Scam warning - Indian Rs. 500 trick by Taxi drivers in Mumbai

Vibhu Jindal · Mar 12th, 2006, 11:48

A word of caution for travellers both foreigner & Indian ( me and another friend of mine have experienced this scam being played on us) travelling in Mumbai by taxi especially from Dadar Bus stop (one where buses to & from Pune start) and from Mumbai Airport.

This happens when ur total taxi bill comes to be more than Rs. 100 and the traveller uses Rs. 500 note to make payment.

the case would be such suppose one hires a cab from airport till Churchgate
the total fare should be some Rs. 250-270 ....after reaching the destination, the traveller asks for the amount he owes to the taxi driver and he says so and so is the amount...now if the travellers uses Rs. 500 note to make payment....then at times some scrupulous taxiwallah might in a moment, deftly replaces that Rs. 500 note by Rs. 100 note and turns back to the traveller claiming that he has given him just Rs. 100 note and asks for rest of the amount...

this is a common trick played on the traveller, especially in the situation where he has no option like when travelling late in night, or no other taxi is availible or the traveller is very fatigued and seems to be the one who easily believes whatever the taxi driver will say.

Mark it through out the journey and even when claiming that the traveller has given him a Rs. 100 note, he will be very polite and his appearence will be that of a honest innocent person.

When travelling in Mumbai and one is usig taxi as the mode of transportation, kindly try to keep Rs. 100 and Rs. 50 notes with urself in order to make payment and avoid making payment by Rs. 500 note to make payment.....to avoid this trick being played on you.

This is especially important for tourists and travellers arriving on International & Domestic Airport and taking a cab from there for downtown Mumbai

Try to keep Rs. 50 & Rs. 100 note with you while travelling and avoid usage of Rs. 500 note except in cases when ur making payment for accomadation or food.

jivan · Mar 12th, 2006, 12:55

true, have seen this happening quite often actually

Nick-H · Mar 12th, 2006, 13:40

When paying with a number (especially a large number) of Rs100 notes, several people have given me back one, pointing out that it is a Rs500!

Many a scam, worldwide, is done by taking advantage of a foreigner's lack of familiarity with local currency, and the foreigner who's just come, tired, off a plane is easy prey.

Dino · Mar 12th, 2006, 15:29

Had exactly the same trick tried on usin November by a taxi wallah from Mumbai domestic airport into town.It wasn't until I threatened police involvement that he gave me my 500 R back and it did get a bit heavy at one point.

The same trick was tried (and the hand sometimes is quicker than the eye) by a wine shop merchant in Jaipur.After catching him at it and giving him a fair lecture on the damage he might be doing to Jaipur's tourist industry and he apologised profusely it was dissapointing that on return to the shop ,the next night, he tried the exact same trick.

john.sw · Mar 12th, 2006, 16:26

When you’re at home, how many US $100 bills do you carry around with you? How many times have you paid for a newspaper in W.H. Smith with a UK £50 note? When did you last spend one in a shop or to pay a taxi driver, and what reaction did you get?

The Indian ATM’s will generally pump out a thick wad Rs.500/- notes, and banks too will insist that your stash is primarily in Rs.1000/- and Rs.500/- denominations.

But what can these huge notes be used for?

My gardener/handyman gets Rs.2000/- a month. Paying him with 4 X Rs.500/- notes would be like paying the average worker in the UK with 4 X £500 notes – ridiculous!

Rs.500/- notes are for keeping in your money belt so they can be changed for smaller denominations as needed.

Don’t keep them with your money – you’re sure to hand one over mistaking it for a Rs.100/- as I have done (and the auto wallah handed it back because he was so honest), and you’re sure to be ripped off at some time too!

Your spending money should be in Rs.10/-, Rs.20/- and Rs.50/- notes with a few Rs.100/- notes in reserve for those really expensive buys.

dani · Mar 12th, 2006, 16:35

john, where do you change big notes for smaller denominations?

john.sw · Mar 12th, 2006, 16:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by dani

john, where do you change big notes for smaller denominations?

At a bank, a hotel or a large department store.

Many shops at the roadside will only have change for a Rs.50/- note.

Dino · Mar 12th, 2006, 16:58

[quote=john.sw]

The Indian ATM’s will generally pump out a thick wad Rs.500/- notes, and banks too will insist that your stash is primarily in Rs.1000/- and Rs.500/- denominations.

Rs.500/- notes are for keeping in your money belt so they can be changed for smaller denominations as needed.

/QUOTE]

Good in theory but the reality is nobody will change large denomination notes unless you are making a purchase.In other words,you can only collect a stash of smaller denomination rupee notes by breaking the big ones with a purchase of goods or services and at these times it pays to be on the lookout for the old switcheroo.

