In Part 1, we exposed two classic Delhi Airport scams — the fake prepaid counter inside T3 and the "Your hotel is closed" story. If you missed it, read it here before continuing.
Now, let's dive into two more sophisticated traps that target travelers the moment they step outside: the Fake Driver scam and the Over-Friendly Helper scheme.
Scam #3: The Fake Driver – Identity Theft at Its Finest
Here's how this elaborate scam unfolds: You've wisely pre-booked a hotel pickup to avoid taxi hassles. You walk out of Terminal 3, scanning the crowd of drivers holding name placards. Within seconds, someone confidently approaches you, calls out your name, and gestures toward his vehicle.
The Setup: These scammers position themselves near the legitimate pickup area. They overhear conversations, spot confused passengers, or intercept booking confirmations carelessly displayed on phones.
What Makes It Convincing:
- They know your name and sometimes your hotel
- They carry professional-looking clipboards with "passenger lists"
- They're dressed semi-formally and speak decent English
- They act with confidence, never seeming rushed
The Reality Check: Instead of your hotel's vehicle, you're led to an unmarked car. The destination changes mid-route — either to a different hotel paying them commission, or they demand an inflated fare.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Before You Travel: Ask your hotel for the driver’s name, number, and vehicle registration. Save details offline. Request a driver photo if possible.
- At the Airport: Verify the driver's official hotel ID. Cross-check vehicle number. Call your hotel directly using free Wi-Fi if unsure.
- Red Flags: Driver can't show credentials, car doesn’t match booking, insists you leave immediately, or multiple drivers claim your name.
Scam #4: The Over-Friendly Helper – The Forced Tip Trap
Picture this: You've just cleared customs, wheeling your luggage. Suddenly, an enthusiastic man appears: "Welcome to Delhi, sir! Let me help you!" Before you respond, he’s already pushing your trolley toward the exit. You think, "How nice, Delhi hospitality!" But an expensive lesson awaits.
The Psychology: These "helpers" exploit traveler fatigue and politeness. They create a sense of debt by "helping" before you consent.
The Escalation: They lead you toward taxis paying them commission, then demand ₹500–1000 for 30 seconds of work. Some block your car door until you pay.
Real Traveler Experience: Sarah from Australia shared: "I landed at 2 AM, exhausted. A man grabbed my suitcase, led me to a taxi, then demanded ₹800 for 'VIP service.' When I refused, he claimed I owed him for 'protection.'"
Defensive Strategies:
- Say “No thank you” firmly and keep walking
- If they persist, state loudly “I did not ask for help”
- Only accept help from uniformed staff with ID
- Airport trolleys are free — you don’t need assistance
- If trapped, pay a token ₹50–100 and leave immediately, then report it
Why These Scams Thrive
These scams thrive because of organized commission networks, targeting strategies, and late-night vulnerabilities. Hotels, restaurants, and taxi operators all pay referral fees. A single tourist can generate ₹2000–5000 across multiple stops.
Scammers focus on solo travelers, first-timers, and anyone arriving late at night with visible luggage or confusion.
The Complete Defense Strategy
- Pre-Flight: Book transfers through your hotel, save phone numbers offline, inform hotel of arrival time.
- At T3: Use the Delhi Police prepaid counter (outside Gates 5 & 6), Uber/Ola pickup zones, Airport Metro Express, or verified hotel pickups.
- Aerocity Hotels: Stay near T3 for safety and convenience. Options include JW Marriott, Novotel, Andaz, and boutique stays like Hotel Aerocity Purple Orchid. For a full guide, check our Best Hotels Near Delhi Airport blog post.
Real Success Stories
Marcus from Germany: "After reading about these scams, I booked my hotel transfer in advance. Three different 'drivers' approached me, but I waited for my confirmed car. Saved myself ₹2000 in overcharges."
Lisa from Canada: "A 'helper' grabbed my trolley. I went straight to airport security — the guard intervened, and the man left me alone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from officials."
Wrapping Up the Series
You now have the complete playbook for Delhi Airport's four most common scams:
- Part 1: The Fake Prepaid Counter & "Your Hotel Is Closed"
- Part 2: The Fake Driver & Over-Friendly Helper
The Bottom Line: These scams succeed because they exploit trust and fatigue. By understanding their tactics, you become an informed traveler — not a target.
Delhi has incredible experiences waiting — don’t let scams be your first impression. Save counter locations, screenshot hotel confirmations, and practice saying "No, thank you" firmly but politely.
✈️ Safe travels, and welcome to Delhi!