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Updated April 2026

12 scams to avoid in Nigeria

Not to scare you — to prepare you. Know what to look for and you'll navigate Nigeria like a local. Every scam here has a simple defence.

The full list

Every common scam — and how to avoid it

#1

Airport taxi scam

High risk

Where: Murtala Muhammed Airport (Lagos)

How it works: Unofficial drivers approach you in arrivals claiming to be your transfer. They quote 5-10x the normal price, sometimes driving you to the wrong location.

How to avoid it: Pre-book your transfer before landing or have your eSIM ready for Uber/Bolt. Never follow someone who approaches you in the arrivals hall.

#2

ATM card skimming

High risk

Where: Any ATM, especially standalone ones

How it works: Skimming devices on ATMs copy your card details. Shoulder-surfers watch your PIN. Your account is drained within hours.

How to avoid it: Only use ATMs inside banks during banking hours. Cover your PIN. Use a dedicated travel card (Revolut/Wise) with low balance. Enable transaction alerts.

#3

Fake police / LASTMA

High risk

Where: Roads, especially at night

How it works: People in uniform (real or fake) stop your car and demand payment for invented offences. They may threaten arrest or impound your vehicle.

How to avoid it: Stay calm. Ask for ID. Don't hand over your phone or passport. If driving with a local, let them handle it. In Uber/Bolt, the driver usually manages this.

#4

One-chance robbery

High risk

Where: Unmarked buses and taxis

How it works: You enter a shared taxi/bus. Other 'passengers' are accomplices. Once moving, they rob you of everything — phone, cash, cards, even clothes.

How to avoid it: Never enter a shared taxi or unmarked vehicle. Only use Uber, Bolt, or a pre-booked car. This is the #1 reason to avoid random transport.

#5

Public WiFi hacking

High risk

Where: Hotels, restaurants, airports

How it works: Hackers on public WiFi intercept your banking sessions, login credentials, and personal data using man-in-the-middle attacks.

How to avoid it: Always use a VPN. NordVPN auto-connects on public networks. Never access banking on hotel WiFi without VPN protection.

#6

Market overcharging

Medium risk

Where: Lekki Market, Balogun, Computer Village

How it works: Prices quoted to foreigners (or diaspora who 'look fresh') are 3-10x the local price. Aggressive sellers pressure you into buying.

How to avoid it: Ask a local friend for the real price before going. Start by offering 30-40% of the quoted price. Walk away — they'll call you back with a better offer.

#7

Fake currency exchange

Medium risk

Where: Street changers, airports

How it works: Money changers offer great rates but shortchange you with sleight of hand, give counterfeit notes, or distract you during counting.

How to avoid it: Use official bureau de change or bank ATMs. Better yet, send money ahead via Wise at the real exchange rate. Never change money on the street.

#8

Fake accommodation listings

Medium risk

Where: Online, social media

How it works: Apartments advertised on Instagram or WhatsApp at too-good prices. You pay a deposit and either the place doesn't exist or looks nothing like photos.

How to avoid it: Book through Booking.com (free cancellation, verified properties) or established Airbnb hosts with many reviews. Never pay via bank transfer to a stranger.

#9

Romance / friendship scam

Medium risk

Where: Social media, nightlife

How it works: Someone befriends you quickly and starts asking for money for 'emergencies' — hospital bills, school fees, visa applications.

How to avoid it: Be cautious of anyone who asks for money early in a friendship. Real connections don't come with invoices. Enjoy Nigerian warmth but protect your wallet.

#10

POS fraud

Medium risk

Where: Small shops, restaurants

How it works: Merchant enters a higher amount than your purchase on the card machine. Or they swipe your card twice claiming the first didn't work.

How to avoid it: Always check the amount on the POS screen before entering your PIN. Watch for only one swipe. Request a receipt. Use a travel card with instant notifications.

#11

Phone snatching

Medium risk

Where: Busy roads, traffic, markets

How it works: Someone on a motorcycle or on foot snatches your phone while you're walking, in traffic, or taking photos.

How to avoid it: Don't walk with your phone visible. Use your phone, then pocket it immediately. In traffic, keep windows up. Use a wrist strap or keep your phone in a secure bag.

#12

Follow-home robbery

Low risk

Where: After ATM withdrawals, nightlife

How it works: Someone watches you withdraw cash or leave a club showing wealth, then follows you home to rob you.

How to avoid it: Be aware of your surroundings after withdrawals. Don't count cash publicly. Take Uber/Bolt home from clubs — don't walk. Vary your routine.

Your protection toolkit

Essential gear to stay scam-proof

VPN — protect your data on every network

Stops WiFi hackers, encrypts banking sessions, protects all logins. Auto-connects on public networks.

Get NordVPN — 77% Off

eSIM — Uber ready from the moment you land

Skip the airport SIM queue (a scam hotspot itself). Have Uber/Bolt working instantly. No need to interact with anyone.

Get Airalo eSIM

Anti-theft bag — slash-proof, RFID blocking

Keeps passport, cash, and cards safe in crowded markets and on busy streets. Lockable zippers prevent pickpocketing.

Shop Pacsafe

Travel insurance — if the worst happens

Covers theft, medical emergencies, and phone replacement. SafetyWing from $42/mo with 24/7 support.

Get SafetyWing

Pre-booked transfer — avoid airport taxi scams

Book your airport pickup before you land. Driver with name board, fixed price, full insurance. Zero stress.

Book Transfer
Remember

The 5 golden rules

  1. 1

    Only use Uber, Bolt, or pre-booked cars. Never random taxis or shared vehicles.

  2. 2

    Always use a VPN on public WiFi. Never access banking without it.

  3. 3

    Carry a dedicated travel card, not your main bank card.

  4. 4

    If quoted a price, offer 30-40%. Walk away if they don't budge — they will.

  5. 5

    If something feels wrong, trust your gut and leave. Your safety > politeness.

Common questions

Nigeria scams FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nigeria full of scammers?+
No. The vast majority of Nigerians are honest, warm, and helpful. Scams exist in Lagos and Abuja like they exist in London, Paris, and New York. The difference is the types of scams and the aggressiveness of some hustlers. With basic awareness, you'll be fine.
What's the most dangerous scam in Nigeria?+
One-chance robbery — being robbed inside an unmarked vehicle by fake passengers. This is why you should ONLY use Uber, Bolt, or pre-booked cars. Never enter a shared taxi or random vehicle.
Should I carry cash in Lagos?+
Yes, but smartly. Carry small denominations for daily expenses. Keep the bulk of your money on a travel card (Revolut/Wise). Don't flash large amounts. Split your cash between different pockets or bags.
Is it safe to use my bank card in Nigeria?+
Use a dedicated travel card (Revolut or Wise) rather than your main bank card. Enable transaction alerts, use VPN for mobile banking, and only use ATMs inside bank branches. If your travel card is compromised, your main account stays safe.
What do I do if someone tries to scam me?+
Stay calm. Walk away if possible. Don't engage in arguments. If confronted by fake police, stay polite but firm — ask for ID and say you want to go to the station. Never hand over your passport or phone. If robbed, don't resist — your safety is worth more than your belongings.
Are Uber and Bolt safe in Lagos?+
Yes, they are the safest way to get around. Always verify the plate number, driver name, and car model before entering. Share your trip with a contact. Avoid cash payments if possible — use the in-app wallet.

Now you know what to look for. Arm yourself with the right tools and enjoy Nigeria.

Lagos safety tips Travel checklist

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