Cape Verde Scams: Tourist, Online & Investment Fraud Guide
Cape Verde is generally low-risk for violent crime, but tourists face timeshare pressure, taxi overcharging and petty theft, while online users should watch for romance and rental-deposit scams.
Emergency number: 132 (police), 131 (fire/ambulance) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 5 July 2026
Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) is one of the more stable and tourist-friendly destinations in West Africa, with a well-developed resort sector on islands like Sal and Boa Vista. Most scams affecting visitors are low-level: taxi fare disputes, timeshare and 'free excursion' sales pitches near resorts, and petty theft rather than organized fraud. Online, the main risks for both residents and foreigners are romance scams targeting people who've never visited, and fake holiday-rental listings for accommodation that doesn't exist or isn't as advertised.
Common scams
- Timeshare and holiday-club presentations offering 'free' excursions or gifts that turn into high-pressure sales pitches
- Overcharging by unlicensed taxi drivers who don't use meters or agree fares upfront
- Fake tour operators collecting payment for excursions that are cancelled or never materialize
- Street sellers pressuring tourists into overpriced souvenir or craft purchases
Tourist-specific scams
- Unofficial 'guides' at the airport offering to help with luggage or transport for an inflated fee
- Bracelet or 'gift' scams where a seemingly free item is followed by aggressive demands for payment
- Beach vendors quoting inflated prices for boat trips or watersports with no safety standards
Online shopping scams
- Fake holiday-rental or villa listings requiring a deposit via bank transfer before the trip
- Phishing emails impersonating local banks or airlines asking for personal or card details
- Fake online shops advertising discounted flights or packages to Cape Verde that never deliver
Job scams
- Fake resort or cruise-ship job offers requiring upfront payment for visas or training
- Recruitment scams targeting Cape Verdean diaspora job seekers abroad with fake placement fees
Romance scams
- Online profiles claiming to be Cape Verdean nationals or resident foreigners who request money for travel or emergencies before ever meeting in person
- Long-distance relationships that escalate to requests for money to 'process' a visa or flight to visit the victim
Investment scams
- Real estate investment pitches for coastal developments that are unfinished, overpriced or non-existent
- Cryptocurrency or forex trading groups promising guaranteed high returns targeting the diaspora community
How to report a scam here
- Stop payment and contact immediately once fraud is suspected
- Report the incident to the Polícia Nacional at the nearest esquadra and request a written complaint (auto de denúncia)
- Contact your bank or card issuer to dispute any charges made under false pretenses
- For rental or booking scams, report the listing to the platform (Airbnb, Booking.com, etc.) for removal
- If a foreign national is involved, also notify your home country's fraud reporting service
Local reporting & protection links
- Police (emergency) — Dial 132
- Fire/ambulance — Dial 131
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Contact your card issuer to block the card and dispute unauthorized charges, and file a formal complaint with the Polícia Nacional to support any claim.
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
Is Cape Verde safe from scams for tourists?
Cape Verde has low violent crime, but timeshare pressure selling and taxi overcharging are common near resort areas — agree prices upfront and be wary of 'free gift' pitches.
How do I report a fake holiday rental in Cape Verde?
Report the listing to the booking platform for removal and dispute any payment with your bank, then file a police report if the loss is significant.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance