Scam in NigerOn the street
Fake acquaintance with an accident story in Niger
How it works
Someone approaches as though they know you. They say their car or motorcycle was in an accident and ask for money to repair it. The story may vary.
Warning signs
- A stranger claims to know you.
- They quickly introduce an accident or other urgent problem.
- They ask you to pay for repairs.
How to avoid it
- Do not give money unless you are completely sure you know the person.
- Do not let a familiar manner replace checking who they are.
- Decline and leave if you cannot confirm their identity.
If it happens to you
Stop giving money. Move to a safe place and record what happened if you want to report it.
- Get somewhere safe. Do not chase thieves or resist armed attackers.
- Check for injuries and seek medical help if needed.
- Block stolen cards and contact your card issuer about any unauthorised payments.
- Save receipts, booking details and messages. Write down the time, place and a description of what happened.
- Report theft, fraud or violence to police when safe. Ask for a written report if available.
- Contact your embassy if your passport is missing or you are stranded. Notify your travel insurer and keep copies of your records.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the fake acquaintance with an accident story scam in Niger?
Someone approaches as though they know you. They say their car or motorcycle was in an accident and ask for money to repair it. The story may vary.
How can I spot it early?
A stranger claims to know you. They quickly introduce an accident or other urgent problem. They ask you to pay for repairs.
How do I avoid fake acquaintance with an accident story in Niger?
Do not give money unless you are completely sure you know the person. Do not let a familiar manner replace checking who they are. Decline and leave if you cannot confirm their identity.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Stop giving money. Move to a safe place and record what happened if you want to report it.
Where in Niger does this happen?
Throughout Niamey, especially near Petit Marché It has been reported in Niamey.
How much can it cost me?
The repair story may involve a request for CFA 10,000.
How common is this scam in Niger?
Common. Scams and fraud are common in Niger. Visitors may face fake requests for emergency money, inflated taxi fares, poor exchange rates and pressure to pay for unwanted help. Pickpocketing, bag theft and armed robbery also occur; outside Niamey, kidnapping and attacks on vehicles can be much more serious risks.
Are there similar scams in Niger?
Yes: repeated requests for gifts or money.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, fraud, robbery or an attack when it is safe to do so. Give the location, time, description and any evidence. Ask for a written report if available. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen, you are stranded or you need help after a serious incident. Your card issuer: use the issuer's official app or contact number to block missing cards and report unauthorised transactions. Airport staff: ask staff for help if someone will not return your luggage or you feel threatened by an unwanted porter. Your travel insurer: report the incident through its official claims channel. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of your losses.
Reviewed by @snuck