Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Ile-Ife, Osun, Nigeria

All Topics about Ile-Ife All Cities in Nigeria

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid overpriced taxi rides by agreeing on the fare before starting your journey. Some drivers may take longer routes to increase cost.

Fixed Fare: Always negotiate a fixed fare before starting your journey.
Recognize Overpriced: Understand the standard fares for common destinations in Ile-Ife to avoid overpricing.
Avoid Long Routes: Insist on the shortest route and ask the driver to confirm your destination before starting your journey.

Be cautious when exchanging money at unofficial exchange bureaus. They may give you less than the agreed amount.

Official Exchange Bureau: Exchange your currency at official banks or authorized exchange bureaus.
Check Rates: Compare exchange rates between different bureaus before making a decision.
Keep Small Denominations: Keep smaller denominations of your local currency for everyday transactions to avoid receiving less change.

Inspect hotel rooms before accepting them. Some hotels may show substandard rooms and charge for premium ones.

Room Inspection: Inspect the room thoroughly before accepting it.
Check Room Prices: Confirm the room price with the hotel staff and check it against the booking confirmation.
Report Issues: Report any discrepancies or issues to the hotel management immediately.

Be careful when purchasing souvenirs in markets. Some sellers may give you lower quality items or overprice them.

Bargain: Always bargain for a better price.
Check Quality: Inspect the items carefully before purchasing to ensure their quality.
Know Fair Prices: Research fair prices for popular souvenirs in Ile-Ife markets.

Choose your guide wisely. Some guides may mislead you to certain shops or attractions for commission.

Check Credentials: Ask for the guide's credentials and check their reputation.
Negotiate Terms: Negotiate the terms of the tour before starting, including the places to visit and the fee.
Avoid Pressure Selling: Do not let guides pressure you into visiting specific shops or attractions.

Be aware of overpriced restaurants. Some may serve lower quality food than advertised.

Check Reviews: Read reviews of local restaurants online before visiting.
Avoid Street Food Scams: Be cautious when eating street food. Some vendors may use low-quality ingredients or contaminate the food.
Choose Recommended Places: Ask locals for recommendations on popular and safe places to eat.

Beware of sim cards sold by unofficial vendors. They may not work properly or charge exorbitant fees.

Buy from Official Stores: Buy sim cards from official stores or authorized dealers.
Check Activation Fee: Ask about the activation fee and ensure it's reasonable.
Avoid Pre-loaded Sim Cards: Avoid pre-loaded sim cards as they may have hidden charges.

Use ATMs located at banks or secure areas to avoid skimming and card trapping.

Secure ATMs: Use ATMs in well-lit, secure locations such as banks or shopping centers.
Cover Pin: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent shoulder surfing.
Monitor Transactions: Check your account transactions regularly for any unauthorized activity.

Book accommodations through reputable platforms or agencies to avoid double booking and overpricing.

Check Reviews: Read reviews of the accommodation on reliable platforms.
Secure Payment: Use secure payment methods and avoid wire transfers when possible.
Confirm Booking: Confirm your booking with the accommodation provider through email or phone call.

Buy transportation tickets at official counters to avoid receiving counterfeit or expired ones.

Official Counter: Always buy tickets from the official ticket counters.
Check Validity: Inspect your ticket for any signs of tampering or expiration.
Report Issues: Report any issues with your ticket to the transportation staff immediately.

Purchase event tickets from authorized sellers to avoid receiving fake or invalid ones.

Official Seller: Buy event tickets from official vendors or the venue box office.
Check Ticket Validity: Inspect your ticket for any signs of tampering or invalidity.
Avoid Street Sellers: Do not buy tickets from street sellers or unauthorized vendors.

Be cautious when giving money to beggars, as some may be part of organized groups pretending to need help.

Give Wisely: If you choose to give, do so wisely and avoid encouraging begging.
Report Suspicious Behavior: Report any suspicious behavior or organized begging groups to local authorities.
Avoid Distraction Scams: Be aware of distraction scams, where someone may ask for your attention while an accomplice picks pocket.

Inspect hired cars thoroughly before driving off and return them in the same condition to avoid false damage charges.

Inspection Before Use: Inspect the car for any damage before using it.
Document Damage: Take photos or make a video of the car's condition before and after use to document any damage.
Return in Good Condition: Return the car in the same condition as when you received it to avoid false damage charges.

Avoid unofficial tour guides who may take you to less appealing attractions for commission.

Check Credentials: Ask for the guide's credentials and check their reputation.
Negotiate Terms: Negotiate the terms of the tour before starting, including the places to visit and the fee.
Report Suspicious Behavior: Report any suspicious behavior or guides who seem unprofessional to local authorities.

Use reputable internet cafés to avoid identity theft or computer viruses.

Choose Reputable Internet Cafés: Choose internet cafes that are popular and well-reviewed.
Use Secure Websites: Only use secure websites (HTTPS) when browsing sensitive information.
Avoid Leaving Devices Unattended: Never leave your devices unattended while using an internet café.