That's why you are particularly at risk at International Airports because you've just changed money and often the airport bank/ATM can't or won't give small denominations.And you can't (legally) bring rupees in from OS.

john.sw · Mar 12th, 2006, 17:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dino

...And you can't (legally) bring rupees in from OS.

Oh yes I can!

Any person resident in India:

may take outside India (other than to Nepal and Bhutan) currency notes of Government of India and RBI Notes up to an amount not exceeding Rs. 5,000/- (Rupees Five Thousand) per person

may bring into India at the time of his return from any place outside India (other than from Nepal or Bhutan) Indian Currency Notes up to an amount not exceeding Rs. 5,000/- (Rupees Five thousand) per person.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dino

...Good in theory but the reality is nobody will change large denomination notes unless you are making a purchase....

Your hotel will, a bank will, and of course, you can pay with a large note for a small purchase in a large shop.

My advice is that 5 X Rs.20/- notes are far more useful than a single Rs.100/- note.

Dino · Mar 12th, 2006, 17:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by john.sw

My advice is that 5 X Rs.20/- notes are far more useful than a single Rs.100/- note.

Couldn't agree more.But as an NRI I can't buy rupees before I arrive and am more likely to be targeted for this scam as it's very difficult to get small denomination notes when exchanging money at airports.

Nick-H · Mar 12th, 2006, 18:51

It is easy for someone living here to get change. Supermarkets are the best places, and of you are a regular, yes, they will give change to be helpful.

But then, tourists are probably also going to the more expensive places, where larger amounts are needed.

That first taxi journey is always going to be a potential problem!

sirensongs · Mar 12th, 2006, 20:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by john.sw

When you’re at home, how many US $100 bills do you carry around with you? How many times have you paid for a newspaper in W.H. Smith with a UK £50 note? When did you last spend one in a shop or to pay a taxi driver, and what reaction did you get?
.

When you are "home," does a CocaCola cost 10$ and a cab ride $50.00? It makes perfect sense to pay for something that costs $30 with a $100 bill. I don't see that paying for a 50Rs cab ride with a 100R note is so outlandish. It's all just a way for them to get someone else to do their job for them.

john.sw · Mar 12th, 2006, 20:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirensongs

When you are "home," does a CocaCola cost 10$ and a cab ride $50.00? It makes perfect sense to pay for something that costs $30 with a $100 bill. I don't see that paying for a 50Rs cab ride with a 100R note is so outlandish. It's all just a way for them to get someone else to do their job for them.

The denomination in point was the Rs.500/- note.

It does not make any sense to pay for something that costs Rs.30/- with a Rs.500/- bill.

I have stopped going to America, so I have no idea what happens there.

sirensongs · Mar 12th, 2006, 20:42

Yes, but the same happens with 100...as with 500. If something costs 200Rs and you hand them a 500, you are invariably asked "you don't have change?" In Nepal the cost to enter Bhaktapur was 1100NRs; we gave 1500NRs and they complained that we should get change. I am sick of it.

It happens at every level...at 10pm at night, a driver who's been working all day will claim to not have even 10Rs change. Just a way to try to get it out of you.

You have a *gardener*? Can I have a loan?

Change comes from within!

Nick-H · Mar 12th, 2006, 21:05

Hey! John's got a gardener. Let's all ask him for loans!

Rs50,000'll do me for starters.

Mar 12th, 2006, 11:48	#1
Vibhu Jindal Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 423	Scam warning - Indian Rs. 500 trick by Taxi drivers in Mumbai A word of caution for travellers both foreigner & Indian ( me and another friend of mine have experienced this scam being played on us) travelling in Mumbai by taxi especially from Dadar Bus stop (one where buses to & from Pune start) and from Mumbai Airport. This happens when ur total taxi bill comes to be more than Rs. 100 and the traveller uses Rs. 500 note to make payment. the case would be such suppose one hires a cab from airport till Churchgate the total fare should be some Rs. 250-270 ....after reaching the destination, the traveller asks for the amount he owes to the taxi driver and he says so and so is the amount...now if the travellers uses Rs. 500 note to make payment....then at times some scrupulous taxiwallah might in a moment, deftly replaces that Rs. 500 note by Rs. 100 note and turns back to the traveller claiming that he has given him just Rs. 100 note and asks for rest of the amount... this is a common trick played on the traveller, especially in the situation where he has no option like when travelling late in night, or no other taxi is availible or the traveller is very fatigued and seems to be the one who easily believes whatever the taxi driver will say. Mark it through out the journey and even when claiming that the traveller has given him a Rs. 100 note, he will be very polite and his appearence will be that of a honest innocent person. When travelling in Mumbai and one is usig taxi as the mode of transportation, kindly try to keep Rs. 100 and Rs. 50 notes with urself in order to make payment and avoid making payment by Rs. 500 note to make payment.....to avoid this trick being played on you. This is especially important for tourists and travellers arriving on International & Domestic Airport and taking a cab from there for downtown Mumbai Try to keep Rs. 50 & Rs. 100 note with you while travelling and avoid usage of Rs. 500 note except in cases when ur making payment for accomadation or food.

