Scam in ChadFood and drink
Refilled bottled water in Chad
How it works
Some vendors refill old bottles with unfiltered water and sell them. The water may carry typhoid or other diseases.
Warning signs
- The bottle seal is broken or missing.
- The cap looks loose or previously opened.
How to avoid it
- Check the seal before paying.
- Choose a bottle with an intact seal and open it yourself.
- Reject bottles that appear to have been opened.
- Avoid drinking unfiltered water.
If it happens to you
Stop drinking the water. Get medical help if you become unwell, and tell the clinician about the possible exposure.
- Move somewhere safe. If you are threatened, put your safety ahead of recovering money or belongings.
- Block stolen cards through your bank. If your phone is missing, lock it remotely and secure important accounts.
- Write down what happened, including the time, location, amount lost and any details you remember. Save receipts and messages.
- Report the incident to police when safe. Ask for a written record, but be prepared for a difficult reporting process.
- Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen, you are detained or you need help finding legal support.
- Tell your travel insurer promptly. If you drank suspect water and feel unwell, seek medical care.
Questions
What is the refilled bottled water scam in Chad?
Some vendors refill old bottles with unfiltered water and sell them. The water may carry typhoid or other diseases.
How can I spot it early?
The bottle seal is broken or missing. The cap looks loose or previously opened.
How do I avoid refilled bottled water in Chad?
Check the seal before paying. Choose a bottle with an intact seal and open it yourself. Reject bottles that appear to have been opened. Avoid drinking unfiltered water.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Stop drinking the water. Get medical help if you become unwell, and tell the clinician about the possible exposure.
Where in Chad does this happen?
Some street vendors; no specific towns or selling locations are identified.
How common is this scam in Chad?
Occasional. Petty street crime and corrupt police or officials are concerns in N'Djamena, but there is no clear information on how often tourists encounter scams. Some street vendors sell old water bottles refilled with unfiltered water. Photography restrictions can also lead to trouble with officials.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft or fraud when it is safe to do so, and request a written record. The justice system has serious problems with corruption and accountability, so effective help is not assured. Your card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact channel to block missing cards and report unauthorised transactions. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help with a stolen passport, detention or finding local legal assistance. Your travel insurer: contact its claims or assistance service. Keep incident notes, receipts and any police record.
Reviewed by @snuck