Question 1

What is the "Fake Government Official Bribe" scam in Lagos?

Accepted Answer

Men claiming to be NAFDAC, customs, or immigration officers approach tourists and businesspeople, claiming documents are irregular and demanding fines paid in cash to avoid arrest. The arrest threat is fabricated. Ask for official ID and badge number. Insist on going to the official government office. Contact your embassy immediately. Never pay cash to any official demanding payment on the street or without an official receipt.

Question 2

What is the "Advance Fee (419) Fraud" scam in Lagos?

Accepted Answer

Tourists and business visitors in Lagos are targeted with elaborate schemes promising large financial returns in exchange for upfront fees — for "government contracts," stranded inheritance, or business partnerships. Victims lose thousands before realizing it is a scam. Any unsolicited business proposal promising large returns in exchange for fees is a scam, regardless of how official it looks. Never transfer money to people you have not verified through independent channels. Contact your country's embassy in Nigeria for verification help.

Question 3

What is the "Advance Fee Business Fraud (419)" scam in Lagos?

Accepted Answer

Strangers contact or approach tourists with elaborate business opportunities — gold export, contract facilitation, government funds — requiring upfront payments. This is the original 419 advance fee fraud. Never engage with or send money for unsolicited business opportunities, no matter how convincing the story or how official the documentation appears.

Question 4

What is the "Police Checkpoint Bribe Demand" scam in Lagos?

Accepted Answer

Police or military at road checkpoints may demand unofficial payments ("settlement") from tourist vehicles, particularly outside the central districts. Do not carry large amounts of cash. Politely ask for a receipt for any fee requested. Inform your hotel or a local contact if this occurs.

Question 5

What is the "Fake Gold and Gems Seller" scam in Lagos?

Accepted Answer

Salesmen approach tourists in hotel areas offering to sell gold nuggets, diamonds, or oil contracts at below-market prices. The "gold" is invariably brass or painted metal. Decline all unsolicited investment and precious goods offers. Legitimate dealers do not approach tourists in hotel lobbies.

Other Tourist Scams in Lagos

Fake Government Official Bribe

Advance Fee (419) Fraud

Advance Fee Business Fraud (419)

Police Checkpoint Bribe Demand

Fake Gold and Gems Seller

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