Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Gwoza, Borno, Nigeria

1. Taxi Scams

Some taxi drivers may overcharge or take longer routes. Avoid this by agreeing on a fare before starting the journey.

Pre-negotiated Fare: Avoids overcharging and ensures fair price.
Route Awareness: Ensures you're not taken on a longer route to increase the fare.
Trusted Taxis: Choose taxis from reputable companies for safety and reliability.

Some sellers may pass off low-quality goods as genuine or overstate their value. Inspect items carefully and negotiate prices.

Quality Inspection: Ensures you are getting good quality goods.
Price Negotiation: Avoids overpaying for items.
Reputable Shops: Reduces the risk of buying counterfeit or low-quality goods.

Some currency exchangers may offer unfavorable exchange rates. Research rates beforehand and use reputable exchange offices.

Rate Research: Ensures you're getting a fair exchange rate.
Reputable Exchangers: Reduces the risk of being cheated on the exchange rate.
Avoid Peak Hours: Exchange rates may be more favorable during non-peak hours.

Some ATMs may skim your card or charge hidden fees. Use ATMs in banks or reputable locations and monitor your account regularly.

Bank ATMs: Reduces the risk of skimming and ensures bank security.
Reputable Locations: Avoids using ATMs in secluded or unsecured locations.
Regular Account Monitoring: Ensures you notice any unusual transactions quickly.

Some beggars may be part of organized groups who use emotional manipulation. Be cautious and only give to those truly in need.

Genuine Need: Ensures your generosity is not being exploited.
Caution: Avoids becoming a victim of organized scams.
Local Knowledge: Learn about local customs and community needs to make informed decisions.

Some tour guides may overcharge or mislead you. Research guides and tours beforehand and agree on a fair price.

Some internet cafés may install keyloggers or spyware. Use secure connections and avoid sensitive transactions.

Secure Connections: Reduces the risk of data theft.
Avoid Sensitive Transactions: Prevents sensitive information from being compromised.
Reputable Cafés: Reduces the risk of using an unsecured café.

Some hotels may overcharge or provide poor service. Research hotels beforehand and read reviews.

Hotel Research: Ensures you're choosing a reputable hotel.
Price Comparison: Avoids overpaying for accommodation.
Review Analysis: Ensures you're aware of any potential issues with the hotel.

Some restaurants may use low-quality ingredients or poor hygiene practices. Choose clean restaurants and avoid street food.

Clean Restaurants: Reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Avoid Street Food: Minimizes the risk of poor hygiene practices.
Local Recommendations: Learn about recommended restaurants from locals for quality and safety.

Some sim card vendors may provide poor service or charge hidden fees. Buy sim cards from official retailers.

Some locals may pretend to be friends to gain your trust for financial gain. Be cautious and avoid sharing personal or financial information.

Caution: Avoids becoming a victim of friendship scams.
Personal Information Protection: Prevent potential identity theft and financial loss.
Local Knowledge: Understand cultural norms and behaviors to identify suspicious activity.

Some car rental companies may charge hidden fees or provide damaged vehicles. Research companies beforehand and inspect the vehicle.

Company Research: Ensures you're choosing a reputable company.
Inspection before Renting: Avoids being charged for damages that were already present.
Avoid Peak Seasons: Rental costs may be higher during peak seasons.

Some ticket vendors may sell fake or overpriced tickets. Buy tickets from authorized outlets.

Authorized Outlets: Ensures you're getting a genuine ticket.
Price Comparison: Avoids overpaying for tickets.
Event Information: Ensures the event is legitimate and happening on the specified date.

Some bus or bus station employees may overcharge or provide misinformation. Research routes and fares beforehand.

Some charities may not use donations effectively or even exist. Research charities before donating.

Charity Research: Ensures your donation is going to a legitimate charity.
Transparency: Ensures the charity provides detailed information about how donations are used.
Local Recommendations: Learn about recommended charities from locals for maximum impact.