Sierra Leone Scams: Tourist, Online & Investment Fraud Guide
Sierra Leone's scam risk centres on mobile-money fraud, fake diamond/gold and mining investment deals, and online job and romance scams targeting locals and the diaspora.
Emergency number: 999 / 112 — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 5 July 2026
Sierra Leone's fraud landscape is shaped by its mining sector and cash/mobile-money-based economy: fraudulent 'diamond' or 'gold' deals targeting foreign buyers with fake certificates and samples have long been reported around Freetown and Kono, and mobile-money (Orange Money, Africell Money) PIN-theft and fake agent scams are common day-to-day risks for residents. Visitors should be wary of unlicensed taxi and 'okada' motorbike-taxi overcharging, informal money changers, and unsolicited approaches offering mining investment opportunities or gemstone sales that turn out to be worthless or fake. Online, job scams promising overseas work (often in the Gulf or Europe) and romance scams targeting Sierra Leoneans on social media are widespread, alongside advance-fee ('419-style') scams historically associated with West Africa.
Common scams
- Fake diamond, gold or gemstone sales targeting foreign buyers with worthless samples
- Mobile-money (Orange Money, Africell Money) PIN-theft and fake agent scams
- Advance-fee scams requesting payment to release a larger sum or inheritance
- Fake overseas job offers requiring upfront visa or agency fees
Tourist-specific scams
- Unlicensed taxi and okada (motorbike-taxi) drivers overcharging tourists
- Informal money changers shortchanging or using counterfeit currency
- Unsolicited approaches offering to sell diamonds, gold or gemstones outside licensed dealers
- Fake 'tour guides' demanding unauthorised fees at beaches and historical sites
Online shopping scams
- Phishing SMS impersonating mobile-money providers requesting PINs or codes
- Fake social-media shops taking payment without delivering goods
- Advance-fee and inheritance-scam emails targeting foreign contacts
Job scams
- Fake overseas job offers (Gulf states, Europe) requiring upfront visa or agency fees
- Recruitment scams for mining or NGO jobs charging illegal placement fees
Romance scams
- Romance scammers targeting Sierra Leoneans and foreigners on dating apps and social media
- Fake foreign partners requesting money for travel, medical bills or customs fees
Investment scams
- Fraudulent mining or gemstone investment schemes targeting foreign investors
- Ponzi-style 'money doubling' or crypto investment schemes shared via social media
How to report a scam here
- Only buy diamonds or gemstones from licensed dealers registered with the Government Gold and Diamond Office
- Report fraud or theft to the Sierra Leone Police
- Contact your bank or mobile-money provider immediately to block the account
- Keep receipts, messages, certificates and screenshots as evidence
- If scammed by an overseas actor, also report to your home country's fraud reporting service
Local reporting & protection links
- Sierra Leone Police
- Police emergency — Dial 999 or 112
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Contact your bank or mobile-money provider's fraud line immediately to block the account and report the fraud to the Sierra Leone Police.
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 it safe to buy diamonds or gold informally in Sierra Leone?
No — only purchase from dealers licensed by the Government Gold and Diamond Office; informal street sales frequently involve fake or worthless stones and are also illegal to export without proper certification.
How can I verify a mobile-money agent is legitimate?
Never share your mobile-money PIN or one-time codes with anyone, including someone claiming to be an agent or from Orange Money/Africell Money customer service.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance