Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Benin City, Nigeria

All Topics about Benin City All Cities in Nigeria

1. Iron Market Scam Alert

Beware of pickpockets at the bustling Iron Market. Keep your belongings secure and negotiate prices confidently.

Crowded Area: Scammers often target busy markets like Iron Market.
Negotiating Prices: Know the fair price of items before negotiating to avoid overpaying.
Personal Belongings: Keep your valuables secure while shopping at the market.

Avoid unlicensed taxis and negotiate fares before getting in. Always use recognized taxi services.

Unlicensed Taxis: Unlicensed taxis may overcharge or take longer routes.
Negotiating Fares: Always negotiate fares before getting into a taxi.
Recognized Taxi Services: Use recognized taxi services like Danfo, Molue, or Yellow Cab.

Be cautious when exchanging money. Only use licensed money changers and check the exchange rate.

Licensed Money Changers: Avoid unlicensed money changers to ensure fair exchange rates.
Exchange Rates: Always compare exchange rates at different locations before deciding.
Currency Counterfeit: Inspect your money carefully to avoid receiving counterfeit currency.

Use trusted internet cafes and be wary of strangers asking for your personal information.

Trusted Internet Cafes: Choose reputable internet cafes to minimize the risk of hacking or scams.
Personal Information Protection: Never share sensitive information like passwords or financial details online.
Strangers Asking for Info: Be wary of strangers asking personal questions, especially in internet cafes.

Beware of low-quality or overpriced artworks at Square House. Research the artist and negotiate fairly.

Low-Quality Artworks: Some sellers may offer low-quality artworks at inflated prices.
Overpriced Items: Know the fair price of artwork before negotiating to avoid overpaying.
Research the Artist: Research the artist's reputation and work to ensure authenticity.

Stay vigilant on Okpella Road at night. Travel in well-lit areas and avoid isolated spots.

Nighttime Travel: Okpella Road can be dangerous for travelers at night.
Well-Lit Areas: Stick to well-lit areas when traveling at night on Okpella Road.
Avoid Isolated Spots: Avoid isolated spots or poorly lit areas on Okpella Road at night.

Stay alert when traveling on the Ogbomosho-Benin City highway. Don't stop for strangers offering help or directions.

Traveling on the Highway: The Ogbomosho-Benin City highway can be risky due to scammers and thieves.
Strangers Offering Help: Ignore offers of help or directions from strangers on the highway.
Stay Alert and Vigilant: Stay alert and vigilant when traveling on the Ogbomosho-Benin City highway.

Be cautious at Olobenni Market. Keep your belongings secure and negotiate prices fairly.

Crowded Area: Scammers often target busy markets like Olobenni.
Negotiating Prices: Know the fair price of items before negotiating to avoid overpaying.
Personal Belongings: Keep your valuables secure while shopping at Olobenni Market.

Check the room for hidden cameras or locks before settling in. Be wary of rooms with broken locks.

Hidden Cameras: Some hotels may install hidden cameras in rooms for privacy invasions.
Broken Locks: Rooms with broken locks could be easy targets for theft.
Check Room Conditions: Always check the room for any suspicious items before settling in.

Use ATMs located inside banks or well-lit areas. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

Inside Banks or Well-Lit Areas: ATMs outside of banks or in dark areas may be targeted by scammers.
Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent shoulder surfing.
Monitor Your Account Regularly: Regularly monitor your account for any suspicious transactions.

Beware of aggressive sellers offering dubious artifacts at the Benin Palace. Only purchase from authorized vendors.

Aggressive Sellers: Some sellers may be overly pushy, potentially selling fake or stolen items.
Authorized Vendors: Only purchase from vendors authorized by the palace to ensure authenticity.
Know the Fair Price: Research the fair price of artifacts before purchasing to avoid overpaying.

Be cautious at Igun Street. Negotiate prices fairly and research the artist before purchasing.

Crowded Area: Scammers often target busy areas like Igun Street.
Negotiating Prices: Know the fair price of items before negotiating to avoid overpaying.
Research the Artist: Research the artist's reputation and work to ensure authenticity.

Be cautious at Ogbe Market. Keep your belongings secure and negotiate prices fairly.

Crowded Area: Scammers often target busy markets like Ogbe.
Negotiating Prices: Know the fair price of items before negotiating to avoid overpaying.
Personal Belongings: Keep your valuables secure while shopping at Ogbe Market.

Stay vigilant on the Uselu-Ososo highway. Don't stop for strangers offering help or directions.

Traveling on the Highway: The Uselu-Ososo highway can be risky due to scammers and thieves.
Strangers Offering Help: Ignore offers of help or directions from strangers on the highway.
Stay Alert and Vigilant: Stay alert and vigilant when traveling on the Uselu-Ososo highway.

Use trusted okada riders and negotiate fares before getting on. Always wear a helmet.

Trusted Okada Riders: Avoid unlicensed or unsafe okada riders to minimize the risk of accidents.
Negotiating Fares: Always negotiate fares before getting on an okada.
Wear a Helmet: Always wear a helmet when riding an okada to ensure safety.