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
Report unauthorized transactions to your bank branch in N'Djamena as soon as possible and file a police report to support any dispute.
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