Scam in GuineaAirport and border
Airport security requests for a gift in Guinea
How it works
Airport security may ask travellers for a "gift". This is an informal demand for money or another benefit.
Warning signs
- Security staff ask for a gift.
- A payment request has no clear explanation or receipt.
How to avoid it
- Keep your documents organised and allow time for airport procedures.
- Ask calmly whether a requested payment is an official fee.
- If safe, ask for a receipt or a supervisor.
If it happens to you
Stay calm and avoid confrontation. If you feel threatened, put your safety first. Write down the details once clear of the situation and consult your embassy if needed.
- Get to a safe place. Do not chase a thief or resist an armed attacker. Seek medical care if injured.
- Freeze stolen cards and contact your bank or card issuer. Ask whether a recent payment can be stopped or disputed.
- Secure a stolen phone and affected accounts. Use another device to lock the phone and change important passwords.
- Write down the time, place, losses and what happened. Save messages, receipts and payment records without putting yourself at risk.
- Consult your embassy, especially if your passport was taken or officials were involved. Ask about safe reporting options and document replacement.
- Ask about making a police report if safe and practical. Keep any report reference and contact your insurer if you have cover.
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 security requests for a gift scam in Guinea?
Airport security may ask travellers for a "gift". This is an informal demand for money or another benefit.
How can I spot it early?
Security staff ask for a gift. A payment request has no clear explanation or receipt.
How do I avoid airport security requests for a gift in Guinea?
Keep your documents organised and allow time for airport procedures. Ask calmly whether a requested payment is an official fee. If safe, ask for a receipt or a supervisor.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Stay calm and avoid confrontation. If you feel threatened, put your safety first. Write down the details once clear of the situation and consult your embassy if needed.
Where in Guinea does this happen?
Airport security It has been reported in Conakry.
How common is this scam in Guinea?
Common. Guinea has a high risk of theft, demands for bribes and business fraud. Travellers should take particular care at airports, markets, checkpoints, and near hotels and restaurants used by foreigners. Other problems include inflated opening prices and misleading promises about taxi departure times.
Who can I report it to?
Your embassy or consulate: contact it through its official contact details after a crime. Explain any threats, official involvement or missing passport. Ask for help with next steps. Local police: if safe and practical, ask to report the theft or fraud and request a written record. Police assistance may be ineffective, and corruption is a concern. Consult your embassy if unsure how to proceed. Your bank or card issuer: use its official app or contact number to freeze cards, report unauthorised payments and ask about recovering money. Your travel insurer: contact the claims team through your policy details. Keep receipts, a list of losses and any police report reference.
Reviewed by @snuck