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100% a scam. Legitimate whale watching companies in Mirissa do not sell tickets through street touts in Colombo (which is 3 hours away). These touts will sell you fake paper vouchers or book you onto illegal, tiny speedboats that harass the whales and break all Coast Guard rules. Walk away. Only book directly through the websites of ethical operators like Raja and the Whales.
Colombo touts lie about everything. Do not buy any tour tickets from them on the street.
If you show up in Mirissa with one of those fake vouchers, the boats will just laugh at you.
Scam Watch: colombo
Driver claims the meter is broken and quotes an inflated flat rate. Common on arrival at airport or railway stations when tourists are tired and disoriented.
Drivers wearing official-looking uniforms claim to be "government-approved" and charge 3-5x normal rates. They may have fake badges or ID cards.
Women with babies approach asking you to buy milk powder at a nearby shop (not cash). The shop is run by accomplices and charges 5-10x normal price.
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