Scam in NigeriaFood and drink
High drink prices in Nigeria
How it works
Drinks can be very expensive. Ordering without checking the price can leave you with a much larger bill than expected. High prices alone do not prove fraud.
Warning signs
- You have not seen a price before ordering.
- The quoted price is higher than you expected.
How to avoid it
- Ask for the price of each drink before ordering.
- Check the bill against what you ordered.
- Buy beer from a market if you want to spend less.
If it happens to you
Ask for an itemised bill. Calmly question any charge that differs from the price you agreed.
- Get somewhere safe. If a robber is armed, stay calm, cooperate and do not chase them.
- Freeze any stolen or exposed cards. Contact your bank and dispute payments you did not approve.
- If your phone was stolen, use another device to lock it remotely and secure your email, banking and other important accounts.
- Save receipts, booking details, transaction records and a short account of what happened. Record vehicle details only if it is safe.
- Report the incident to the police and ask for a report reference or written record.
- Contact your embassy if you need help, especially after robbery or passport theft. Notify your insurer if you plan to claim.
Questions
What is the high drink prices scam in Nigeria?
Drinks can be very expensive. Ordering without checking the price can leave you with a much larger bill than expected. High prices alone do not prove fraud.
How can I spot it early?
You have not seen a price before ordering. The quoted price is higher than you expected.
How do I avoid high drink prices in Nigeria?
Ask for the price of each drink before ordering. Check the bill against what you ordered. Buy beer from a market if you want to spend less.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask for an itemised bill. Calmly question any charge that differs from the price you agreed.
Where in Nigeria does this happen?
Bars and other drinking venues across Abuja It has been reported in Abuja.
How much can it cost me?
Around US$20 for some mixed drinks and US$5–9 for a local beer.
How common is this scam in Nigeria?
Common. Travellers in Nigeria should watch for money-changing tricks, card fraud and unsafe unofficial taxis. Street money changers may short-change you, while card cloning and hotel-payment fraud are also reported. Theft and armed robbery are serious concerns, particularly in Lagos.
Who can I report it to?
Police: once safe, report robbery, theft or fraud. Provide the time, place, losses and any records. Ask for a report reference or written record. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or a trusted contact number to freeze the card and report suspicious activity. Ask how to dispute unauthorised transactions. Your embassy: contact your embassy after a robbery or if your passport is stolen. In Abuja, embassy contact is specifically recommended after robbery. Hotel management or ride-booking provider: report an incident involving their service through reception or the booking app. Keep payment and booking records. Travel insurer: use the contact details in your policy. Ask which receipts, police records and other evidence are needed for a claim.
Reviewed by @snuck