Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Pointe-Noire, Congo (Brazzaville)
1. Taxi Scams
Avoid overcharging and unofficial drivers by agreeing on a fare before starting the journey. Always use registered taxi stands.
- Registered Taxi Stands: Offer a safer and more reliable transportation option.
- Agreeing on Fare: Prevents unexpected price increases during the journey.
- Avoid Unofficial Drivers: Helps to ensure a legal and insured driver.
2. Currency Exchange Scams
Exchange money only at official banks or authorized exchange offices. Be wary of street vendors offering unfavorable rates.
- Official Banks: Ensures a fair and legitimate exchange rate.
- Authorized Exchange Offices: Provides a secure and efficient exchange service.
- Street Vendors: May offer unofficial or unfavorable rates.
3. Counterfeit Goods
Purchase goods from reputable stores to avoid buying counterfeit items. Be cautious when shopping in unlicensed markets.
- Reputable Stores: Sells authentic and high-quality products.
- Unlicensed Markets: May offer counterfeit or low-quality goods.
- Brand Reputation: Avoid products that are priced significantly cheaper than other stores.
4. Fraudulent Tour Guides
Book licensed tour guides through a reputable travel agency. Avoid unsolicited offers of tours from strangers.
- Reputable Travel Agencies: Provides licensed and knowledgeable tour guides.
- Licensed Tour Guides: Ensures a safe, informative, and enjoyable experience.
- Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Prevents potential scams or safety concerns.
5. Credit Card Fraud
Use credit cards only at reputable establishments and monitor transactions closely. Keep your card secure at all times.
- Reputable Establishments: Reduces the risk of fraudulent activities.
- Monitor Transactions: Allows for quick detection and resolution of any fraudulent activity.
- Keep Your Card Secure: Prevents card theft or unauthorized use.
6. Overpriced Accommodation
Reserve accommodations through reputable booking platforms or hotels with good reviews. Avoid offers that seem too good to be true.
- Reputable Booking Platforms: Offers a secure and convenient reservation process.
- Hotels with Good Reviews: Provides high-quality service and accommodations.
- Avoid Offers Too Good to Be True: Prevents potential scams or low-quality accommodations.
7. Fraudulent Police Stops
Stay in populated areas and keep essential belongings hidden. Always ask for official identification if stopped by police officers.
- Populated Areas: Reduces the risk of encountering fraudulent police stops.
- Official Identification: Ensures that the officer is legitimate and authorised.
- Keep Essential Belongings Hidden: Prevents theft or loss during a fraudulent stop.
8. ATM Skimming
Use ATMs located at banks or in well-lit and busy areas. Cover the keypad with your other hand when entering your PIN.
- ATMs Located at Banks: Offers increased security and reduces the risk of skimming.
- Well-Lit and Busy Areas: Deterring potential thieves or scammers.
- Cover the Keypad: Prevents keylogging devices from capturing your PIN.
9. Overpriced Local SIM Cards
Purchase local SIM cards at authorized mobile operator stores or official resellers. Be wary of street vendors offering cheaper options.
- Authorized Mobile Operator Stores: Offers legitimate and affordable SIM card prices.
- Official Resellers: Provides a secure and convenient purchase process.
- Street Vendors: May offer counterfeit or overpriced SIM cards.
10. Gold Scams
Purchase gold jewelry at reputable stores or from trusted locals. Be cautious when shopping in unlicensed markets.
- Reputable Stores: Ensures a fair price and high-quality product.
- Trusted Locals: Offers a reliable and trustworthy purchasing option.
- Avoid Unlicensed Markets: May sell counterfeit or low-quality gold jewelry.
11. Begging Scams
Give to legitimate charities instead of giving money directly. Be cautious when approached by individuals requesting assistance.
- Legitimate Charities: Ensures that your donation goes towards a trustworthy cause.
- Avoid Direct Assistance: Prevents potential scams or exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
- Be Cautious with Approaches: Ensures that you are not being targeted for a scam.
12. Overpriced Food and Drink
Avoid street food vendors with poor hygiene or unclean conditions. Haggle prices at markets but be reasonable.
- Street Vendors with Good Hygiene: Ensures a safe and clean dining experience.
- Markets with Reasonable Prices: Offers competitive pricing on local cuisine.
- Avoid Overpriced Options: Prevents potential scams or high-priced food and drink.
13. Fraudulent Internet Cafes
Use well-established internet cafes with good reviews. Be cautious when entering personal information online.
- Well-Established Internet Cafes: Provides a secure and efficient internet service.
- Good Reviews: Ensures a positive customer experience.
- Be Cautious with Personal Information: Prevents identity theft or unauthorized access.
14. Scams Involving Transportation Tickets
Purchase transportation tickets only at authorized ticket booths. Be cautious when approached by individuals offering discounted or counterfeit tickets.
- Authorized Ticket Booths: Ensures a legitimate purchase process.
- Avoid Discounted or Counterfeit Tickets: Prevents potential scams or safety concerns.
- Be Cautious with Approaches: Ensures that you are not being targeted for a scam.
15. Fake Souvenirs and Artwork
Purchase souvenirs and artwork from reputable shops or artists. Be cautious when shopping in unlicensed markets.
- Reputable Shops: Ensures a high-quality product and fair price.
- Artists with Good Reputation: Provides authentic artwork and craftsmanship.
- Avoid Unlicensed Markets: May sell counterfeit or low-quality souvenirs and artwork.