Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Bafoussam, Ouest, Cameroon

1. Marché Central Scam

Avoid overpriced goods or counterfeit items at the bustling Central Market. Be wary of pushy vendors.

Avoid unofficial taxis or those without meters. Be cautious of drivers offering fixed prices for long distances.

Registered Taxis: Only use registered taxis with working meters.
Know Fares: Learn standard fares for common routes.
Use Map Apps: Use map apps to determine a fair fare and help navigate the city.

Avoid unofficial currency exchanges. Be wary of rates that seem too good to be true.

Official Bureaus: Use official banks or bureaux de change for currency exchange.
Online Research: Research current exchange rates before travel.
Avoid Hasty Decisions: Do not rush into exchanging large amounts of money.

Ensure street food vendors are hygienic and use safe practices. Avoid foods that look or smell unusual.

Hygiene: Look for clean, busy food stalls with fresh ingredients.
Local Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations on safe and delicious street foods.
Cooking Techniques: Stay away from foods that are left out or cooked in unsanitary conditions.

Avoid booking accommodation without reviews or recommendations. Be wary of properties with no visible address.

Avoid unofficial or overly pushy guides. Research licensed guides and their itineraries.

Licensed Guides: Book a licensed guide registered with local tourism authorities.
Check Reviews: Review guides' itineraries and customer feedback online.
Ask for ID: Ask your guide to provide identification.

Avoid selling tickets or overpriced goods related to local festivals. Be wary of overly friendly locals offering festival information.

Official Festival Sites: Get festival information from official websites or recognized tourist offices.
Festival Schedule: Know the dates and locations of upcoming festivals.
Avoid Overspending: Budget for festival-related expenses before attending.

Avoid ATMs in secluded or poorly lit areas. Be cautious of ATMs with broken screens or card readers.

Well-lit Locations: Use ATMs in well-lit, visible locations.
Security Features: Look for ATMs with security cameras and a card reader that is inserted into the machine.
Limit Cash Withdrawals: Limit cash withdrawals to necessary amounts.

Avoid unofficial SIM card vendors. Be cautious of unfamiliar or overly complex plans.

Official Shops: Buy a SIM card from official mobile operator stores.
Ask for Assistance: Request assistance if unsure about the plan or pricing.
Check Data Usage: Understand and monitor your data usage to avoid unexpected charges.

Avoid giving personal information or money to strangers posing as police officers.

Verification: Verify the officer's identity by asking for their identification and contact local authorities if unsure.
Protect Personal Information: Never share sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers.
Stay Calm and Confident: Maintain a calm demeanor and ask for clarification if needed.

Avoid giving money to street beggars or unknown charities. Research local verified charities.

Verified Charities: Donate to established and reputable charities.
Avoid Cash Donations: Make donations through secure payment methods, not in cash.
Stay Aware of Scams: Be cautious of individuals or situations that seem suspicious.

Avoid using unsecured internet cafés. Be cautious of unfamiliar computer software or malware.

Secure Internet Cafes: Use only secure internet cafés with up-to-date antivirus software.
Create Strong Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts.
Avoid Financial Transactions: Do not perform financial transactions on public computers.

Be wary of strangers who attempt to befriend you for personal gain. Be cautious of unsolicited financial requests.

Trust Your Instincts: Listen to your instincts and avoid sharing sensitive information with strangers.
Check Information: Verify information shared by new acquaintances through research or reliable sources.
Avoid Financial Transactions: Do not send money to individuals you don't know well.

Avoid purchasing tickets from unofficial sources. Be cautious of ticket prices that seem too good to be true.

Official Sources: Book airline tickets through official travel agencies or airline websites.
Research Airlines: Research airlines for their reputation and safety standards.
Understand the Fine Print: Read and understand all terms and conditions before making a purchase.

Avoid investment opportunities from unverified sources. Be cautious of promises that seem too good to be true.

Check Credentials: Research the background and credentials of individuals or companies offering investments.
Ask for Professional Advice: Seek advice from financial professionals before making investment decisions.
Invest Wisely: Invest only in opportunities that align with your financial goals and risk tolerance.