TRAVEL SCAM
Nairobi, Kenya
Fake Safari / Tour Operator Scam
Scammers pose as safari companies, guides, or accommodation providers and offer attractive packages to popular Kenyan destinations.
High Risk
COMMON LOCATIONS
Nairobi, Mombasa, online booking platforms & social media
HOW IT HAPPENS
HOW THE SCAM WORKS
Scammers pose as safari companies, guides, or accommodation providers and offer attractive packages to popular Kenyan destinations. Travelers are asked to pay a deposit—or sometimes the entire cost—before arrival. The supposed booking may not exist, or the person collecting payment may have no connection to the actual operator.
WATCH FOR THIS
WARNING SIGNS
*Prices dramatically cheaper than comparable safari packages
*Pressure to pay immediately
*Payment requested to an individual's account
*Communication conducted only through WhatsApp/social media
*Company details that are difficult to verify
*Refusal to provide verifiable reservations or documentation
STAY SMART
HOW TO AVOID IT
*Independently verify the tour operator before sending money
*Confirm accommodations directly when possible
*Don't rely solely on reviews/screenshots sent by the seller
*Use payment methods that provide appropriate consumer protections
*Be especially cautious when someone moves you away from a legitimate booking platform to pay privately