Unofficial Guide Extortion
Forced Fees at Tourist Sites
In the Republic of the Congo, scammers posing as unofficial guides approach tourists at sites like the Congo River or Basilique Sainte-Anne in Brazzaville, offering 'free' information before demanding payments of 5,000-10,000 XAF for services not rendered, often using aggressive tactics in crowded areas.
- Decline unsolicited offers and stick to guides from official tourism offices.
- Carry a map or use a translation app with local phrases like 'Non, merci' to politely refuse.
- Visit sites during daylight and in groups, as solo travelers are more targeted in urban centers.
Fake Money Exchange
Street exchangers in major cities swap counterfeit XAF notes for foreign currency, targeting tourists near banks or markets by offering rates 10-20% above official ones, such as 600 XAF per USD instead of the standard 500-550, then disappearing after the transaction.
- Use banks or authorized bureaux de change in secure locations like downtown Brazzaville.
- Check notes for security features like watermarks before exchanging, as counterfeit XAF often lacks these.
- Avoid street deals and report suspicious activity to local police using emergency numbers like 117.
ATM and Card Fraud
Skimming Devices on ATMs
In Republic of the Congo, criminals install skimming devices on ATMs in busy areas like markets in Brazzaville or Pointe-Noire, capturing card details while accomplices observe PIN entries, leading to unauthorized withdrawals averaging 50,000-100,000 XAF.
- Inspect ATMs for tampering, such as loose card slots, before use.
- Cover the PIN pad with your hand and use ATMs inside banks during business hours.
- Monitor your bank statements online and notify your bank immediately if unusual activity occurs.