Beyond the standard dangers of travelling in India thieves, hustlers, touts, questionable drinking water, Jaipur has developed its own set of unique scams.
the gem scam
You may be accosted by youths on motorbikes who claim that Westernersare unwilling to engage with the Indian people."Why don't tourists want to talk to me",or "I am a student, I want to learn about your culture"is the normal opener. The scam artist then changes their tune and invites the traveller to drink tea.Often the tourist will only be told of the gem stones the next day or after dinner. Usually it is some sort of tax problem. The unwitting mark is then sold fake stones for resale in his/her home country.Even if stones are posted in front of your eyes,you are more likely to see Elvis than the gems again.As a general rule, do not accept tea from strangers, but in addition be wary of any who invite you to talk in secluded areas.
There have been reports of smugglers trying to entice travellers to assist in smuggling items. Under no circumstances accept - smuggling is a major criminal act.