Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
1. Mammy Market Scams
Watch out for pickpocketing and fake merchandise at crowded Mammy Markets. Always keep your belongings secure.
- Crowded Spaces: Thieves take advantage of the hustle and bustle.
- Counterfeit Goods: Beware of fake goods being sold as authentic merchandise.
- Pickpocketing: Be vigilant about your belongings in crowded areas.
2. Taxi Scams
Avoid unlicensed taxis and negotiate fares before starting the journey.
- Unlicensed Taxis: These drivers may overcharge or take longer routes.
- Negotiating Fares: Always agree on the fare before starting your journey.
- Longer Routes: Some drivers may take longer routes to increase the fare.
3. Currency Exchange Scams
Only exchange money at authorized bureaus or banks. Be wary of street vendors offering unfavorable rates.
- Authorized Bureau or Bank: Ensure the exchange is regulated and secure.
- Street Vendors: These vendors may offer unfavorable exchange rates or fake currency.
- Unfavorable Rates: Always compare rates before exchanging money.
4. Fraudulent Police Officers
Never hand over your valuables to anyone claiming to be a police officer unless you are certain. Always verify their identity.
- Verifying Identity: Ask for identification and contact the local police station if unsure.
- Handing Over Valuables: Never hand over your valuables without verifying the person's identity first.
- Impersonation: Beware of individuals pretending to be police officers for fraudulent purposes.
5. ATM Scams
Use well-lit, busy ATMs and cover the keypad while entering your PIN. Be wary of any suspicious devices attached to the machine.
- Well-Lit, Busy ATMs: These are less likely to have tampered machines.
- Covering the Keypad: Prevent others from seeing your PIN.
- Suspicious Devices: Never use an ATM with any unusual or suspicious devices attached.
6. Overcharging in Restaurants
Avoid restaurants near tourist attractions as they often overcharge. Ask for prices before ordering.
- Restaurants Near Attractions: These establishments may take advantage of tourists.
- Asking for Prices: Always inquire about prices before ordering to avoid unexpected charges.
- Overcharging: Tourist areas are common locations for overcharging tourists.
7. Fake Guides and Tour Operators
Book tours through reputable companies or hotels. Be wary of individuals offering unrealistic deals.
- Reputable Companies or Hotels: Ensure the tour company is well-established and has good reviews.
- Unrealistic Deals: Be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true.
- Individual Offers: Tourist areas may have individuals offering tours, but their services might not be reliable.
8. Beware of Beggars and Street Vendors
Be careful when donating money or purchasing items from street vendors. Some may use your kindness for fraudulent purposes.
- Donations: Be cautious about who you give money to on the street.
- Street Vendors: Some vendors may sell counterfeit goods or use your purchase for fraudulent purposes.
- Kindness: While being kind is important, be aware of potential scams.
9. Hotel Room Scams
Always check the room before accepting it and be wary of extra charges upon checking out.
- Checking the Room: Ensure the room is clean and in good condition.
- Extra Charges: Be aware of any additional charges upon checkout.
- Room Condition: A poor room condition may indicate a scam.
10. Friendly Scams
Be cautious of overly friendly locals offering help or friendship. They may be trying to take advantage of you.
- Overly Friendly Individuals: These individuals may be trying to scam you.
- Offering Help or Friendship: They may use these offers as a cover for their scams.
- Taking Advantage: Be aware that they may try to take advantage of your kindness.
11. SIM Card Scams
Only buy SIM cards from authorized retailers. Be wary of unsolicited offers for cheap or free SIM cards.
- Authorized Retailers: Ensure the retailer is authorized to sell SIM cards.
- Unsolicited Offers: Be cautious about offers for cheap or free SIM cards, as they may be scams.
- Cheap or Free SIM Cards: These offers are often associated with fraudulent activities.
12. Fraudulent Charities
Only donate to well-known charities. Be wary of individuals soliciting for unknown charities.
- Well-Known Charities: Ensure the charity is reputable and well-known.
- Individuals Soliciting: Be cautious about individuals soliciting for unknown charities.
- Unknown Charities: These charities may not be legitimate and your donation may be misused.
13. Gold Scams
Avoid buying gold from street vendors. Always verify the quality of the gold with a professional appraiser.
- Street Vendors: These vendors may sell low-quality or counterfeit gold.
- Verifying Quality: Always verify the quality of the gold with a professional appraiser.
- Counterfeit Gold: Street vendors may sell counterfeit or low-quality gold.
14. Car Rental Scams
Only rent cars from reputable rental companies. Be wary of hidden charges and check the condition of the car before renting.
- Reputable Rental Companies: Ensure the rental company is well-established and has good reviews.
- Hidden Charges: Be aware of any additional charges that may be hidden in the contract.
- Car Condition: Inspect the car for damage before renting to avoid being charged for pre-existing damages.
15. Business Partnership Scams
Be cautious about business opportunities offered by strangers. Always verify their credentials and research the opportunity thoroughly.
- Strangers Offering Business Opportunities: These offers may be scams.
- Verifying Credentials: Always verify the credentials of the person offering the opportunity.
- Thorough Research: Investigate the opportunity thoroughly before making any commitments.