Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Garoua, Nord, Cameroon

All Topics about Garoua All Cities in Cameroon

1. Mandara Market Scam

Be wary of overpriced goods at Mandara Market. Always bargain and check prices at other stalls.

Price Comparison: Check prices with multiple vendors to avoid overpayment.
Bargaining Skills: Negotiate prices to secure the best deals.
Market Awareness: Stay informed about common scams and tactics used in this bustling market.

Avoid taxi drivers who refuse to use the meter or demand excessive fares. Stick to officially marked taxis.

Meter Usage: Insist on using the meter for a fair price.
Official Taxi: Choose taxis with official markings to ensure trustworthiness.
Knowledge of Routes: Ask drivers for their intended route before getting in the taxi.

Be cautious when exchanging money at unofficial currency exchange booths. Always use banks or authorized exchange bureaus.

Official Exchange Booths: Exchange money only at authorized banks or exchange bureaus.
Check Denominations: Thoroughly inspect the received currency for any discrepancies.
Secure Transactions: Ensure transactions are conducted in a secure and private environment.

Be aware of hotels that overbook rooms, especially during peak seasons. Always book in advance to secure your reservation.

Book Ahead: Reserve your hotel room well in advance to avoid overbooking issues.
Read Reviews: Check online reviews for potential overbooking issues before booking.
Ask About Availability: Enquire about room availability during peak seasons to ensure a reservation.

Avoid using ATMs in unofficial locations or with suspicious modifications. Protect your PIN and be aware of any unusual activity on your account.

Secure ATMs: Use secure, official ATMs to minimize the risk of skimming.
Cover PIN: Protect your PIN by covering it when typing to prevent unauthorized access.
Monitor Account Activity: Regularly check your account for any suspicious transactions.

Be cautious when hiring tour guides; verify their credentials and always ask for recommendations from reliable sources.

Credential Verification: Ask for proper identification and licenses to confirm their status as a registered guide.
Recommendations: Get recommendations from trustworthy sources, such as hotels or local tourism offices.
Tour Itinerary: Ask for a detailed itinerary and negotiate prices upfront to avoid unexpected charges.

Ignore unsolicited guides offering services inside museums. Ask for official staff members if you need assistance.

Official Staff Identification: Request to see official identification from any guide offering help.
Museum Rules: Follow museum rules, such as not talking during tours and respecting exhibits.
Check for Fees: Ensure any guided tour fees are included in the museum admission price.

Avoid eating at overpriced restaurants or street vendors. Ask locals for recommendations on affordable eateries.

Local Recommendations: Get recommendations from locals for affordable dining options.
Bargaining: Negotiate prices with street vendors to secure the best deals.
Menu Prices: Compare menu prices at multiple restaurants and street food vendors.

Beware of counterfeit souvenirs sold by unofficial vendors. Buy only from authorized shops or markets.

Authorized Shops: Purchase souvenirs at officially recognized stores and markets.
Quality Assessment: Inspect the quality of souvenir items before purchasing to ensure authenticity.
Bargaining Skills: Negotiate prices with vendors to secure the best deals on high-quality souvenirs.

Stay vigilant during local festivals and beware of pickpocketing or overpriced merchandise. Keep valuables secure and negotiate prices for goods.

Secure Valuables: Keep valuable items hidden and out of sight.
Negotiate Prices: Negotiate prices for goods to avoid overpayment.
Stay Alert: Stay aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on personal belongings.

Avoid buying tickets from unofficial vendors for local events. Purchase tickets only from authorized ticket outlets.

Authorized Ticket Outlets: Buy event tickets at officially recognized outlets.
Check for Official Logos: Verify the authenticity of ticket vendors by checking for official logos or seals.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with multiple ticket outlets to avoid overpayment.

Be cautious when boarding public buses; avoid giving excess change and verify the correct fare before boarding.

Ask for Change: Ensure you receive the correct change by asking the driver for it.
Verify Fare: Verify the fare before boarding to avoid overpayment.
Stay Alert: Stay aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on personal belongings while using public transportation.

Be cautious when approached by individuals posing as police officers; always ask for proper identification before providing any personal information.

Proper Identification: Ask for official identification from anyone claiming to be a police officer.
Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect a scam, report the incident to local authorities or your embassy.
Stay Calm and Focused: Remain calm and focused during interactions with suspicious individuals.

Be wary of individuals asking for donations in the streets; only give to registered and legitimate charities.

Registered Charities: Donate only to officially recognized, registered charities.
Check for Identification: Ask for identification from charity collectors before donating.
Research Local Charities: Research local charities to determine their legitimacy and impact.

Avoid unofficial money transfer services; use only authorized money transfer companies to send or receive funds.

Authorized Companies: Use only officially recognized, licensed money transfer services.
Transfer Confirmation: Receive confirmation of the transaction before leaving the store or agent.
Secure Transactions: Ensure transactions are conducted in a secure and private environment.