Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Ugep, Cross River, Nigeria

Ugep, Nigeria, Ugep, Local Insights & Practical Info, Common Scams & How to Avoid Them

Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Ugep, Cross River, Nigeria

1. Ugep Market Scams

Beware of overpriced goods or counterfeit items. Always negotiate prices and check quality before purchasing.
  • Price Awareness: Know the standard market price for common items.
  • Quality Control: Check the quality of goods before making a purchase.
  • Negotiation Skills: Develop negotiation skills to avoid overpaying for items.

2. Transportation Scams

Avoid unlicensed or unmetered taxis. Use only registered taxi services and agree on the fare before starting your journey.
  • Registered Taxis: Use only registered taxis for a safer ride.
  • Fare Agreement: Always agree on the fare before starting your journey.
  • Avoid Unmetered Taxis: Do not use unmetered taxis to avoid overcharging.

3. Currency Exchange Scams

Exchange currency only at licensed exchange offices or banks. Be wary of street vendors offering unfavorable rates.
  • Licensed Exchange Offices: Exchange currency only at licensed exchange offices or banks.
  • Avoid Street Vendors: Do not exchange currency with street vendors to avoid getting less than the actual rate.
  • Know the Exchange Rate: Stay updated on the current exchange rate to avoid being cheated.

4. ATM Scams

Use ATMs inside banks or well-lit areas. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent shoulder surfing.
  • Use Bank ATMs: Use ATMs inside banks or well-lit areas for a safer transaction.
  • Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent others from seeing it.
  • Stay Alert for Skimming Devices: Check the ATM for any unusual devices before using it.

5. Tour Guide Scams

Choose a tour guide from a reputable agency. Negotiate the price and itinerary before starting the tour.
  • Reputable Agencies: Choose a tour guide from a reputable agency for a reliable service.
  • Price Negotiation: Negotiate the price and itinerary before starting the tour to avoid overpaying.
  • Itinerary Agreement: Agree on the itinerary before starting the tour to ensure you see all desired destinations.

6. Accommodation Scams

Book accommodation through reputable online platforms or recognized hotels. Check for reviews before booking.
  • Reputable Online Platforms: Book accommodation through reputable online platforms for a secure transaction.
  • Check Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests before booking an accommodation.
  • Recognized Hotels: Choose recognized hotels for a reliable service and secure environment.

7. Food Scams

Avoid eating from street vendors without a hygiene certificate. Stick to restaurants with good reviews.
  • Hygiene Certificate: Eat only from street vendors who have a hygiene certificate.
  • Good Reviews: Choose restaurants with good reviews for a safe and enjoyable dining experience.
  • Cooked in Front of You: Look for food vendors who cook in front of you to ensure freshness and quality.

8. Friendly Scams

Be wary of overly friendly locals offering help or inviting to their homes. Politely decline and find alternatives.
  • Overly Friendly Locals: Recognize that overly friendly locals may be trying to scam you.
  • Politely Decline: Politely decline offers of help or invitations from strangers to avoid potential scams.
  • Find Alternatives: Seek assistance or alternatives from reputable sources instead.

9. Fake Police Scams

Ask for identification if approached by a police officer. Never give them your personal belongings or money.
  • Ask for Identification: Always ask for identification from police officers.
  • Never Give Personal Belongings or Money: Never give your personal belongings or money to anyone claiming to be a police officer.
  • Know Your Rights: Know your rights and the local laws regarding interactions with police officers.

10. Festival Scams

Attend only recognized festivals. Research the event and check for official permits.
  • Recognized Festivals: Attend only recognized and reputable festivals.
  • Official Permits: Check for official permits to ensure the festival is legitimate.
  • Research Event Details: Research event details before attending to avoid potential scams.

11. Charity Scams

Donate only to recognized charities. Be wary of street collections or individuals asking for donations.
  • Recognized Charities: Donate only to recognized and reputable charities.
  • Avoid Street Collections: Do not give money to individuals or street collections.
  • Check Charity's Legitimacy: Research the charity's legitimacy before donating.

12. Lost Item Scams

Report lost items to the police station. Do not return to the location or engage with finders without a police presence.
  • Police Station Report: Report lost items to the police station.
  • No Engagement Without Police Presence: Do not engage with finders without a police presence.
  • Security Measures: Take security measures to protect your belongings and personal information.

13. Internet Café Scams

Use only reputable internet cafes. Avoid using public computers for sensitive information.
  • Reputable Internet Cafes: Use only reputable and secure internet cafes.
  • Avoid Public Computers: Do not use public computers for sensitive information.
  • Secure Your Device: Secure your device and personal data to prevent unauthorized access.

14. Sim Card Scams

Buy SIM cards only from authorized dealers. Be wary of street vendors offering cheaper deals.
  • Authorized Dealers: Buy SIM cards only from authorized dealers.
  • Avoid Street Vendors: Do not buy SIM cards from street vendors to avoid getting faulty or hacked cards.
  • Check Coverage and Cost: Check the coverage and cost of SIM cards before purchasing.

15. Exchange Rate Scams

Avoid exchanging currency at tourist spots. Use banks or licensed exchange offices instead.
  • Banks or Licensed Exchange Offices: Exchange currency at banks or licensed exchange offices for a fair rate.
  • Avoid Tourist Spots: Do not exchange currency at tourist spots to avoid getting a less favorable rate.
  • Know the Exchange Rate: Stay updated on the current exchange rate to avoid being cheated.