Yellow Ambassador taxis run honest meters

The iconic yellow taxis here mostly run meters honestly : better than autos. ₹30 base + ₹15/km. Most drivers are decent and Kolkata is generally safe for solo women in daytime.

Auto/taxi refusing meter or quoting flat

Use Uber/Ola. Yellow Ambassador taxis often refuse short distances.

Pickpocketing on Kolkata Metro & at Howrah

Front pocket, zipped bag. Especially on Howrah-Dum Dum line during rush.

Train Ticket / IRCTC Scam

Near railway stations, agents sell 'confirmed tickets' that are fake or for slow local trains sold as fast express. Variant: tout claims 'your train is cancelled' and herds you to a fake ticket counter to sell flights/tours at 5x rates.

Solo women: avoid late-night unlit lanes

GeoSure rates Kolkata 43/100 on safety, citing women's safety as a primary concern. Female solo travellers have reported harassment in isolated lanes and empty bus stops at night. Share live trip tracking via Uber/Yatri Sathi, travel to well-lit populated areas, and book stays in Ballygunge or Park Street zone.

Fake brand stores in New Market

Counterfeit watches, perfumes, leather.

Hotel switch scam

Less common than Delhi but happens at Howrah.

Avoid Esplanade after midnight

Esplanade is a busy transit point by day but after midnight becomes a hub for drug activity and aggressive touts. Female travellers especially at risk. Book Uber/Ola from inside a restaurant or hotel lobby if travelling late. Avoid walking this stretch alone at night.

Yellow Taxi Meter Refusal from Airport

Yellow Ambassador taxi drivers quote ₹800–1,200 flat for rides costing ₹300–500 on meter. Claim the meter is 'broken'. Use Ola/Uber or Yatri Sathi app. If using a yellow cab, say 'meter chharu' (start the meter). Pre-paid counter is at Arrivals between Gates 3 & 4.

Fake cyber-helpdesk scam (Salt Lake Sector V)

Organised scam call centres in Kolkata's Sector V impersonate Amazon, Microsoft, tax office or banks targeting tourists and NRIs. They remotely access devices claiming a 'security issue.' Indian Police arrested 53 scammers from 5 call centres here in 2024. Never allow remote device access to unknown callers.

31 fake hotel websites across Kolkata

Fraudsters created at least 31 fake Kolkata hotel websites with cloned branding, fake reviews, and payment portals. Travellers pre-pay and arrive to find empty plots or real hotels with no record of the booking. Only book through Booking.com, Agoda, or MakeMyTrip.

Fake-priest emotional trap at Kalighat Temple

Fake or genuine pujaris perform mantras then demand ₹2,100, ₹5,100 per item emotionally : 'give to Maa.' Each ritual triggers another demand. Total demands can reach ₹12,000–15,000. Officially, only the temple trust's counter accepts fixed donations. Refuse verbal demands mid-ritual.

Fake bag porter disappears with luggage

Unofficial porters approach tourists at the station entry, grab heavy bags, and sprint ahead into the crowd claiming to know your coach. They disappear or demand ₹500–1,000 at the coach door. Only use red-uniformed licensed porters with a numbered badge.

Drink spiking in bars near Park Street

Travellers (especially solo) have reported drinks being spiked at lower-end bars near Park Street. Don't accept drinks from strangers and never leave your drink unattended. Stick to well-reviewed establishments on Google Maps. Leave with known companions.