Scam in GuineaFake officials
Police and soldier bribe demands in Guinea
How it works
Corrupt police and soldiers target foreigners for money. Police may take an item and use it to pressure you into paying a bribe.
Warning signs
- An official demands money without explaining a clear reason.
- An official takes an item and links its return to payment.
- Threats or pressure increase when you question the demand.
How to avoid it
- Keep valuables out of sight.
- Keep essential documents accessible so you do not need to open all your bags.
- Stay calm and ask what the payment is for.
- If safe, ask for an official receipt.
If it happens to you
Avoid an argument or physical resistance. Put your safety first. Once safe, record what happened and contact your embassy, especially if documents or belongings were taken.
- Get to a safe place. Do not chase a thief or resist an armed attacker. Seek medical care if injured.
- Freeze stolen cards and contact your bank or card issuer. Ask whether a recent payment can be stopped or disputed.
- Secure a stolen phone and affected accounts. Use another device to lock the phone and change important passwords.
- Write down the time, place, losses and what happened. Save messages, receipts and payment records without putting yourself at risk.
- Consult your embassy, especially if your passport was taken or officials were involved. Ask about safe reporting options and document replacement.
- Ask about making a police report if safe and practical. Keep any report reference and contact your insurer if you have cover.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/overlanding2020Bribery is nothing like the Hollywood version. These men in Guinea West Africa were trying to bribe me, but after passing around hot tea they became my best friends. (More bribery advice in comments)The traveller reported that police in Guinea routinely asked for $10 and described defusing one encounter by sharing tea.Read on Reddit
- Travel blogGuinea – Elizabeth Around the WorldThe author described paying soldiers and officials cash and giving them supplies at repeated security checkpoints during a trip to Guinea.Read on Travel blog
Questions
What is the police and soldier bribe demands scam in Guinea?
Corrupt police and soldiers target foreigners for money. Police may take an item and use it to pressure you into paying a bribe.
How can I spot it early?
An official demands money without explaining a clear reason. An official takes an item and links its return to payment. Threats or pressure increase when you question the demand.
How do I avoid police and soldier bribe demands in Guinea?
Keep valuables out of sight. Keep essential documents accessible so you do not need to open all your bags. Stay calm and ask what the payment is for. If safe, ask for an official receipt.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Avoid an argument or physical resistance. Put your safety first. Once safe, record what happened and contact your embassy, especially if documents or belongings were taken.
Where in Guinea does this happen?
Across the country, including police checkpoints
How common is this scam in Guinea?
Very common. Guinea has a high risk of theft, demands for bribes and business fraud. Travellers should take particular care at airports, markets, checkpoints, and near hotels and restaurants used by foreigners. Other problems include inflated opening prices and misleading promises about taxi departure times.
Are there similar scams in Guinea?
Yes: military-style roadblocks demanding money and valuables.
Who can I report it to?
Your embassy or consulate: contact it through its official contact details after a crime. Explain any threats, official involvement or missing passport. Ask for help with next steps. Local police: if safe and practical, ask to report the theft or fraud and request a written record. Police assistance may be ineffective, and corruption is a concern. Consult your embassy if unsure how to proceed. Your bank or card issuer: use its official app or contact number to freeze cards, report unauthorised payments and ask about recovering money. Your travel insurer: contact the claims team through your policy details. Keep receipts, a list of losses and any police report reference.
Reviewed by @snuck