Scam in Burkina FasoShopping
Overpriced tourist goods in Burkina Faso
How it works
Visitors may attract frequent sales approaches for tourist items or goods sold at inflated prices.
Warning signs
- Someone approaches you mainly to sell tourist goods.
- The price is much higher than prices you have seen for similar items.
How to avoid it
- Compare prices before buying.
- Agree on the price before handing over money.
- Refuse clearly and walk away if you do not want to shop.
If it happens to you
If you notice before paying, decline the purchase. If you have already paid, calmly ask for a refund, but avoid an argument that puts you at risk.
- 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 overpriced tourist goods scam in Burkina Faso?
Visitors may attract frequent sales approaches for tourist items or goods sold at inflated prices.
How can I spot it early?
Someone approaches you mainly to sell tourist goods. The price is much higher than prices you have seen for similar items.
How do I avoid overpriced tourist goods in Burkina Faso?
Compare prices before buying. Agree on the price before handing over money. Refuse clearly and walk away if you do not want to shop.
What should I do if it happens to me?
If you notice before paying, decline the purchase. If you have already paid, calmly ask for a refund, but avoid an argument that puts you at risk.
Where in Burkina Faso does this happen?
Places where sellers approach visitors, in towns and villages.
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