Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Kumasi, Ghana
1. Kejetia Market Scams
Avoid being overcharged or pickpocketed at the bustling Kejetia Market by staying aware of your belongings and negotiating prices confidently.
- Price Awareness: Understand the standard market prices for common items to avoid overpaying.
- Crowd Navigation: Maintain your personal belongings in a secure location while moving through crowded areas.
- Avoid Isolated Areas: Stay in well-lit, populated sections of the market whenever possible.
2. Taxis & Tro-tro Scams
Avoid overcharging or being taken to an unwanted destination by researching fair taxi and tro-tro rates beforehand and agreeing on the price before getting in.
- Price Research: Understand the standard prices for taxis and tro-tros between popular destinations.
- Negotiate Price Beforehand: Agree on a price before getting in the vehicle to avoid surprises later.
- Ask for Recommendations: Seek advice from locals or reputable sources when choosing a taxi or tro-tro.
3. Curio Shops Scams
Avoid overpriced or counterfeit items at curio shops by researching the authenticity of items and negotiating prices.
- Authenticity Research: Learn about the common features of genuine African artifacts to ensure their authenticity.
- Negotiate Price: Be prepared to negotiate prices for items in curio shops.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Purchase items from established, reputable curio shops whenever possible.
4. Street Food Scams
Avoid foodborne illnesses or overpriced meals by researching safe street food vendors and ensuring food is prepared hygienically.
- Vendor Reputation: Choose street food vendors with a good reputation, often indicated by a consistent presence and positive reviews.
- Hygiene Standards: Look for street food vendors who follow proper hygiene practices, such as wearing gloves and using clean utensils.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices with nearby vendors to ensure a fair price for the dish being ordered.
5. Accommodation Scams
Avoid overpaying or staying in unsafe accommodations by researching prices and safety standards before booking.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices of different accommodations to ensure a fair rate.
- Safety Standards: Check for safety features, such as working locks and security cameras, in potential accommodations.
- Online Reviews: Read online reviews to gauge the quality and safety of accommodations before booking.
6. Dating Scams
Avoid romance scams by verifying the identity of potential romantic interests and being cautious with personal information.
- Verification: Use video calls or in-person meetings to verify the identity of a potential romantic interest.
- Caution with Personal Information: Avoid sharing sensitive personal information, such as financial details or home addresses, early in relationships.
- Background Checks: Perform background checks when necessary to ensure the safety and authenticity of a potential romantic interest.
7. ATM Scams
Avoid card skimming or fraud by using ATMs in well-lit, busy areas and covering the keypad when entering your PIN.
- Location: Choose ATMs located in well-lit, busy areas to reduce the risk of theft or tampering.
- Keypad Security: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent others from seeing it.
- Check for Tampering: Inspect the ATM for signs of tampering, such as oddly placed or unattached components.
8. Lottery Scams
Avoid lottery scams by being aware that unsolicited communication about winning a lottery is likely fraudulent.
- Unsolicited Communication: Be wary of unexpected messages or calls claiming you've won a lottery.
- No Cost, No Win: Understand that legitimate lotteries do not require payment to claim winnings.
- Verify the Lottery: Contact the official lottery organization directly to verify any claims of winning.
9. Beggar Scams
Avoid being scammed by beggars by avoiding giving money and instead donating to reputable charities.
- Don't Give Money: Avoid giving money directly to beggars, as it can encourage further begging.
- Reputable Charities: Research and donate to reputable charities that support those in need.
- Caution with Personal Belongings: Stay aware of personal belongings when interacting with beggars to avoid pickpocketing.
10. Tour Guide Scams
Avoid overpaying or visiting fraudulent attractions by researching tour guides and destinations beforehand.
- Research Tour Guides: Choose reputable tour guides with positive reviews and a proven track record.
- Verify Destinations: Confirm the authenticity of attractions before visiting, as some may be fraudulent or overpriced.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices for tours and destinations to ensure a fair rate.
11. Internet Café Scams
Avoid keyloggers or malware by using secure, reputable internet cafes and being cautious when entering personal information.
- Reputation: Choose internet cafes with a good reputation for customer service and security.
- Security Software: Look for internet cafes that use up-to-date security software to protect against malware and keyloggers.
- Caution with Personal Information: Avoid entering sensitive personal information, such as passwords or financial details, on public computers.
12. Religious Scams
Avoid religious scams by verifying the authenticity of religious leaders and avoiding making donations without research.
- Verification of Leaders: Verify the authenticity and credentials of religious leaders before entrusting them with personal information or donations.
- Research Organizations: Research religious organizations to ensure they are legitimate and have a positive impact in the community.
- Avoid Unsolicited Donation Requests: Be wary of unsolicited requests for donations, as they may be fraudulent.
13. Transportation Scams
Avoid transportation scams by researching fair prices and routes beforehand and using reputable companies.
- Research Prices and Routes: Understand the standard prices and routes for transportation in Kumasi to avoid overpaying.
- Reputable Companies: Choose reputable transportation companies with positive reviews and a proven track record.
- Avoid Isolated Areas: Stay in well-lit, populated areas when traveling by transportation to reduce the risk of scams.
14. Bar Scams
Avoid overpriced drinks or being taken advantage of by researching fair prices and avoiding isolated bars.
- Research Prices: Understand the standard prices for drinks in Kumasi to avoid overpaying.
- Avoid Isolated Bars: Stay in well-lit, populated areas and choose bars with a good reputation for safety and service.
- Negotiate Price: Be prepared to negotiate prices for drinks if necessary.
15. Currency Exchange Scams
Avoid receiving counterfeit or unfair exchange rates by researching reputable currency exchanges and negotiating prices.
- Reputation: Choose reputable currency exchange services with positive reviews and a proven track record.
- Negotiate Price: Be prepared to negotiate prices for currency exchanges, as some providers may try to take advantage of tourists.
- Check Exchange Rates: Compare exchange rates with other services and online resources to ensure a fair rate.