Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Ikeja, Nigeria

All Topics about Ikeja All Cities in Nigeria

1. Ikeja City Mall (ICM) Scam Prevention

Avoid fake shop assistants selling overpriced items. Always verify store credentials.

Store Verification: Ensure shops have proper licenses and are authorized by ICM management.
Crowded Areas: Stay aware in crowded areas to avoid distractions leading to theft or pickpocketing.
Parking Scams: Avoid parking attendants asking for extra fees, only park in designated spots and pay the official rate.

Avoid taxis without meter installation. Always negotiate price before starting journey.

Official Taxis: Ride in officially branded and licensed taxis with functioning meters.
Price Negotiation: Agree on a fare before entering the taxi to avoid overcharging.
Avoid Night Travel: Travel during daylight hours, especially at night and in unpopulated areas.

Avoid ATMs with no camera surveillance. Use machines inside banks whenever possible.

Camera Surveillance: Choose ATMs with good visibility and clear camera angles.
Protect PIN: Cover your PIN while entering it to prevent shoulder-surfing.
Card Skimming: Inspect the ATM for any suspicious devices before use.

Avoid overpriced or faulty electronics. Negotiate prices and compare deals between stores.

Store Reputation: Research and choose established, reputable stores in the market.
Price Negotiation: Negotiate prices with sellers to ensure a fair deal.
Warranty and Service: Ask for warranty, service and return policies before making a purchase.

Avoid buying phones from street vendors. Buy only from authorized dealers.

Authorized Dealers: Purchase mobile phones from authorized retail stores or online shops.
Phone Authentication: Check the phone's IMEI number to verify its authenticity.
Warranty and Support: Ensure the phone comes with a warranty, support, and original accessories.

Avoid street currency exchangers. Use reputable banks or exchange centers.

Reputable Banks and Centers: Exchange money at recognized banks, authorized exchange centers, or hotels.
Check Rates: Compare exchange rates between different locations to get the best deal.
Secure Transactions: Ensure secure transactions and avoid revealing large amounts of cash.

Avoid unverified accommodations. Use reputable booking websites or visit the accommodation beforehand.

Reputable Booking Websites: Book accommodations through trusted online platforms with customer reviews.
Visit the Accommodation: Visit the accommodation before booking to verify its condition and location.
Avoid Paying in Advance: Pay only upon arrival or upon departure, never pay in full before arriving.

Avoid talent scouts offering quick fame and fortune. Research any potential opportunities thoroughly.

Reputable Talent Agencies: Join reputable talent agencies or organizations for representation.
Background Checks: Research the scout's background, credentials, and connections within the industry.
Official Contracts: Avoid signing contracts without a lawyer's advice or without fully understanding their terms.

Avoid unauthorized guides. Use official tourism board-approved guides.

Official Tourism Board Guides: Book guided tours through the local tourism board or reputable travel agencies.
Check Credentials: Verify guides' credentials, licenses, and affiliations with legitimate organizations.
Avoid Street Guides: Avoid taking unsolicited advice from street vendors posing as tour guides.

Avoid giving personal information to unofficial police officers. Always ask for identification and official badges.

Official Badge Verification: Request to see the officer's badge, ID card, or uniform with proper insignia.
Police Station Contact: Contact your embassy or consulate if you are unsure of an officer's legitimacy.
Avoid Isolated Areas: Stay in populated, well-lit areas to minimize the risk of encountering fake police officers.

Avoid buying gold from unverified vendors. Use reputable gold markets or jewelers.

Reputable Gold Markets: Purchase gold only at recognized gold markets, jewelry stores, or authorized dealers.
Gold Authentication: Check the gold's purity and authenticity with a trusted professional before purchase.
Secure Transactions: Ensure secure transactions, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash during the transaction.

Avoid unsolicited business offers. Research any potential opportunities thoroughly.

Reputable Business Partners: Partner only with established, reputable businesses in Ikeja.
Background Checks: Research the background and credentials of potential business partners.
Official Contracts: Avoid signing contracts without a lawyer's advice or without fully understanding their terms.

Avoid giving to street beggars. Donate only to reputable charities.

Reputable Charities: Donate to recognized, registered charities or non-profit organizations.
Check Fund Use: Ensure the charity uses donations effectively and transparently.
Secure Transactions: Use secure payment methods when making charitable donations, such as credit cards or online platforms.

Avoid unverified events. Use reputable event platforms or visit the event venue beforehand.

Reputable Event Platforms: Find events through trusted online platforms with customer reviews and ratings.
Visit the Venue: Check the event venue beforehand to verify its legitimacy and safety.
Avoid Paying in Advance: Pay only upon arrival or upon entry, never pay in full before arriving.

Avoid buying sim cards from unverified vendors. Use authorized dealers or official stores.

Authorized Dealers: Purchase sim cards only at authorized retail stores or online shops.
Check Sim Card Activation: Ensure the sim card is activated and functional before leaving the store.
Secure Transactions: Use secure transactions, and avoid revealing sensitive information during the purchase process.