scams in egypt you should watch out for

INTRODUCTION

It sounds like a great vacation - renting a house that looks amazing, taking a boat ride along the Nile River, and spending time with locals in Cairo. Sounds too good to be true? You may be getting sold a bill of goods if you aren't careful.  Scamming is a huge problem all over the world and more prevalent in developing countries where people are more desperate for money. However, you should always be aware of your surroundings and take care with your personal information so you can avoid becoming a victim. Although there are cases where scammers have been caught, the methods they use to steal money from people in Egypt are always changing. Let’s see what we can do to avoid scams.

READ ALSO: INFORMATION ABOUT THE EGYPTIAN LIFESTYLE FOR PEOPLE VISITING EGYPT

HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR TOURISTS

Tourists should be aware of the scams that are happening in Egypt and what to watch out for. Here are some of the most common scams:

• Fake taxi drivers offer to take tourists to their destinations for a fee. Be sure to ask the driver to show you his license and make sure he has a legitimate vehicle.
• Fake tour operators offer expensive tours that do not exist. Always research tours before booking and make sure the operator has a valid business license.
• Scammers who sell fake tickets or visas. Check validity most often

WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR 

In light of the recent protests and unrest in Egypt, businesses have been targeted by scammers. 

• scammers will often target businesses that are in a vulnerable position, such as those with low sales or no online presence. Be aware of online purchases. Exercise caution when sending money or making any other financial transaction. Make sure you receive confirmation of the transaction before completing it.
• Be aware of what Information Leaks are happening in Egypt right now. Cyber-attacks against businesses have increased as tensions have risen in the country, so be on the lookout for suspicious emails or online activity that could indicate a scam attempt is underway.
• Don’t let yourself become a victim of scammers - use these tips to stay safe and protect your business. 
• Many claims have been made that the Egyptian government has stolen your money and personal information. The SCAM! label is used to alert you to scams in the form of email messages, texts and phone calls.
• Be extra vigilant when using credit cards as there are reports that credit card information can be stolen, even if the card is unclipped and left on a desk or table during a transaction at a store. Even if you pay cash for a purchase with your debit card you can still be charged for it.

READ ALSO: PLACES YOU MUST VISIT WHEN VISITING EGYPT

SCAMS YOU MIGHT ENCOUNTER 

The scams that are prevalent in Egypt involve online shopping, immigration, and financial dealings. Here are some of the more common scams to watch out for:

• Scammers will often send you emails that look like they come from reputable companies or officials. They'll promise you a high return rate on your purchase or offer you a free shipping deal. 
• If you're looking to immigrate to Egypt, be very wary of fake immigration agents who will ask for money upfront. They may also tell you that there is a long waitlist for visas, when in fact there isn't one. Always research the immigration process before making any commitments.
• When it comes to financial dealings, be extremely careful about offers to invest in businesses or properties overseas. Many of these schemes are fraudulent and could cost you a lot of money. Only deal with reputable companies and avoid giving out personal information unless you're sure you know who you're dealing with.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ALMOST FALL VICTIM TO ONE OF THESE SCAMS

If you're familiar with Egyptian scams, then you're probably familiar with some of the business scams that are happening in Egypt.

1. Fake job offers: In this scam, someone will contact you claiming to be from a company or organization and offer you a job. The catch is that the job is fake - they'll ask you to pay them upfront to obtain your information or to start working, and if you don't do this, they'll say that they won't give you the job and will keep your information. Don't ever pay anyone for information about a job - it's always worth checking out the company yourself before handing over any money.
2. Phishing schemes: They might promise free products or services, but if you give away your personal information, they can use it to scam other people too.
3. Pyramid schemes: Pyramid schemes rely on members recruiting more members until everyone has lost money. These schemes usually involve recruiting people through spam email or social networks. 
4. Scam games: Scam games are designed to lure unsuspecting people into paying for things they don't even want or need in the first place. They can take many different forms including online games, online gambling, sweepstakes and others.
5. Fake tax refund scams: Tax refunds scams are easy to spot as far as tax refund scammers go: they always ask for your personal banking details - both your debit card and credit card - because that's how thieves get your money when you have a debit or credit card transaction with them. 

There Are Scams Targeting Tourists In Egypt All The Time. 

• If you get scammed, be aware that some people may ask for money or gifts in exchange for help or advice. There's nothing worse than getting robbed of your identity or money when you rely on it!
• Be very cautious about offers of cheap taxi rides or tours. Many of these scams involve drivers taking you to a fake destination, charging you high prices, and leaving you stranded without any way to get back home.
• Always verify an offer with more than one person before making a decision. Don't be a fool and be unsafe, spend time on another option that might better reflect your preferences.
• Don't let yourself be pressured into doing things like giving your credit card number or describing where you are going and when you plan to return. Even if you know the person well, never give out personal information such as that.
• Never leave valuables in rented cars or apartments. Thieves can easily enter a locked vehicle without leaving a trace and steal anything they find inside.

APPLY FOR VISA

If you're planning a trip to Egypt, you'll want to apply for a visa in advance. Egypt is a popular tourist destination, and the government expects foreigners to respect its laws. Check Egypt Visa for an easy process. They have detailed instructions on how to apply for a visa and get all the necessary paperwork together.

READ ALSO: HAUNTED PLACES IN EGYPT

CONCLUSION

As we continue to report on the events in Egypt and the worldwide crisis that is currently unfolding, it is important for business owners to be aware of scams that are targeting them. Businesses in Egypt are especially vulnerable to scams due to their lack of knowledge about global financial systems and how these systems work. As a result, businesses should take steps to protect themselves from scammers by following the above guidelines.

Apply Egypt Visa