Scam in DR CongoShopping
Inflated opening prices for art in DR Congo
How it works
Art sellers start with high asking prices and expect bargaining. A visitor who accepts the first price can pay far more than the price the seller would accept.
Warning signs
- A seller presents the opening price as the amount you should pay immediately.
- The price drops sharply when you hesitate or bargain.
How to avoid it
- Do not accept the first asking price.
- Compare similar pieces before buying.
- Set a spending limit and be ready to walk away.
If it happens to you
Before paying, pause and negotiate. After a completed purchase, you can ask for a refund, but do not assume one will be available.
- Get to a safe place. If threatened, avoid a physical struggle and put your safety first.
- Seek urgent medical care for injuries or suspected poisoning.
- Freeze stolen cards and contact your bank or card issuer about suspicious payments.
- Write down what happened, including the time, place, amounts and any vehicle details. Save receipts and booking records.
- Report theft, robbery or fraud to police when safe. Ask for a report or reference for insurance.
- Contact your embassy if your passport is missing, you are stranded or you need serious assistance. Notify your insurer and a trusted contact.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- WebWikivoyageKinshasa – Travel guide at WikivoyageThe guide says initial art prices at Marché des Valeurs can be at least 60–75 percent above the eventual negotiated price.Read on Web
- WebTales from a Small PlanetKinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo - Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?Resident contributors describe bargaining for paintings and handicrafts while encountering sellers asking exorbitant prices.Read on Web
Questions
What is the inflated opening prices for art scam in DR Congo?
Art sellers start with high asking prices and expect bargaining. A visitor who accepts the first price can pay far more than the price the seller would accept.
How can I spot it early?
A seller presents the opening price as the amount you should pay immediately. The price drops sharply when you hesitate or bargain.
How do I avoid inflated opening prices for art in DR Congo?
Do not accept the first asking price. Compare similar pieces before buying. Set a spending limit and be ready to walk away.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Before paying, pause and negotiate. After a completed purchase, you can ask for a refund, but do not assume one will be available.
Where in DR Congo does this happen?
Le marché des valeurs and art sales at Le Surcouf. It has been reported in Kinshasa.
How much can it cost me?
Opening asking prices at Le marché des valeurs can be at least 60–75% above the final negotiated price, or more.
How common is this scam in DR Congo?
Common. Travellers face theft, demands for bribes, fake police and inflated prices, especially in Kinshasa. Serious risks include robbery by taxi drivers and people posing as police; conflict and limited medical care add dangers beyond scams.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, robbery or fraud when you can do so safely. Ask a trusted local or your accommodation to help you find a police station. Request a written report or reference. Embassy or consulate: use your embassy's official contact channels for a lost passport, serious crime or help when stranded. Bank or card issuer: use the bank's app or official contact number to freeze cards and report unauthorised transactions. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its official claims or assistance channel. Keep police reports, receipts and records of losses. Hotel management or transport provider: report incidents involving a room, driver or arranged airport service. Give the booking details and keep a record of the response.
Reviewed by @snuck