Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Freetown, Sierra Leone

All Topics about Freetown All Cities in Sierra Leone

1. Lumley Beach Scam

Avoid fake guides who overcharge for services or lead to empty shops. Be wary of lost items found 'by locals'.

Fake Guides: Avoid unnecessary costs by declining offers from unofficial guides.
Empty Shops: Shops may be empty but could overprice items when you visit.
Found Items: Be cautious of items 'found' and offered for sale, they might not belong to the person offering them.

Avoid overpriced taxis from the airport. Use pre-paid taxi services or negotiate a fair price beforehand.

Overpricing: Taxis from the airport may charge inflated prices for the same journey.
Pre-paid Services: Use pre-arranged or prepaid services to avoid overpricing.
Negotiation: Always negotiate prices beforehand to ensure a fair deal.

Verify change received in markets or shops. Always count your money immediately after a transaction.

Incorrect Change: Vendors may not give the correct change, especially with larger bills.
Count Money Immediately: Always count your money immediately after a transaction to avoid missing any change.
Market Shops: Markets and shops have a high volume of transactions, making it easy for incorrect change to occur.

Use reputable exchange offices. Be wary of unofficial exchangers offering unfavorable rates.

Unofficial Exchangers: Unofficial exchangers may offer unfavorable exchange rates or give you less money.
Reputable Offices: Choose reputable exchange offices for fair and accurate transactions.
Favorable Rates: Always compare rates between multiple exchange offices to ensure you're getting a good deal.

Book accommodation in advance. Be wary of accommodations that seem too cheap or overpriced.

Too Cheap: Cheaper accommodations may have poor conditions or hidden charges.
Overpriced: Overpriced accommodations may not offer the advertised facilities or services.
Advance Booking: Book your accommodation in advance to avoid scams and ensure availability.

Research restaurants beforehand. Avoid dining at popular tourist spots if prices seem too high.

Popular Tourist Spots: Prices in popular tourist spots may be inflated.
Research Restaurants: Researching restaurants beforehand can help you find affordable and delicious meals.
Avoid Overpricing: Avoid dining at overpriced restaurants to save money while enjoying your meal.

Buy sim cards from official retailers. Be wary of individuals offering 'special deals' on sim cards.

Individual Sellers: Individuals may sell you a faulty or fraudulent sim card.
Official Retailers: Buy your sim cards from official retailers to ensure they work properly.
Special Deals: Be wary of 'special deals' offered by individuals as they may not be legitimate.

Use registered guides. Be wary of unregistered guides offering their services at a lower price.

Unregistered Guides: Unregistered guides may not provide accurate information or charge inflated prices.
Registered Guides: Registered guides are trained and licensed to ensure you receive accurate information.
Lower Prices: Be cautious of lower prices offered by unregistered guides as they may not deliver on their promises.

Research charities before donating. Be wary of individuals asking for donations in the name of a charity.

Individuals Asking for Donations: Individuals may ask for donations pretending to represent a charity.
Research Charities: Research charities before donating to ensure your money goes to the intended cause.
Avoid Unsolicited Donation Requests: Avoid unsolicited donation requests, especially from individuals on the street.

Be wary of 'police officers' asking for bribes or money. Ask to see identification.

Bribes and Money: Police officers may ask for bribes or money, but they should not do so.
Identification: Ask to see identification from 'police officers' to confirm their legitimacy.
Report to Real Police Station: If in doubt, report the situation to a real police station for clarification.

Be wary of individuals offering gold or diamonds for sale. Check their authenticity at a reputable store.

Individuals Offering Gold/Diamonds: Gold and diamonds may be fake, so always check their authenticity.
Reputable Store: Take the gold or diamonds to a reputable store for verification before purchasing.
Avoid Overpricing: Be wary of overpricing as gold and diamonds can be expensive in Freetown.

Avoid giving money to beggars. Offer food or drink instead.

Money: Giving money to beggars may encourage more begging and not help them in the long term.
Food or Drink: Offering food or drink can provide immediate assistance without encouraging further begging.
Community Projects: Consider supporting community projects instead of giving money to individual beggars.

Research souvenir prices beforehand. Negotiate with vendors for a fair price.

Research Prices: Knowing the average price of souvenirs can help you avoid overpricing.
Negotiation: Always negotiate prices to ensure a fair deal.
Avoid Overpriced Shops: Stay away from shops that overprice their souvenirs.

Book accommodation in advance. Call the hotel to confirm reservations before arrival.

Advance Booking: Book your accommodation in advance to avoid scams and ensure availability.
Confirm Reservations: Call the hotel to confirm reservations before arrival to avoid any issues.
Overbooking: Be aware that some accommodations may overbook, so it's essential to confirm your reservation.

Book tours through registered tour operators. Avoid unregistered operators promising lower prices.

Registered Tour Operators: Choose registered tour operators for a reliable and safe experience.
Unregistered Operators: Unregistered operators may not deliver on their promises or offer poor service.
Lower Prices: Be wary of lower prices offered by unregistered operators as they may not be legitimate.