Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Aba, Nigeria

All Topics about Aba All Cities in Nigeria

1. Aba Taxi Scam

Unscrupulous taxi drivers may overcharge or take long routes. Avoid this by agreeing on a price before starting your journey.

Pre-negotiated Price: Never start a journey without agreeing on the fare in advance
Avoid Late Night Travel: Travel during daylight hours to minimize the risk of being overcharged or scammed
Use Trusted Taxi Services: Opt for reliable taxi services recommended by locals or hotels

Counterfeit Nigerian Naira notes are prevalent. Check the authenticity of your cash carefully.

Feel and Look: Feel the texture and inspect the quality of the note
Use ATMs at Reputable Banks: Withdraw money from trusted banks or ATMs to minimize the risk of receiving counterfeit notes
Check Denomination: Pay close attention when receiving change, especially for large transactions

Some shopping malls may be fake, offering poor quality goods or none at all. Research shopping destinations before visiting.

Check Online Reviews: Look up reviews about the shopping center on reliable websites
Shop at Reputable Malls: Choose well-known, established shopping centers for a better shopping experience
Buy from Trusted Shops or Vendors: Purchase items only from trustworthy shops or vendors within the mall

Market vendors may overcharge tourists for goods. Haggle politely to get a fair price.

Haggle Politely: Negotiate prices with vendors while being respectful and considerate
Know the Market Value: Research common market prices for items before visiting Aba to avoid overpaying.
Avoid Busy Hours: Visit markets during off-peak hours to have more bargaining power

Be wary of friendly locals who offer help and then ask for money. Maintain a safe distance until you build trust.

Avoid Overly Friendly Strangers: Be cautious when interacting with overly friendly strangers, especially those who ask for money or favors.
Don't Share Personal Information: Refrain from sharing sensitive personal information with strangers in Aba
Use Trusted Tour Guides: Hire a reputable tour guide or join group tours to minimize the risk of falling victim to friendship scams.

SIM cards may be preloaded with false data or locked. Buy from authorized dealers and check before use.

Buy from Authorized Dealers: Purchase SIM cards only from official retailers or telecom service providers
Check Registration Status: Ensure the SIM card is properly registered and active before using it.
Avoid Buying from Street Vendors: Refrain from purchasing SIM cards from street vendors to minimize the risk of buying a fake or locked SIM card

ATMs may be rigged with skimmers to steal your card data. Use ATMs at reputable banks or inside shopping centers.

Use ATMs at Reputable Banks: Withdraw money from trusted banks or ATMs to minimize the risk of skimming
Check the ATM for Tampering: Inspect the ATM carefully for any unusual attachments or signs of tampering before using it.
Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad with your free hand when entering your PIN to prevent keylogging

Unlicensed drivers or buses may overcharge or take long routes at the motor park. Verify driver's license and agree on a fare before boarding.

Check Driver's License: Ask to see the driver's license before boarding any vehicle
Negotiate Fare Beforehand: Agree on a fare with the driver before boarding the vehicle to avoid overcharging
Avoid Overcrowded Vehicles: Choose less crowded vehicles to minimize the risk of being scammed or pickpocketed

Fraudulent police officers may ask for bribes or demand money. Carry a copy of your passport and travel documents.

Carry Copies of Travel Documents: Always have copies of your passport, visa, and other important travel documents on hand.
Know the Local Laws: Familiarize yourself with local laws to avoid unnecessary interactions with police officers
Stay Calm and Cooperative: If you encounter a suspicious officer, remain calm and cooperate while being cautious.

Restaurants may overcharge tourists. Ask for prices before ordering or negotiate with the owner.

Ask for Prices Before Ordering: Always ask for prices before ordering food to avoid being overcharged
Negotiate Prices: Negotiate prices with the owner or chef, especially if you order multiple dishes
Avoid Eating at Tourist Traps: Research local restaurants to find authentic and affordable food options.

Some gold sellers may offer low-quality or fake gold jewelry. Verify the authenticity of the gold before purchasing.

Check Gold Purity: Use a gold testing kit to check the purity of the gold
Buy from Reputable Jewelers: Purchase gold jewelry only from trusted and reputable jewelers
Haggle on Price but Not Quality: Negotiate the price but ensure the quality of the gold remains consistent

Some currency exchange bureaus may offer unfavorable exchange rates. Compare rates before exchanging money.

Compare Rates Before Exchanging: Compare the offered exchange rate with other nearby bureaus or use online resources
Choose Reputable Exchange Bureaus: Exchange money at well-established and reputable currency exchange bureaus
Avoid Exchanging Large Amounts: Exchange smaller amounts of money to minimize the risk of receiving counterfeit notes

Some goods in markets may be counterfeit. Inspect the quality and research brands before purchasing.

Inspect Quality of Goods: Examine the quality of the goods carefully, looking for signs of poor workmanship or low-quality materials
Research Brands: Research popular brands and compare them with the items you plan to purchase.
Buy from Trusted Shops or Vendors: Purchase items only from trustworthy shops or vendors within the market

Taxis outside the motor park may overcharge tourists or take long routes. Negotiate prices before getting in.

Negotiate Fare Beforehand: Always negotiate the fare with the driver before getting into the taxi
Avoid Overcrowded Taxis: Choose less crowded taxis to minimize the risk of being scammed or pickpocketed
Use Trusted Taxi Services: Opt for reliable taxi services recommended by locals or hotels

Some unlicensed guides may offer their services and then demand excessive fees. Ensure your guide is licensed and reputable.

Check for Guide License: Ask to see the guide's license before hiring them
Research Reputable Guides: Choose a licensed and reputable guide recommended by locals or hotels.
Negotiate Rates Upfront: Agree on the rate for the guided tour before starting your journey