Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Agege, Lagos, Nigeria

1. Agege Market Scam

Be wary of overpriced or counterfeit goods. Always bargain and check quality.

Price Verification: Always cross-check prices with other vendors for fairness.
Quality Assurance: Inspect items thoroughly before purchase to avoid buying substandard goods.
Trusted Vendors: Establish relationships with trusted vendors for repeat business.

Ensure the taxi meter is on and negotiate fare before starting journey.

Use reputable exchange centers for converting money. Be aware of poor exchange rates.

Exchange Center Reputation: Research and use only well-known and trusted exchange centers.
Fair Exchange Rates: Compare exchange rates with other providers for fairness.
Secure Transactions: Ensure your money is safely exchanged and received.

Use well-lit, secure ATMs. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

Secure Location: Choose ATMs in well-lit and busy areas for safety.
ATM Security Features: Look for tamper-evident seals on the ATM to ensure it's not compromised.
PIN Protection: Cover your PIN when entering to prevent others from seeing.

Use secure Wi-Fi networks and be cautious of suspicious emails or files.

Secure Wi-Fi: Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions.
Suspicious Content: Be wary of emails or files that ask for personal information.
Antivirus Software: Install antivirus software to protect your device from threats.

Research and book legitimate tour guides through reputable agencies.

Reputable Agency: Book tours through well-known travel agencies or providers.
Legitimate Guide: Check for proper credentials and licensing of your guide.
Fair Pricing: Compare pricing with other tour providers for fairness.

Avoid giving money to beggars, instead donate to reputable charities.

Reputable Charity: Donate to well-known and trusted charities for maximum impact.
Empowerment: Support long-term solutions that help people become self-sufficient.
Safety: Avoid putting yourself or your belongings at risk by giving money directly.

Eat at busy and popular street food vendors to avoid contamination.

Popular Vendor: Choose street food vendors with many customers for freshness.
Clean Preparation: Look for clean preparation surfaces and gloves to ensure safety.
Local Recommendations: Ask locals for their favorite street food vendors for authenticity.

Book through reputable hotel providers and verify room before occupying.

Buy sim cards from authorized retailers and avoid unofficial street vendors.

Authorized Retailer: Purchase sim cards from official retailers for authenticity.
Registration: Register the sim card to prevent unauthorized use.
Data Protection: Protect your data by using a secure device and password.

Buy tickets from authorized vendors for events or attractions.

Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls requesting personal information.

Unsolicited Call: Avoid sharing sensitive information during unsolicited calls.
Caller Identity: Verify the caller's identity before providing any details.
Bank Representatives: Banks will never ask for personal or sensitive information over the phone.

If you lose an item, report it immediately to local authorities.

Ask for proper identification before providing personal information.

Proper Identification: Legitimate police officers will show their identification.
Verification: Call the local police station to verify an officer's identity.
Information Sharing: Do not share sensitive information with anyone claiming to be a police officer.

Be cautious of fake emergencies requesting money or personal information.

Verification: Verify the emergency by contacting the alleged victim or organization.
Personal Information: Do not share sensitive information during fake emergencies.
Reporting: Report scams to local authorities for investigation.