Mar 12th, 2006, 13:40	#3
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 26,880	When paying with a number (especially a large number) of Rs100 notes, several people have given me back one, pointing out that it is a Rs500! Many a scam, worldwide, is done by taking advantage of a foreigner's lack of familiarity with local currency, and the foreigner who's just come, tired, off a plane is easy prey. __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

Mar 12th, 2006, 16:26	#5
john.sw Up in the hills with my head in the clouds... Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: India/UK Posts: 1,019	When you’re at home, how many US $100 bills do you carry around with you? How many times have you paid for a newspaper in W.H. Smith with a UK £50 note? When did you last spend one in a shop or to pay a taxi driver, and what reaction did you get? The Indian ATM’s will generally pump out a thick wad Rs.500/- notes, and banks too will insist that your stash is primarily in Rs.1000/- and Rs.500/- denominations. But what can these huge notes be used for? My gardener/handyman gets Rs.2000/- a month. Paying him with 4 X Rs.500/- notes would be like paying the average worker in the UK with 4 X £500 notes – ridiculous! Rs.500/- notes are for keeping in your money belt so they can be changed for smaller denominations as needed. Don’t keep them with your money – you’re sure to hand one over mistaking it for a Rs.100/- as I have done (and the auto wallah handed it back because he was so honest), and you’re sure to be ripped off at some time too! Your spending money should be in Rs.10/-, Rs.20/- and Rs.50/- notes with a few Rs.100/- notes in reserve for those really expensive buys. __________________ www.nilgiris.asia your guide to the Nilgiris, Ooty, Coonoor, Kotagiri and Gudalur

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Mar 12th, 2006, 12:55	#2
jivan Maha Guru Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Pune, India Posts: 829	true, have seen this happening quite often actually

Mar 12th, 2006, 15:29	#4
Dino Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Murphy's Creek (Oz) Posts: 246	Had exactly the same trick tried on usin November by a taxi wallah from Mumbai domestic airport into town.It wasn't until I threatened police involvement that he gave me my 500 R back and it did get a bit heavy at one point. The same trick was tried (and the hand sometimes is quicker than the eye) by a wine shop merchant in Jaipur.After catching him at it and giving him a fair lecture on the damage he might be doing to Jaipur's tourist industry and he apologised profusely it was dissapointing that on return to the shop ,the next night, he tried the exact same trick.

Mar 12th, 2006, 16:35	#6
dani मेरा नाम दान्येल है Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Switzerland Posts: 497	john, where do you change big notes for smaller denominations?

Mar 12th, 2006, 16:58	#8
Dino Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Murphy's Creek (Oz) Posts: 246	[quote=john.sw] The Indian ATM’s will generally pump out a thick wad Rs.500/- notes, and banks too will insist that your stash is primarily in Rs.1000/- and Rs.500/- denominations. Rs.500/- notes are for keeping in your money belt so they can be changed for smaller denominations as needed. /QUOTE] Good in theory but the reality is nobody will change large denomination notes unless you are making a purchase.In other words,you can only collect a stash of smaller denomination rupee notes by breaking the big ones with a purchase of goods or services and at these times it pays to be on the lookout for the old switcheroo. That's why you are particularly at risk at International Airports because you've just changed money and often the airport bank/ATM can't or won't give small denominations.And you can't (legally) bring rupees in from OS.

Mar 12th, 2006, 18:51	#11
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 26,880	It is easy for someone living here to get change. Supermarkets are the best places, and of you are a regular, yes, they will give change to be helpful. But then, tourists are probably also going to the more expensive places, where larger amounts are needed. That first taxi journey is always going to be a potential problem!

Mar 12th, 2006, 20:42	#14
sirensongs Eeny meeny mango Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: All India Permit (somewhere between Delhi & Dharamsala) Posts: 1,213	Yes, but the same happens with 100...as with 500. If something costs 200Rs and you hand them a 500, you are invariably asked "you don't have change?" In Nepal the cost to enter Bhaktapur was 1100NRs; we gave 1500NRs and they complained that we should get change. I am sick of it. It happens at every level...at 10pm at night, a driver who's been working all day will claim to not have even 10Rs change. Just a way to try to get it out of you. You have a gardener? Can I have a loan? Change comes from within!

Mar 12th, 2006, 21:05	#15
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 26,880	Hey! John's got a gardener. Let's all ask him for loans! Rs50,000'll do me for starters.

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