Scam in BeninChanging money
Airport parking-lot money exchange rip-offs in Benin
How it works
People offer currency exchange in the airport parking lot, where travellers are warned about being ripped off. No specific note-switching or short-changing method is described.
Warning signs
- Someone offers to exchange money in the parking lot.
- The exchange rate or final amount is unclear.
How to avoid it
- Compare the offer with the airport's currency-exchange counter.
- Confirm the exact amount you will receive before handing over money.
- Count the money before leaving.
If it happens to you
Keep any record of the transaction and seek police help if money was taken through fraud or threats. Do not chase the person.
- Get somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or physically resist a robber.
- Contact the Gendarme (Police) immediately after a crime. Ask your hotel or a trusted local person for help.
- If a card or phone is missing, contact your card issuer or mobile provider promptly. Freeze affected cards and secure your accounts.
- Save receipts, booking details, messages and a short account of what happened. Record the time and place.
- Ask for a police report or reference number. Contact your insurer and, if your passport is missing or you need consular help, your embassy or consulate.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the airport parking-lot money exchange rip-offs scam in Benin?
People offer currency exchange in the airport parking lot, where travellers are warned about being ripped off. No specific note-switching or short-changing method is described.
How can I spot it early?
Someone offers to exchange money in the parking lot. The exchange rate or final amount is unclear.
How do I avoid airport parking-lot money exchange rip-offs in Benin?
Compare the offer with the airport's currency-exchange counter. Confirm the exact amount you will receive before handing over money. Count the money before leaving.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Keep any record of the transaction and seek police help if money was taken through fraud or threats. Do not chase the person.
Where in Benin does this happen?
The parking lot at Cadjehoun Airport. It has been reported in Cotonou.
How common is this scam in Benin?
Occasional. The main scam risks in Benin are inflated prices, taxi fare disputes, airport payment demands and pressure to buy goods or tours. Muggings and robberies also occur, with frequent attacks reported along beaches at night. A trusted local person or a guide recommended by your hotel can help you judge prices and avoid unsafe areas.
Who can I report it to?
Gendarme (Police): contact them immediately if you are a victim of crime. Ask your hotel or a trusted local person to help you reach them. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to freeze a missing card and report unauthorised transactions. Ride-booking service: if a ride booked through an app leads to a fare dispute, use the booking record to report it through the service's support channel. Embassy or consulate: use your government's official contact details for help with a stolen passport or other consular needs. Travel insurer: contact the claims service and keep receipts, evidence and any police report.
Reviewed by @snuck