“Taj Mahal is closed today”: 6 common Taj Mahal scams every tourist should be aware of

Let’s admit that scams aren’t unique to tourist places across the globe and Taj Mahal, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site is no stranger to it either. The white marble mausoleum has been attracting lakhs of tourists, photographers, historians and curious travellers from India and across the globe since ages now.
Given the popularity of the world’s most iconic structures, the place also is a hotspot for scammers. Like several landmarks in the world, Agra too has developed its own version of tourist-targeted scams.

If you are planning a trip to the Taj Mahal any time soon, then knowing how to spot them can save travellers money as well as disappointment.
Let’s have a look at six common scams reported near the Taj Mahal, backed by both national and international travellers:

The scam: It is probably one of the most common scams that Taj Mahal is currently suffering from. The moment any visitor reaches the site, they are approached by many unofficial guides at the entry gate. They will say that they are “government certified” or “official Taj guides,”, but hey, do not trust them at all. You’ll be shocked to know that some of these also wear fake IDs or uniforms. Once you get under their spell, they charge unimaginary fees and also provide incorrect information.
Recent example: Nearly three years ago, on November 19, 2022, U.S. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro was accompanied by an unlicensed fake guide unknowingly during his visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra. Later, it was discovered that the man was a hawker. A police complaint was registered against him later.
Solution: Travellers can save themselves from this scam only by booking guides through the official counter inside the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) ticket office. Also, do ask to see their ASI-issued ID cards.

The scam: So when you take an auto-rickshaw, tuk-tuk or cab, the drivers will tell you to visit nearby sites. Even without you asking, they will pullover at shops or emporiums in proximity to the Taj Mahal and they get commission on travellers’ purchases.
Solution: Just say ‘NO’. Or tell them politely that you don’t need a ride. Before hopping on, discuss the fare or only use official prepaid services.

The scam: If you find locals who tell you that they have “discounted tickets” or “skip-the-line” passes, run! Do not believe them as it is a scam. The scammers have used tickets resold which they just resell to tourists. So, just don’t!
Incident: A number of people have reported buying fake VIP tickets unknowingly and were denied entry at the gate.
Solution: There’s only one solution, which is always buy tickets online from the official ASI website or at the government counter. Entry for foreigners and Indians is ticketed separately.

The Scam: This is another common Taj Mahal scam. So, some photographers near the Taj will rush to you and will offer to click and deliver high-quality pics in an hour. They will also charge a lot of money. But after you are done making payment, the photos you’ll receive are of extremely poor quality. Sometimes these ‘fake photographers’ also vanish with your money!
Solution: Take your own camera and get the pictures printed later.

The scam: Most of the stores near the Taj Mahal sell souvenirs. Almost all these stores will tell you that the product is made from real “Makrana marble”—the same used in the making of the Taj. However, these are just cheap plaster replicas. Prices are drastically high.​
Solution: Only shop from government-approved emporiums for authentic marble souvenirs.