Theft
If you’re travelling to Ghana, you could be a target for:
mugging
bag snatching
petty theft
pickpocketing
Your risk increases if you’re a woman travelling alone. Take particular care in and around Accra.
Some taxi passengers have been robbed by drivers.
Attacks on passengers in vehicles are also on the increase. Take particular care when stationary. Keep windows up and doors locked. Some of these attacks on vehicles also involve the use of weapons.
Power outages may occur after dark. This often leads to more crime, especially if street and traffic lights fail.
Criminals may also target you in:
house invasions
armed robbery (including in a taxi)
other violent crimes
Officials or people posing as officials may try to detain foreigners or extort money from them, including at the airport. Legitimate airport staff wear a current ID card with their name and photograph.
To protect yourself from crime:
only use registered taxis or limousines, arrange these through your hotel
don’t use taxis hailed on the street or other public transport
don’t walk alone, particularly in the evening and at night
avoid travelling alone, especially if you’re a woman
keep your car windows up and doors locked, even when moving
be alert when approaching traffic lights
lock your accommodation, including when you’re inside
Scams and fraud
Internet scams come in many forms, including romance, friendship, business and employment opportunities. These scams often originate in West African countries.
If you travel to West Africa as a scam victim, you’re at risk of:
This includes travelling to meet a friend or love interest, as well as trying to seek compensation or revenge.
Common fraud schemes fall into two main categories — commercial and relationship scams.
In commercial scams, criminals ask for details of ‘safe’ bank accounts to transfer large amounts of money. They may:
promise a percentage of this amount to you
send fake cashier cheques for urgent goods shipments
request large fees for a fake government contract
extort money from you for a bogus business opportunity
In relationship scams, criminals often meet their victims through internet dating sites, chat rooms or social media. Once they’ve made a connection with you, they may:
ask you to send money so they can come to Australia
ask you to come to Africa to meet them
Once you transfer money, the relationship often ends. If you travel to Africa to meet the criminals, you may be in danger.
To protect yourself from scams:
be wary of online contact from people you don’t know
don’t send money to anyone until you’ve thoroughly checked details about them
If you suspect a scam, get legal advice.
Don’t travel to Ghana to get your money back or to get revenge. You could be in danger.
Cyber security
You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.
Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don’t comment on local or political events on your social media.
More information:
Cyber security when travelling overseas
Source link : https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/ghana
Author :
Publish date : 2019-11-21 04:54:12
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