Chad Scams: Tourist, Online & Investment Fraud Guide
Chad's scam risks are dominated by checkpoint extortion, fake job and visa schemes, and mobile-money fraud rather than tourist-targeted scams, given low visitor numbers.
Emergency number: 17 (police), 18 (fire) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 5 July 2026
Chad receives relatively few international tourists compared to neighboring countries, so most reported fraud involves informal checkpoint demands, fake employment schemes (particularly linked to oil-sector or NGO work), and mobile-money and SIM-swap fraud affecting residents. Visitors, particularly those working in aid, oil or diplomatic roles, should be alert to fixers demanding unofficial payments for permits, transport or paperwork.
Common scams
- Unofficial checkpoint 'fees' demanded by individuals claiming to be officials
- Fake job offers in the oil, mining or NGO sectors requiring upfront payment for permits or training
- Advance-fee fraud via email or messaging apps promising business deals or contracts
- Mobile-money fraud involving fake agents or SIM-swap attacks on Airtel Money or Moov Money accounts
Tourist-specific scams
- Unofficial guides and fixers at N'Djamena airport overcharging for assistance with paperwork or transport
- Inflated prices for accommodation and transport quoted specifically to foreign visitors
Online shopping scams
- Phishing messages impersonating banks or mobile-money providers requesting PINs or one-time codes
- Fake online business or import/export deals requiring upfront payment before goods are shown to exist
- Social-media impersonation of officials or businesspeople to solicit money from contacts
Job scams
- Recruitment agencies charging fees for oil-sector or NGO jobs that do not exist
- Fake overseas job placements targeting Chadians seeking work abroad
Romance scams
- Online relationships where a supposed Chad-based partner requests money for emergencies, medical bills or travel
Investment scams
- Ponzi-style savings and investment clubs promising unrealistic returns that collapse when new contributions stop
How to report a scam here
- Stop payment and contact once fraud is suspected
- Report the incident to the Police Nationale or Gendarmerie and request a written complaint
- Contact your mobile-money provider (Airtel Money, Moov Money) immediately to attempt a freeze or reversal
- Notify your bank if the fraud involved an international transfer, to attempt a dispute or recall
Local reporting & protection links
- Police (emergency) — Dial 17
- Fire brigade — Dial 18
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Act quickly: call Airtel Money or Moov Money to ask for a freeze or reversal if the payment left by mobile money, and report unauthorised transactions to your bank branch in N'Djamena. If the money moved by international transfer, ask your bank to attempt a recall. Say plainly that you were deceived into authorising the payment, request that the receiving account is reported, and note any reference number. Change your PIN and online-banking password if you shared them. A police report supports any dispute you later raise.
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot all messages, profiles, websites and payment pages
- Save transaction references, account numbers and crypto wallet addresses
- Keep emails with full headers where possible
- Note dates, times, names and phone numbers used
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common scam in Chad?
Unofficial checkpoint fees and fake job or business-deal schemes are among the most commonly reported, alongside mobile-money fraud.
How do I report mobile-money fraud in Chad?
Contact your mobile-money provider's fraud line immediately to attempt to freeze the account, then file a report with the Police Nationale.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance