Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Bamenda, North-West, Cameroon

All Topics about Bamenda All Cities in Cameroon

1. Mile 14 Market Scam

Be wary of overpriced or counterfeit goods at Mile 14 Market. Always negotiate prices and check quality.

Price Gouging: Some vendors may charge exorbitant prices for common items.
Counterfeit Goods: Fraudulent goods are sold in the market, especially popular brands.
Unwanted Attention: Aggressive vendors may follow tourists to make a sale.

Be cautious of taxi drivers who overcharge or take a longer route in Mankon Taxi Park.

Overcharging: Drivers may quote inflated prices for short distances.
Longer Routes: Some drivers take a longer route to drive up the fare.
Colluding Drivers: Groups of drivers may conspire to overcharge unsuspecting tourists.

Be careful when exchanging money at unofficial exchange points. Use authorized exchange offices for safe transactions.

Unfavorable Rates: Unofficial exchange points may offer less favorable rates.
Counterfeit Money: Some unofficial exchange points may provide counterfeit money.
Theft: Exchanging money in unsafe locations can expose your funds to theft.

Avoid guides who claim to be official but are not. Always confirm the guide's legitimacy with local authorities.

Lack of Knowledge: Fake guides may lack extensive knowledge about Bamenda and its attractions.
Inflated Fees: Fake guides may charge excessive prices for their services.
Unsafe Routes: Some fake guides may lead tourists to unsafe or undesirable locations.

Be aware of overpriced entrance fees and souvenirs at the Ewondo Museum.

Inflated Entrance Fees: The museum may charge higher prices for tourists compared to locals.
Overpriced Souvenirs: Souvenirs sold at the museum are often more expensive than those found elsewhere in Bamenda.
Pressure to Buy: Staff may pressure tourists to buy souvenirs or make donations.

Be cautious when using ATMs in Bamenda city centre. Always cover the keypad and check the machine for tampering.

ATM Skimming: Criminals may use skimmers to steal your card information.
Card Cloning: Some ATMs in the city centre may be rigged with card cloners.
Cameras and Keypad Tampering: ATM cameras and keypads may be tampered with to record your PIN or steal your card.

Be wary of charity collectors who may be fake or use donations for personal gain.

Unverified Organizations: Some organizations collecting funds may not be legitimate.
Misuse of Donations: Fake collectors may use donated funds for personal expenses instead of charitable purposes.
Personal Approach: Charity collectors might approach tourists directly, which can be intimidating or forceful.

Beware of individuals posing as police officers who may attempt to extort money or valuable items.

Fraudulent Identification: Fake police officers may lack proper identification or use counterfeit badges.
Extortion: These individuals may claim you have broken a law and demand money or valuables as a fine.
Conducting Unofficial Searches: They might search your belongings without authorization or justification.

Ensure street food is prepared hygienically to avoid stomach problems. Choose busy vendors with good reviews.

Unhygienic Preparation: Some street food vendors may use unclean utensils or cook in unsanitary conditions.
Contaminated Food: Street food can be a source of foodborne illnesses if not properly prepared and stored.
Counterfeit Ingredients: Some vendors may use low-quality or fake ingredients to save costs.

Be cautious when using cybercafes as some may have malware or spyware installed on their computers.

Malware and Spyware Installation: Cybercafes may install malware or spyware on your devices to steal personal information.
Data Theft: Your online activities can be monitored, putting your privacy at risk.
Unsecured Wi-Fi: Cybercafes often have unsecured Wi-Fi networks that are easy targets for hackers.

Be aware of hidden charges and damaged vehicles when renting a car in Bamenda.

Hidden Charges: Some rental companies may charge additional fees not disclosed upfront.
Damaged Vehicles: Rental cars might have existing damage that is not reported beforehand.
Unlicensed Rentals: Some car rental companies in Bamenda may be unlicensed or unregulated.

Double-check your reservations to avoid being overbooked at hotels in Bamenda.

Overbooking: Hotels may book more rooms than they have available, leading to overbooking.
Poor Accommodation: You might be given a lower-quality room or accommodations not as described.
Lack of Services: Some amenities, such as Wi-Fi or breakfast, may not be available despite being advertised.

Avoid festivals that seem too good to be true. Research local events and their organizers before attending.

Lack of Legitimacy: Some 'festivals' may not be legitimate, with the intention of scamming attendees.
Overpriced Tickets: Tickets for these events can be overpriced or higher than genuine festivals.
Unsafe Conditions: These fake festivals may lack proper safety measures, posing risks to attendees.

Be cautious when crossing borders from Cameroon into Nigeria or vice versa. Be wary of money exchange and customs scams.

Unfavorable Exchange Rates: Border vendors may offer unfavorable exchange rates for your currency.
Customs Inspections: Some border officials might request bribes or search your belongings without justification.
Counterfeit Goods: Be aware that counterfeit goods, such as electronics and currency, might be confiscated at the border.

Appreciate street performances, but be cautious not to be tricked into donating more than intended.

Excessive Donations: Street performers may request excessive or unwarranted donations.
Pressure Tactics: Performers may use pressure tactics to make you feel obligated to donate.
Fraudulent Collection Boxes: Some collection boxes may not be for the intended performer or charity.