Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Akure, Nigeria
1. Makun Market Scam Warning
Avoid overpriced goods or counterfeit items in Makun Market. Always negotiate prices beforehand.
- Price Negotiation: Negotiating prices can help you get a fair deal.
- Counterfeit Goods: Be aware of counterfeit goods being sold in the market.
- Overpriced Items: Some items may be overpriced, so bargaining is necessary.
2. Transportation Taxi Scams
Avoid overcharging and taxi drivers refusing to use the meter. Always negotiate prices before starting the journey.
- Price Negotiation: Negotiating prices can help you get a fair deal.
- Using the Meter: Insist on the taxi driver using the meter for fare calculation.
- Overcharging: Be aware that some taxi drivers may overcharge unsuspecting tourists.
3. ATM Scams at Shopping Malls
Protect your card and PIN when using ATMs at shopping malls. Be cautious of skimming devices and avoid using ATMs that seem tampered with.
- Skimming Devices: Be aware of skimming devices being used to steal card information.
- Tampered ATMs: Avoid using ATMs that appear tampered with or suspicious.
- Card and PIN Protection: Always protect your card and PIN when using an ATM.
4. Currency Exchange Scams
Avoid exchanging money at unofficial exchange offices. Only use authorized exchange bureaus or banks.
- Unofficial Exchange Offices: Avoid exchanging money at unauthorized exchange points.
- Authorized Exchange Bureaus: Use only authorized exchange bureaus or banks for currency exchange.
- Favorable Rates: Look for competitive exchange rates when exchanging money.
5. Hotel Booking Scams
Book hotels through reputable channels. Be wary of hotels that offer unusually low prices or require upfront payment without a reservation.
- Reputable Channels: Book your hotel through trusted travel agencies, online booking platforms, or official hotel websites.
- Unusually Low Prices: Be wary of hotels offering prices that seem too good to be true.
- Upfront Payment Requirement: Avoid hotels requiring payment upfront without a reservation confirmation.
6. Tour Guide Scams
Choose licensed tour guides. Be cautious of tour guides who offer services without proper documentation.
- Licensed Tour Guides: Always choose a licensed and registered tour guide.
- Proper Documentation: Ask for proper identification and documentation from your tour guide.
- Tour Price Negotiation: Negotiate prices with your tour guide before starting the tour.
7. Street Food Scams
Avoid eating street food from unhygienic vendors. Stick to well-known restaurants or food stalls.
- Unglientic Vendors: Avoid eating food from vendors with poor hygiene conditions.
- Well-Known Restaurants or Food Stalls: Stick to reputable restaurants or food stalls for a safer dining experience.
- Food Poisoning Risk: Eating from unhygienic vendors can increase the risk of food poisoning.
8. Beggar Scams
Be cautious of people who ask for help or money in crowded areas. Be aware that some beggars may be part of organized scams.
- Crowded Areas: Be more vigilant in crowded areas where pickpocketing and scams are more common.
- Organized Scams: Some beggars may be part of organized crime networks.
- Giving Money: Consider donating to reputable charities instead of giving money directly to beggars.
9. Internet Café Scams
Protect your personal information when using internet cafes. Be cautious of keyloggers and other malware threats.
- Keyloggers: Be aware that some internet cafes may use keyloggers to steal your passwords.
- Malware Threats: Protect your device from malware threats by using a reliable antivirus software.
- Personal Information Protection: Avoid accessing sensitive information or logging into personal accounts on public computers.
10. Fraudulent Police Officers
Be aware of fraudulent police officers who may attempt to extort money or valuables. If stopped by a police officer, ask for identification and contact your embassy.
- Fraudulent Police Officers: Some police officers may pose as genuine officers to extort money or valuables.
- Ask for Identification: Always ask the police officer for identification and verify their authenticity.
- Contact Embassy: If you encounter a suspicious situation, contact your embassy immediately for assistance.
11. Fake Customs Agents
Be aware of fake customs agents who may demand bribes or ask for unnecessary documents. Always ask for official identification and contact your embassy.
- Demanding Bribes: Some fake customs agents may demand bribes from unsuspecting travelers.
- Official Identification: Always ask for official identification from customs agents.
- Unnecessary Documents: Avoid giving unnecessary documents to custom officials.
12. Fraudulent Money Exchange
Be wary of fraudulent money exchange shops. Only use authorized exchange bureaus or banks for currency exchange.
- Authorized Exchange Bureaus: Use only authorized exchange bureaus or banks for currency exchange.
- Fraudulent Money Exchange Shops: Avoid unauthorized money exchange shops that may offer unfavorable rates or try to cheat customers.
- Favorable Rates: Look for competitive exchange rates when exchanging money.
13. Mobile Phone Scams
Protect your phone and SIM card from theft. Be cautious of unknown individuals offering to help with your phone or SIM card issues.
- Phone Theft: Be aware that thieves may try to steal your mobile phone.
- SIM Card Issues: Be cautious of unknown individuals offering help with your SIM card issues, as they might attempt to steal your personal information.
- Personal Information Protection: Avoid sharing sensitive information about your phone or SIM card with strangers.
14. Fraudulent Charities
Be wary of fake charities that may claim to help the needy but are actually scams. Research and verify legitimate charities before donating.
- Research: Research charities before donating to ensure they are legitimate.
- Fake Charities: Some fake charities may pose as genuine organizations but are actually scams.
- Donation Scams: Be cautious of individuals or organizations asking for donations without a verifiable cause.
15. Fraudulent Ticket Sales
Buy tickets from authorized ticket sellers only. Avoid buying tickets from street vendors or unauthorized sources.
- Authorized Ticket Sellers: Always buy tickets from official ticket booths, authorized agents, or reputable online platforms.
- Street Vendors: Avoid buying tickets from street vendors, as they may be fake or overpriced.
- Unauthorized Sources: Be wary of unauthorized sources selling event tickets. They may offer counterfeit or invalid tickets.