Other Tourist Scams in Addis Ababa

Orphanage and Charity Donation Scam

Individuals — sometimes children, sometimes adults — approach tourists near the National Museum, Meskel Square, and upmarket hotels in Bole district soliciting donations for a local orphanage or school. They carry printed leaflets, sign-up sheets, or photos of children to appear legitimate. In reality, no such institution exists or the collector keeps the money personally. Some operations are organized rings that target the same tourist areas daily, cycling through different collectors to avoid recognition.