Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Osogbo, Osun, Nigeria

All Topics about Osogbo All Cities in Nigeria

1. Taxi Scam Avoidance

Learn to identify overcharging taxi drivers in Osogbo and negotiate fair prices before starting your journey.

Know the Fixed Rates: Ask about the fixed rates for common destinations before you start your ride.
Negotiate Prices: Always negotiate the price with the driver before getting in the taxi.
Avoid Solo Travel at Night: Travel during daylight and avoid solo travel at night to minimize potential risks.

Avoid low-priced, unregistered hotels that may scam you with hidden fees or poor services.

Check Hotel Registration: Verify the hotel's registration and reputation online before booking.
Review Amenities: Ensure the hotel provides basic amenities, such as hot water, Wi-Fi, and a secure environment.
Inspect Your Room: Inspect your room for any damages before check-in to avoid being charged for them later.

Avoid exchanging money on the streets or with unlicensed vendors to prevent currency scams.

Use Registered Bureau de Change: Exchange your money at registered bureau de change offices.
Check Exchange Rates: Compare exchange rates between different offices before exchanging your currency.
Count Your Money Carefully: Count your money carefully immediately after the exchange to ensure you receive the correct amount.

Avoid eating street food that looks unhygienic or is served by unlicensed vendors to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Check Vendor's License: Look for a licensed vendor and ensure the food is properly cooked before consuming.
Avoid Undercooked Food: Avoid eating undercooked meat or fish to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination.
Stick to Busy Areas: Stick to busy areas with a high turnover of customers and food to minimize the risk of eating contaminated food.

Avoid unlicensed tour guides who may lead you to scams or poor-quality attractions.

Check Guide's Licensing: Verify the guide's licensing and registration with the local tourist authority.
Research Your Tour: Research your tour and its attractions in advance to ensure they are legitimate.
Negotiate Prices: Always negotiate the price with the guide before starting the tour.

Avoid overpriced items or fraudulent sellers in local markets to get a fair price.

Bargain for Prices: Always bargain for prices and be prepared to walk away if the seller is not willing to negotiate.
Avoid Unfamiliar Items: Stick to buying familiar items or research the local market beforehand to avoid buying fraudulent goods.
Check for Quality: Inspect the quality of the item before making a purchase to ensure it is worth the price.

Avoid using ATMs in isolated or unsecure locations to prevent ATM skimming and fraud.

Use Well-lit, Secure ATMs: Choose well-lit, secure ATMs located near banks or in heavily populated areas.
Cover Your Keypad: Cover your keypad when entering your PIN to prevent keyloggers and shoulder surfers.
Monitor Your Account: Regularly monitor your account for any unusual activity or charges.

Avoid cultural performances that are overpriced or use aggressive sales tactics to scam tourists.

Research Prices: Research the average prices for cultural performances in advance.
Avoid Aggressive Sales Tactics: Avoid performances that use aggressive sales tactics or follow you around insisting you attend.
Check the Quality of Performance: Research the quality and authenticity of the performance before attending.

Avoid purchasing transportation tickets from unauthorized vendors to prevent ticket scams.

Purchase Tickets at the Station: Always purchase your tickets at authorized ticket counters or vending machines.
Check for Validation: Ensure the ticket is validated and has a unique serial number.
Avoid Solo Travel at Night: Travel during daylight and avoid solo travel at night to minimize potential risks.

Avoid purchasing SIM cards from street vendors or unauthorized stores to prevent SIM card scams.

Purchase From Authorized Stores: Always purchase your SIM card from authorized stores or offices.
Check for Activation Charges: Ensure there are no hidden activation charges before purchasing the SIM card.
Secure Your Phone and Data: Secure your phone and data with strong passwords and lock screens to protect against hackers.

Avoid fake charities that may scam tourists by pretending to be in need.

Research Reputable Charities: Research reputable charities and their work before donating.
Ask for Proof of Legitimacy: Ask the charity for proof of legitimacy, such as a license or registration number.
Donate to Reputable Organizations: Only donate to reputable organizations with a proven track record of helping those in need.

Avoid using unsecured internet cafes to protect your personal information and devices.

Choose Secure Internet Cafés: Always choose secure internet cafes with a good reputation.
Use a VPN: Use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your online activity and protect your data.
Secure Your Device: Regularly update your device's software and use strong, unique passwords for added security.

Avoid booking accommodations through unauthorized websites or agents to prevent accommodation scams.

Book Through Reputable Websites: Always book your accommodation through reputable travel websites.
Check for Payment Protection: Ensure the website or agent offers payment protection in case of cancellations or issues.
Read Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests to ensure a positive experience.

Avoid exchanging money on the street or with unlicensed vendors to prevent currency scams.

Use Registered Bureau de Change: Exchange your money at registered bureau de change offices.
Check Exchange Rates: Compare exchange rates between different offices before exchanging your currency.
Count Your Money Carefully: Count your money carefully immediately after the exchange to ensure you receive the correct amount.

Avoid renting cars from unauthorized agencies or with hidden charges to prevent car rental scams.

Rent From Registered Agencies: Always rent your car from a registered agency.
Check for Hidden Charges: Ensure there are no hidden charges before signing the rental agreement.
Inspect Your Rental Car Carefully: Inspect your rental car for any damages before leaving the lot to avoid being charged later.