Scam in MauritaniaShopping
A gift used to create pressure to buy in Mauritania
How it works
A seller presents an item as a gift as part of an attempt to make you buy something. The gesture can make you feel that you owe them a purchase.
Warning signs
- A seller offers an unsolicited gift.
- The offer turns into pressure to buy.
How to avoid it
- Decline gifts attached to a sales pitch.
- Do not buy simply because you feel obliged.
- Say clearly that you are not interested.
If it happens to you
If safe, return the item and leave. Do not let an unwanted gift pressure you into a purchase.
- Move to a safe place. Stop the transaction if you can do so safely, and avoid a confrontation.
- Write down what happened. Save receipts, messages, booking details and any description you can record safely.
- If a card or banking details were compromised, contact your card issuer immediately. Freeze the card and ask about disputing unauthorised charges.
- Report theft, fraud or threats to local police. Ask for a written report or reference number if available.
- Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen, you were threatened or you need help finding local support.
- Notify your insurer if you may make a claim. Keep copies of reports and expenses.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the a gift used to create pressure to buy scam in Mauritania?
A seller presents an item as a gift as part of an attempt to make you buy something. The gesture can make you feel that you owe them a purchase.
How can I spot it early?
A seller offers an unsolicited gift. The offer turns into pressure to buy.
How do I avoid a gift used to create pressure to buy in Mauritania?
Decline gifts attached to a sales pitch. Do not buy simply because you feel obliged. Say clearly that you are not interested.
What should I do if it happens to me?
If safe, return the item and leave. Do not let an unwanted gift pressure you into a purchase.
Where in Mauritania does this happen?
Market areas throughout Mauritania.
How common is this scam in Mauritania?
Occasional. The main tourist traps described in Mauritania involve inflated shopping prices and sellers who use friendship, gifts or guilt to push a sale. There are no reliable figures for how often these happen. Banditry near the borders with Algeria and Mali is a separate, more serious danger.
Are there similar scams in Mauritania?
Yes: inflated opening prices, friendship used to push a sale, guilt or accusations used to sell souvenirs.
Who can I report it to?
Local police: report theft, fraud, robbery or threats once you are safe. Ask your accommodation to help you find a police station if needed. Card issuer or bank: use the bank's official app or verified contact details to report a stolen card or unauthorised transaction. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help with a stolen passport or a serious incident. Travel insurer: contact the claims or assistance service listed in your policy. Keep receipts and any police report.
Reviewed by @snuck