Scam in NigeriaChanging money
Short-changing during currency exchange in Nigeria
How it works
A money changer gives you fewer notes than agreed. This is easier to miss when you receive a thick bundle of naira. Once you put the money away, it is harder to challenge the amount.
Warning signs
- The bundle contains many small notes that are hard to count.
- Your count does not match the agreed amount.
How to avoid it
- Agree on the rate and final amount before handing over money.
- Count every note together with the changer.
- Keep all the money you are buying visible until the exchange is finished.
- Use a Bureau de Change where practical.
If it happens to you
Point out the missing notes before putting the money away. Ask for a recount. Leave if the situation becomes threatening.
- Get somewhere safe. If a robber is armed, stay calm, cooperate and do not chase them.
- Freeze any stolen or exposed cards. Contact your bank and dispute payments you did not approve.
- If your phone was stolen, use another device to lock it remotely and secure your email, banking and other important accounts.
- Save receipts, booking details, transaction records and a short account of what happened. Record vehicle details only if it is safe.
- Report the incident to the police and ask for a report reference or written record.
- Contact your embassy if you need help, especially after robbery or passport theft. Notify your insurer if you plan to claim.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the short-changing during currency exchange scam in Nigeria?
A money changer gives you fewer notes than agreed. This is easier to miss when you receive a thick bundle of naira. Once you put the money away, it is harder to challenge the amount.
How can I spot it early?
The bundle contains many small notes that are hard to count. Your count does not match the agreed amount.
How do I avoid short-changing during currency exchange in Nigeria?
Agree on the rate and final amount before handing over money. Count every note together with the changer. Keep all the money you are buying visible until the exchange is finished. Use a Bureau de Change where practical.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Point out the missing notes before putting the money away. Ask for a recount. Leave if the situation becomes threatening.
Where in Nigeria does this happen?
Street exchanges, especially the car park outside Lagos International Airport and main land borders
How much can it cost me?
One or two notes may be missing; their value is not specified.
How common is this scam in Nigeria?
Common. Travellers in Nigeria should watch for money-changing tricks, card fraud and unsafe unofficial taxis. Street money changers may short-change you, while card cloning and hotel-payment fraud are also reported. Theft and armed robbery are serious concerns, particularly in Lagos.
Who can I report it to?
Police: once safe, report robbery, theft or fraud. Provide the time, place, losses and any records. Ask for a report reference or written record. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or a trusted contact number to freeze the card and report suspicious activity. Ask how to dispute unauthorised transactions. Your embassy: contact your embassy after a robbery or if your passport is stolen. In Abuja, embassy contact is specifically recommended after robbery. Hotel management or ride-booking provider: report an incident involving their service through reception or the booking app. Keep payment and booking records. Travel insurer: use the contact details in your policy. Ask which receipts, police records and other evidence are needed for a claim.
Reviewed by @snuck