Maybe it's gotten worse due to the current economic crisis, or maybe it was just really bad luck, but multiple people we asked for help/directions tried to scam us ( by saying there's this amazing ceremony happening now and you have to take a tuktuk to get you there quickly, and waving to a seemingly random one from those passing on the street).
I have encountered hustlers countless times and never been scammed. Have a hard rule to never follow strangers. Take generously offered information and go your own way. Be careful of anyone being -too- friendly. The more time you spend interacting with strangers the sooner you start to learn how to spot a hustle from a mile away.
Most people are happy to help point someone in the right direction and maybe offer a tip or two. Tips from locals often reveal great chill spots to explore in a city that the tourist sites have not directed the masses at yet.
