Scam in Burkina FasoAirport and border
Unwanted paid luggage help in Burkina Faso
How it works
Uniformed men offer to carry your luggage out and expect payment. The uniform does not mean that this help is free or required.
Warning signs
- A uniformed person offers to take your bags at the carousel.
- Someone starts handling your luggage before discussing payment.
How to avoid it
- Carry your own bags if you do not want paid help.
- Clearly decline before someone takes your luggage.
- If you want help, agree on the fee and number of bags first.
- Keep exact CFA change ready.
If it happens to you
Ask for your bags back and clarify the fee calmly. If you accepted the service, pay the agreed amount. Seek airport staff assistance if there is a dispute.
- 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.
Questions
What is the unwanted paid luggage help scam in Burkina Faso?
Uniformed men offer to carry your luggage out and expect payment. The uniform does not mean that this help is free or required.
How can I spot it early?
A uniformed person offers to take your bags at the carousel. Someone starts handling your luggage before discussing payment.
How do I avoid unwanted paid luggage help in Burkina Faso?
Carry your own bags if you do not want paid help. Clearly decline before someone takes your luggage. If you want help, agree on the fee and number of bags first. Keep exact CFA change ready.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask for your bags back and clarify the fee calmly. If you accepted the service, pay the agreed amount. Seek airport staff assistance if there is a dispute.
Where in Burkina Faso does this happen?
The baggage carousel at Ouagadougou Airport. It has been reported in Ouagadougou.
How much can it cost me?
About CFA500 per bag.
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