Equatorial Guinea Scams: Tourist, Online & Investment Fraud Guide
Equatorial Guinea's oil-driven economy attracts fake business and investment scams targeting foreign investors, while visitors face strict visa/paperwork requirements exploited by fixers.
Emergency number: 112 / 999 (police) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 5 July 2026
Equatorial Guinea's economy is dominated by oil and gas, and much of the fraud targeting foreigners involves fake business partnerships, investment opportunities or 'consulting' contracts tied to the energy sector, often requiring upfront fees for supposed licensing or clearance. Because entry requirements and bureaucratic processes can be strict and confusing for visitors, unofficial fixers at airports and border points sometimes charge inflated or fraudulent fees for paperwork assistance.
Common scams
- Fake oil, gas or mining investment deals requiring upfront 'registration' or 'clearance' fees
- Unofficial fixers charging inflated fees for visa or entry paperwork assistance
- Advance-fee fraud via email promising government contracts or business partnerships
- Overcharging by unlicensed taxi drivers in Malabo and Bata
Tourist-specific scams
- Airport fixers pressuring visitors into paying for unnecessary 'assistance' with entry formalities
- Taxi drivers quoting inflated fares to foreign visitors without agreeing a price upfront
Online shopping scams
- Fake business-deal emails involving oil or gas contracts requiring upfront fees before any deal is verified
- Phishing messages impersonating banks or government ministries
- Fake online sellers advertising goods that are never delivered
Job scams
- Fraudulent recruitment for oil-sector jobs requiring upfront payment for permits, medical exams or training
Romance scams
- Online relationships where a supposed local partner requests money for emergencies or travel costs
Investment scams
- Fake oil and gas investment opportunities promising high returns with fabricated licensing documents
How to report a scam here
- Verify any business or investment opportunity independently through official government channels before sending money
- Contact your bank branch in Malabo or Bata to freeze affected accounts
- Report the fraud to the Policía Nacional for a formal complaint
- Notify your embassy if the scam involves fraudulent official documents or permits
Local reporting & protection links
- Police (emergency) — Dial 112 / 999
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Contact your bank branch in Malabo or Bata to freeze affected accounts and report the fraud to the Policía Nacional for a formal complaint.
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
Are oil and gas investment offers from Equatorial Guinea legitimate?
Unsolicited investment offers requiring upfront fees before any contract is independently verified are a common fraud pattern; always confirm directly with the relevant ministry or company.
Do I need a fixer to enter Equatorial Guinea?
Official visa and entry processes should be completed through embassies or authorized channels; be cautious of unofficial fixers charging extra fees at the airport or border.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance