Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti, Nigeria
1. Taxi Scams
Avoid overcharging and fake taxis by confirming the price before starting the journey and using registered taxi services.
- Price Confirmation: Agree on a price before starting the journey to prevent overcharging.
- Registered Taxi Services: Use registered taxi services for safety and reliability.
- Avoid Isolated Areas: Avoid traveling alone in isolated areas, especially at night.
2. Fake Currency Exchange Offices
Avoid exchanging money in unofficial or street-side currency exchange offices. Use banks or authorized bureaus de change for a secure and fair exchange rate.
- Banks and Authorized Bureaus: Exchange money in banks or authorized bureaus de change.
- Avoid Street-Side Offices: Avoid exchanging money on the street to prevent being given counterfeit currency.
- Check Exchange Rates: Compare exchange rates before deciding where to change your money.
3. Pickpocketing
Keep your belongings secure and avoid overly crowded areas to prevent pickpocketing.
- Secure Belongings: Keep your valuables in a secure location, such as a hidden pocket or a locked bag.
- Avoid Crowded Areas: Avoid overly crowded areas and keep an eye on your belongings.
- Use Safety Deposit Boxes: Store valuable items in a safety deposit box at your hotel when not in use.
4. Mobile Phone Scams
Avoid using unsecured Wi-Fi networks and be cautious about unknown calls or text messages to prevent mobile phone scams.
- Secure Wi-Fi: Use secure Wi-Fi networks, such as those provided by your hotel.
- Unknown Calls and Texts: Do not answer unknown calls or texts; they may be scams.
- Install Antivirus Software: Install antivirus software on your mobile device to protect it from potential threats.
5. Fraudulent Guides and Tour Operators
Avoid unofficial guides and tour operators; use registered services for a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Registered Services: Use registered guides and tour operators to ensure professional service.
- Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Do not accept unsolicited offers of guiding services, as they may be fraudulent.
- Check Reviews: Read reviews and check for recommendations before booking a guide or tour operator.
6. ATM Scams
Use ATMs located in well-lit, populated areas during daylight hours to avoid skimming and other scams.
- Well-Lit, Populated Areas: Use ATMs in well-lit, populated areas for safety.
- Daylight Hours: Use ATMs during daylight hours to prevent potential scams.
- Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent keylogging devices.
7. Fraudulent Accommodation Bookings
Book accommodation through reputable channels or agencies to avoid fraudulent bookings.
- Reputable Channels: Use well-known booking sites or reputable travel agents for your accommodations.
- Inspect the Property: Inspect the property before making a payment to ensure it exists and meets expectations.
- Check Reviews: Read reviews and check for recommendations before booking accommodations.
8. Tourist Traps
Avoid overpriced shops and restaurants in touristy areas; explore local neighborhoods for authentic experiences.
- Local Neighborhoods: Explore local neighborhoods to find authentic shops and restaurants.
- Avoid Touristy Areas: Avoid overpriced shops and restaurants in touristy areas.
- Bargain: Always bargain for prices in local markets to get a fair deal.
9. Scams at Local Markets
Beware of counterfeit goods and overpriced items at local markets. Haggle to find fair prices.
- Haggle: Always haggle for prices in local markets to get a fair deal.
- Check Quality: Inspect items carefully before purchasing to avoid counterfeit goods.
- Avoid Rush Sales: Do not rush purchases, as this can lead to overpaying or purchasing low-quality items.
10. Fraudulent Local Transportation
Use registered transportation services, such as buses and trains, to avoid fraudulent operators.
- Registered Services: Use registered transportation services for safety.
- Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Do not accept unsolicited offers of transportation services, as they may be fraudulent.
- Check Schedules and Routes: Verify schedules and routes before boarding any transportation service.
11. Counterfeit Goods
Avoid purchasing counterfeit goods from street vendors or unofficial shops to prevent legal issues.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Do not purchase goods from street vendors, as they may be selling counterfeits.
- Unofficial Shops: Do not shop in unofficial or illegitimate stores.
- Know the Laws: Understand the laws regarding counterfeit goods and their penalties before making any purchases.
12. Begging Scams
Avoid giving money to beggars, as some may be part of organized scams. Offer assistance or food instead.
- Assistance or Food: Offer assistance or food instead of money to those in need.
- Organized Scams: Be aware that some beggars may be part of organized scams.
- Avoid Alleyways: Avoid alleyways and dark, isolated areas where you may encounter more beggars.
13. Fraudulent Charities
Only donate to reputable charities or organizations; avoid street-side collections and unverified charity campaigns.
- Reputable Charities: Donate only to reputable charities or organizations.
- Avoid Street-Side Collections: Do not donate to street-side collections, as they may be fraudulent.
- Research Charities: Research charities before donating to ensure your contribution is going to a legitimate cause.
14. Transportation Scams on Motorcycles (Okada)
Use registered motorcycle taxi services (Okada) and agree on a fare before starting the journey to avoid overcharging or scams.
- Registered Services: Use only registered Okada services for safety.
- Agree on Fare: Agree on a fare before starting the journey to prevent overcharging.
- Avoid Isolated Areas: Avoid traveling alone in isolated areas, especially at night.
15. Scams Involving Local Guides or Tourist Assistants
Only use registered local guides or tourist assistants to avoid potential scams; negotiate fees upfront and confirm their legitimacy.
- Registered Services: Use only registered local guides or tourist assistants for a safe experience.
- Negotiate Fees Upfront: Negotiate fees upfront to avoid potential overcharging.
- Confirm Legitimacy: Confirm the guide's or assistant's legitimacy before accepting their services.