Scam in Burkina FasoOn the street
Market touts and con artists in Burkina Faso
How it works
The market has many touts and con artists. No specific story or payment trick is described, so do not assume that an approach is trustworthy simply because the person seems helpful.
Warning signs
- An unknown person approaches you to sell something or offer help.
- Someone keeps pressing you after you have declined.
How to avoid it
- Visit with a trusted local person.
- Ask about any fee before accepting help.
- Do not hand money or valuables to someone you have just met.
- Leave an interaction if you feel pressured.
If it happens to you
Move to a busy place and ask your trusted local companion for help. Report any theft or threats to police.
- Move to a safe, busy place. Do not chase a thief or risk a fight over money.
- Check what is missing. If cards or a phone were stolen, contact your card issuer and mobile provider promptly.
- Write down what happened, including the time, place, amount and any vehicle details. Save receipts and messages.
- Report theft, threats or fraud to police. Ask for a report or reference number if available.
- Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen or you need help replacing travel documents.
- Tell your travel insurer and provide any police report and payment records. Secure affected accounts if your phone was taken.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the market touts and con artists scam in Burkina Faso?
The market has many touts and con artists. No specific story or payment trick is described, so do not assume that an approach is trustworthy simply because the person seems helpful.
How can I spot it early?
An unknown person approaches you to sell something or offer help. Someone keeps pressing you after you have declined.
How do I avoid market touts and con artists in Burkina Faso?
Visit with a trusted local person. Ask about any fee before accepting help. Do not hand money or valuables to someone you have just met. Leave an interaction if you feel pressured.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Move to a busy place and ask your trusted local companion for help. Report any theft or threats to police.
Where in Burkina Faso does this happen?
Grand Marche in Ouagadougou. It has been reported in Ouagadougou.
How common is this scam in Burkina Faso?
Common. Travellers can face inflated taxi fares, overpriced goods and unwanted paid help with luggage. Pickpocketing, bag snatching and market touts are concerns, especially in Ouagadougou. This scam rating does not cover the separate dangers from civil unrest and extremist activity.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, threats or fraud at a police station. Give the location, time, description and any evidence. Ask for a written report or reference number if available. Airport staff: for a luggage-helper dispute at the airport, ask airport staff for assistance. Card issuer: use your banking app or a verified contact number to freeze stolen cards and report any payments you did not authorise. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Travel insurer: contact its claims service and keep receipts, payment records and any police report. Mobile provider: if your phone is stolen, ask the provider to block the SIM and help protect your number.
Reviewed by @snuck