Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Abuja, Nigeria

1. Currency Exchange Scams

Watch out for overpriced exchange rates at unofficial currency exchange spots. Stick to banks or authorized bureau de change.

Official vs Unofficial: Understand the difference between official and unofficial currency exchange spots
Rates Comparison: Always compare rates before exchanging currency
Secure Transactions: Avoid exchanging large amounts of money in secluded areas or at unattended booths

Be wary of taxi drivers who overcharge or take longer routes. Use prepaid taxis or ride-hailing apps for a fixed price.

Prepaid Taxis: Use prepaid taxi services available at the airport or major hotels
Ride-Hailing Apps: Download and use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Taxify for fixed pricing
Fixed Routes: Ask the driver to confirm the route before starting your journey

Be suspicious of street vendors who offer cultural gifts, claiming they are a customary gift. Politely refuse such offers.

Customary Gifts: Know that customary gifts are not expected from tourists
Suspicious Vendors: Be cautious of vendors who seem overly insistent on selling you something
Report Scams: If confronted with a scam, report the incident to local authorities or your embassy

Cover the keypad when entering your PIN and never let the machine dispense multiple receipts. Be aware of card skimming devices.

Keypad Covering: Cover the keypad with your other hand when entering your PIN
Multiple Receipts: Avoid accepting multiple receipts and tear them up after use
Card Skimming: Inspect ATMs for any unusual devices before using them

Police officers do not demand money or personal belongings. Do not comply if someone impersonating a police officer asks for money or valuables.

Real Police Behavior: Police officers will never ask for money or demand your personal belongings
Verification Procedure: Ask the officer to identify themselves and show their badge if necessary
Report Impersonators: If you suspect someone is impersonating a police officer, report them immediately to local authorities

Beware of vendors offering preloaded SIM cards. Purchase SIM cards from authorized retailers and follow instructions carefully.

Authorized Retailers: Buy SIM cards only from authorized retailers like shops or service centers
Instructions Care: Follow the instructions provided when activating your SIM card carefully
Data Protection: Protect your phone and personal data by setting a password or using biometrics

Be cautious when approached for charitable donations, as some people may take advantage of your kindness. Donate to reputable organizations instead.

Reputable Organizations: Research and donate to known and trusted charity organizations
Scam Identification: Avoid giving money to individuals who ask for it on the street, especially those who follow you persistently
Safe Locations: Donate at safe and secure locations like banks or embassies

Do not open unknown packages or accept lost items. Report any found property to the police instead.

Unopened Packages: Do not open any packages or items you find on the street
Report Found Property: If you find lost property, report it to the police instead of keeping it
Personal Belongings Security: Keep your personal belongings secure at all times to avoid losing them

Buy tickets only from authorized vendors or venues to avoid overpriced or fake tickets. Be wary of ticket scalpers.

Authorized Vendors: Purchase tickets only from authorized vendors, such as the venue's box office
Scalper Identification: Identify ticket scalpers by their aggressive selling tactics and high prices
Event Verification: Confirm the event's legitimacy before purchasing tickets to avoid scams

Avoid unofficial guides and always use registered tour guides provided by local tourist agencies.

Registered Tour Guides: Use only registered and licensed tour guides for sightseeing
Unofficial Guide Identification: Identify unofficial guides by their lack of registration badges or licenses
Tourist Agency Verification: Verify the tourism agency's authenticity before booking any tours

Shop only at reputable stores and markets. Be wary of overpriced or counterfeit goods.

Reputable Shops: Shop only at well-known, reputable stores
Overpriced Goods: Avoid shops that offer overpriced goods or counterfeit items
Market Verification: Confirm the market's legitimacy before shopping to avoid scams

Be cautious when dining out. Check the menu prices carefully and verify any additional charges.

Menu Price Verification: Verify the prices on the menu before ordering food or drinks
Additional Charges: Ask about any additional charges, such as service fees or VAT
Reputable Restaurants: Choose reputable restaurants for dining to avoid scams

Book accommodations only through trustworthy websites or travel agencies. Inspect the property and confirm prices before finalizing your reservation.

Trustworthy Websites: Book accommodation only through well-known and trusted online booking platforms
Property Inspection: Inspect the property before finalizing your reservation
Price Verification: Confirm the prices and any additional fees before finalizing your reservation

Attend only officially recognized festivals. Be wary of unofficial events that may turn out to be scams.

Officially Recognized Festivals: Attend only officially recognized and sanctioned festivals
Unofficial Event Identification: Identify unofficial events by their lack of official announcements or advertisements
Security Measures: Ensure the festival has adequate security measures in place to protect attendees

Be cautious when using internet cafés. Avoid logging into sensitive accounts and be wary of any suspicious activities.

Sensitive Accounts: Do not log into sensitive accounts, such as banking or email, on public computers
Suspicious Activities: Be wary of any suspicious activities, like someone looking over your shoulder while you are using the computer
Virus Protection: Ensure that the internet café has adequate virus protection in place