Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Kano, Kano, Nigeria

All Topics about Kano All Cities in Nigeria

1. Currency Exchange Scams

Be wary of unofficial currency exchange outlets offering unfavorable rates. Stick to banks or authorized exchange bureaus.

Official Establishment: Exchange only at recognized banks and exchange bureaus.
Avoid Street Transactions: Never exchange money on the street to avoid being scammed.
Check Rates: Always compare rates before exchanging your currency.

Avoid overpriced or non-existent transportation services. Negotiate prices before boarding.

Negotiate Prices: Always negotiate the price of your transportation service.
Avoid Street Haggling: Don't haggle on the street for transportation services to avoid being scammed.
Stick with Reputable Companies: Use reputable transportation companies to minimize risks.

Be cautious of unlicensed tour guides offering overpriced or poor-quality services. Confirm the guide's licensing and research tours in advance.

Confirm Licensing: Ask for a tour guide's license before proceeding.
Research Tours: Research and book tours through reputable companies.
Check Reviews: Read reviews of tour guides and companies before booking a tour.

Avoid accommodations that require large upfront payments or lack online presence. Book through reputable platforms or local recommendations.

Book Through Reputable Platforms: Book your accommodation through trusted online platforms.
Avoid Large Upfront Payments: Never pay large upfront payments for accommodations.
Check Local Recommendations: Seek recommendations from locals or other travelers when choosing accommodation.

Be cautious of overly friendly strangers offering assistance. Keep personal belongings secure and avoid discussing financial matters with strangers.

Keep Personal Belongings Secure: Keep your personal belongings close and secure.
Avoid Financial Discussions with Strangers: Do not discuss financial matters or share sensitive information with strangers.
Stick to Trusted Contacts: Stick to communicating with trusted contacts when in unfamiliar situations.

Be aware of overpriced items at local markets. Negotiate prices or compare with other sellers before buying.

Negotiate Prices: Always negotiate the price of goods at local markets.
Compare Prices with Other Sellers: Compare prices for similar items with other sellers before making a purchase.
Bargain within Reasonable Limits: Bargain within reasonable limits to avoid offending the seller.

Use ATMs located in banks or well-lit areas to minimize risks. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN and be aware of any suspicious activity.

Use Bank ATMs: Always use ATMs located inside banks or well-lit areas.
Cover Keypad when Entering PIN: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent shoulder surfing.
Monitor for Suspicious Activity: Be aware of any suspicious activity around the ATM and report it immediately.

Avoid buying SIM cards from street vendors. Purchase them at authorized retailers or through your mobile service provider.

Purchase from Authorized Retailers: Always purchase SIM cards from authorized retailers.
Avoid Street Vendors: Never buy a SIM card from street vendors to avoid scams.
Contact Your Mobile Provider: Contact your mobile service provider for information on purchasing a SIM card in Kano.

Ask to see the officer's identification if stopped by someone claiming to be a police officer. Report any suspicious activity to local authorities.

Request ID Verification: Always ask for identification when approached by someone claiming to be a police officer.
Report Suspicious Activity: Report any suspicious activity to local authorities immediately.
Stay Calm and Compliant: Stay calm and comply with the officer's requests while verifying their identity.

Be wary of organized begging groups who may use distractions to steal from you. Keep your belongings secure and avoid giving money directly.

Keep Belongings Secure: Keep your personal belongings close and secure when in public areas.
Avoid Direct Money Giving: Avoid giving money directly to beggars to minimize the risk of being scammed.
Report Suspicious Activity: Report any suspicious activity or organized begging groups to local authorities.

Be aware of hidden fees for services such as restroom access. Research common costs in Kano before traveling.

Research Common Costs: Research the average cost of services in Kano before your trip.
Avoid Hidden Fees: Ask about any additional fees before using a service.
Negotiate Fees if Possible: Negotiate the fee for services if possible to minimize costs.

Stay aware of your belongings and surroundings in crowded areas. Be cautious of pickpocketing or distraction scams.

Keep Belongings Secure: Keep your personal belongings close and secure when in crowded areas.
Stay Aware of Surroundings: Be aware of your surroundings and any suspicious activity in crowded areas.
Use a Secure Bag or Wallet: Use a secure bag or wallet to minimize the risk of pickpocketing.

Be cautious of fake charity collectors soliciting donations. Research legitimate charities in Kano before donating.

Research Legitimate Charities: Always research a charity's legitimacy before making a donation.
Avoid Direct Donations on the Street: Do not make direct donations to street collectors to avoid scams.
Contact the Charity Organization: Contact the charity organization directly for information on how to donate.

Be wary of individuals claiming to be traffic police officers demanding fines. Verify their identity and ask for a written citation.

Verify Identity: Always verify the identity of traffic police officers.
Ask for a Written Citation: Ask for a written citation if you receive a fine from a traffic officer.
Report Suspicious Activity: Report any suspicious activity or fraudulent fines to local authorities.

Be wary of gold sellers offering significantly overpriced items. Research market prices and negotiate fair prices for gold purchases.

Research Market Prices: Always research the current market price of gold before making a purchase.
Negotiate Fair Prices: Always negotiate fair prices for gold purchases.
Verify Gold Quality: Verify the quality of gold before making a purchase to avoid being scammed.