Scam prevention
Common scams around a project in Africa, and the habits that protect your money, your identity and your plans.
The 6 golden rules
Simple habits to protect yourself from the most common scams.
Check before you pay
Make no payment until you have checked the identity of the person you are dealing with and their official documents.
Practical adviceVerified on 10/9/26High confidenceBeware of urgency
Pressure to pay right away is a warning sign: a money decision should never be made in a rush.
Practical adviceVerified on 10/9/26High confidencePut everything in writing
Contract, receipt, saved messages: even between relatives, writing protects you.
Practical adviceServAfrica experienceVerified on 10/9/26Medium confidencePrefer traceable payments
Avoid cash and transfers to unknown personal accounts.
Practical adviceVerified on 10/9/26High confidenceRun from “guaranteed” returns
A promise of high returns with no risk is a sign of a scam.
Practical adviceVerified on 10/9/26High confidenceCross-check
Before any binding decision, check through a second official channel that you find yourself.
Practical adviceVerified on 10/9/26High confidence
Scams to know about
Spot how they work to protect yourself better.
Property and land
Forged land titles
Before any purchase, have the land title checked with the competent official office. Pay no deposit before this check.
Practical adviceServAfrica experienceVerified on 10/9/26Medium confidenceThe same plot sold twice
The same plot can be sold to several buyers. Check who the registered owner is and have the sale registered.
Practical adviceServAfrica experienceVerified on 10/9/26Medium confidenceDeposits never returned
Fake developers take a deposit and then disappear. No deposit without a written contract, prior checks and a traceable payment.
Practical adviceServAfrica experienceVerified on 10/9/26Medium confidence
Online scams
Fake emails and fake government websites
Messages imitate official services and demand urgent “processing fees”. Do not click their links: look up the official website address yourself.
Practical adviceVerified on 10/9/26High confidenceIdentity theft
Do not send an ID document or a code to anyone who asks for it before you have checked who they are.
Practical adviceVerified on 10/9/26High confidenceMobile money fraud
Never share your mobile money PIN, even with someone who says they are an agent.
Practical adviceServAfrica experienceVerified on 10/9/26Medium confidence
Fake investments
“Guaranteed” returns and pyramid schemes
Platforms promise high, regular gains on farming projects or crypto. A promise of high returns with no risk is a sign of a scam.
Practical adviceVerified on 10/9/26High confidenceCheck the licence
Before investing, check that the company is authorised by the competent financial authority. Beware of names very close to those of well-known companies.
Practical adviceVerified on 10/9/26High confidence
Visas and paperwork
Fake visa application websites
Websites imitate an official portal to collect data and payments. Check the exact address of the government website.
Practical adviceServAfrica experienceVerified on 10/9/26Medium confidence“Guaranteed” visa
No intermediary can guarantee that a visa will be granted. Be wary of any such promise in exchange for payment.
Practical adviceServAfrica experienceVerified on 10/9/26Medium confidenceFake consular appointments
Scammers resell fake time slots. Book appointments only through the official channel of the embassy or consulate.
Practical adviceServAfrica experienceVerified on 10/9/26Medium confidence
Scams targeting the diaspora
Fake family emergency
A message says a relative is in hospital and asks for an immediate transfer. Call your relative back on a number you know before sending money.
Practical adviceVerified on 10/9/26High confidenceRomance scam
An online relationship leads to repeated requests for money. Never send money to someone you have never met.
Practical adviceVerified on 10/9/26High confidenceFake return-assistance organisations
Fictitious bodies promise grants or housing in return for “processing fees”. Check that the organisation legally exists.
Practical adviceServAfrica experienceVerified on 10/9/26Medium confidence
Improper requests for payment
Unofficial “fast-track fees”
You are asked to pay to “speed up” an administrative file. Always ask for an official receipt and the official fee schedule.
Practical adviceServAfrica experienceVerified on 10/9/26Medium confidenceUnauthorised middlemen
“Facilitators” claim you cannot do without them. Check with the official office whether they are really authorised.
Practical adviceServAfrica experienceVerified on 10/9/26Medium confidence
Diaspora disputes
Building from abroad
Money sent for a building project that does not progress, or is diverted. Protect yourself with a written contract and staged payments.
Practical adviceServAfrica experienceVerified on 10/9/26Medium confidenceFamily disputes over property
Inheritance, occupation without title, unauthorised sale: written agreements and official registration protect your rights.
Practical adviceServAfrica experienceVerified on 10/9/26Medium confidenceMoney entrusted to a relative
Money handed over with no written record. Always put it in writing, even between relatives, to avoid disputes.
Practical adviceServAfrica experienceVerified on 10/9/26Medium confidence
Report a scam
Have you witnessed or been the victim of a scam? The team is told right away. With your consent, your account helps other members recognise new methods.
Community reports
Accounts from members, reviewed by the team before publication, but not verified.
No reports published yet.
Sources
- ServAfrica, Centre Vigilance & Prévention · consulted on October 9, 2026
- AMF (Autorité des marchés financiers), Arnaques: les signes qui doivent vous mettre la puce à l'oreille · consulted on October 9, 2026
- AMF (Autorité des marchés financiers), Faire les vérifications · consulted on October 9, 2026
- FTC (Federal Trade Commission), How To Avoid a Scam · consulted on October 9, 2026
- FTC (Federal Trade Commission), What To Know About Romance Scams · consulted on October 9, 2026
- AMF (Autorité des marchés financiers), Listes noires et mises en garde · consulted on October 9, 2026
AfriPilot is a private service by ServAfrica, not an official body. This advice does not replace a legal professional or steps with the authorities.