Scam in GuineaOther tricks
Business fraud in Guinea
How it works
Business fraud and scams are widespread. No specific scheme is described, so a convincing offer or business contact should not be treated as proof that a deal is genuine.
Warning signs
- You cannot independently check the person, company or deal.
- You are asked to commit money before checks are complete.
How to avoid it
- Check business identities through independent channels.
- Have contracts and payment terms checked before paying.
- Do not send money because a contact pressures you to act quickly.
- Reconsider a trip arranged around an unverified business offer.
If it happens to you
Stop further payments. Save contracts, messages and payment records. Contact your bank promptly and consult your embassy about next steps.
- 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.
- Government adviceGuinea Travel Advice & Safety | SmartravellerAustralian authorities report gold and diamond trading fraud, bogus business opportunities and false police complaints intended to extract additional payments from foreigners.Read on Government advice
- Government adviceSafety and security - Guinea travel advice - GOV.UKBritish authorities report scams involving diamonds, gold exports and gold certification, with related risks of kidnapping and extortion.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the business fraud scam in Guinea?
Business fraud and scams are widespread. No specific scheme is described, so a convincing offer or business contact should not be treated as proof that a deal is genuine.
How can I spot it early?
You cannot independently check the person, company or deal. You are asked to commit money before checks are complete.
How do I avoid business fraud in Guinea?
Check business identities through independent channels. Have contracts and payment terms checked before paying. Do not send money because a contact pressures you to act quickly. Reconsider a trip arranged around an unverified business offer.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Stop further payments. Save contracts, messages and payment records. Contact your bank promptly and consult your embassy about next steps.
Where in Guinea does this happen?
Across the country
How common is this scam in Guinea?
Very 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