Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Harare, Harare, Zimbabwe

All Topics about Harare All Cities in Zimbabwe

1. Street Vendors Scam

Beware of overpriced or counterfeit goods sold by street vendors. Some may even sell fake currency.

Price Comparison: Always compare prices with other vendors to ensure fairness.
Authenticity Check: Check for signs of counterfeit items, such as poor quality or missing security features.
Trusted Markets: Shop at well-established markets for safer and more reliable purchases.

Avoid taxis without meters or agreeing on a price beforehand to prevent overcharging.

Metered Taxis: Always use metered taxis for fair and accurate pricing.
Negotiate Price: Agree on a price before entering the taxi to avoid overcharging.
Recommended Services: Use recommended and reputable taxi services for safety and convenience.

Guard your phone number from being swapped to gain access to personal information or accounts.

Two-Factor Authentication: Use two-factor authentication for important accounts and apps.
Sim Card Security: Register your SIM card with a valid ID to prevent unauthorized swaps.
Alert Services: Sign up for alerts from your bank or service providers about any unusual activity.

Watch for suspicious devices attached to ATMs and cover the keypad while entering your PIN.

Choose Safe ATMs: Use ATMs inside banks or well-lit, busy areas for added security.
Monitor Accounts: Regularly monitor your accounts for unauthorized transactions.
Cover Keypad: Always cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent keyloggers.

Be cautious of restaurants that overcharge tourists or do not accurately calculate bills.

Check Menu Prices: Compare prices with other restaurants and check the menu before ordering.
Calculate Bill: Always verify that the bill accurately reflects the ordered items.
Ask for Receipts: Always ask for a receipt as proof of payment and to check the accuracy of the bill.

Be wary of unlicensed guides or tour operators offering low prices for tours or transportation.

Licensed Services: Always use licensed and reputable guides or tour operators.
Check Reviews: Read reviews from previous customers to gauge the quality of service.
Ask for Credentials: Ask guides or tour operators for their licenses and credentials before hiring them.

Some beggars may attempt to distract you while others pickpocket or swindle money from you.

Avoid Alone Areas: Stay in well-lit, populated areas to reduce the risk of being targeted.
Don't Carry Large Amounts: Limit the amount of cash you carry and keep it hidden from view.
Report Suspicious Activities: If you witness suspicious activity, report it to local authorities or hotel staff.

Avoid unofficial currency exchange vendors for better rates and lower risk of counterfeit currency.

Official Exchanges: Use official banks or authorized exchange bureaus for safer and more reliable exchanges.
Check Exchange Rates: Compare exchange rates with other vendors to ensure fairness.
Secure Transactions: Always count the money received and make sure it is the correct amount before leaving the exchange.

Be aware of fake charities that may ask for donations under false pretenses.

Verify Charity Legitimacy: Research the charity to ensure it is legitimate and registered in Zimbabwe.
Donate Directly: Donate directly to the charity's official website or bank account instead of through intermediaries.
Avoid Street Donations: Do not give money to street collectors as they may be part of a scam.

Be cautious when storing your luggage overnight at unauthorized locations or for extended periods.

Authorized Locations: Use authorized and secure storage locations like hotels or airport lockers.
Limit Storage Time: Store your luggage for the shortest possible time to minimize risk.
Ask for Receipts: Always ask for a receipt or proof of payment when storing your luggage.

Be wary of unregistered hotels or apartments that may overcharge or provide subpar accommodations.

Registered Accommodation: Stay at registered and reputable hotels, hostels, or guest houses.
Check Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests to gauge the quality of service.
Ask for Receipts: Always ask for a receipt or invoice for your stay.

Protect your sensitive information when using public computers at internet cafés.

Use a VPN: Always use a virtual private network (VPN) to protect your online activity.
Secure Passwords: Create strong and unique passwords for all accounts.
Log Out: Always log out of sensitive accounts before leaving the computer.

Be cautious when approached by uniformed individuals claiming to be police officers who demand money or personal belongings.

Verification of Identity: Ask for proper identification and contact the local police station to verify their identity.
Report Suspicious Activities: If you witness suspicious activity, report it to local authorities or hotel staff.
Do Not Comply: Do not comply with requests for money or personal belongings unless you are certain of their legitimacy.

Be cautious when approached by individuals claiming to be in an emergency who ask for money or personal belongings.

Verify the Emergency: Ask for verification of the emergency and contact local authorities to verify their story.
Do Not Comply: Do not comply with requests for money or personal belongings unless you are certain of their legitimacy.
Report Suspicious Activities: If you witness suspicious activity, report it to local authorities or hotel staff.

Be cautious of strangers who become overly friendly and offer assistance or ask for help, which may lead to theft or scams.

Trust but Verify: Maintain a level of skepticism while traveling and verify information shared by strangers.
Limit Sharing Information: Avoid sharing sensitive information, such as bank account details or passwords, with strangers.
Stay in Groups: Travel in groups and avoid being alone in unfamiliar areas to reduce the risk of being targeted.