Scam in MauritaniaShopping
Friendship used to push a sale in Mauritania
How it works
Someone approaches as a new friend, then tries to sell you something at an inflated price. Persistent sellers may use your politeness to keep you talking or draw you into a shop.
Warning signs
- A friendly approach quickly becomes a sales pitch.
- The person keeps steering you towards a souvenir shop.
- They continue after you have shown no interest.
How to avoid it
- Treat unsolicited market friendships with caution.
- Say clearly that you are not interested.
- End the conversation if the pressure continues.
If it happens to you
State firmly that you are not interested and leave. You do not need to keep listening out of politeness.
- 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.
Questions
What is the friendship used to push a sale scam in Mauritania?
Someone approaches as a new friend, then tries to sell you something at an inflated price. Persistent sellers may use your politeness to keep you talking or draw you into a shop.
How can I spot it early?
A friendly approach quickly becomes a sales pitch. The person keeps steering you towards a souvenir shop. They continue after you have shown no interest.
How do I avoid friendship used to push a sale in Mauritania?
Treat unsolicited market friendships with caution. Say clearly that you are not interested. End the conversation if the pressure continues.
What should I do if it happens to me?
State firmly that you are not interested and leave. You do not need to keep listening out of politeness.
Where in Mauritania does this happen?
Market areas throughout Mauritania.
How common is this scam in Mauritania?
Common. 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, a gift used to create pressure to buy, 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