Incidents of violent and petty crime continue to increase across Mauritania. Carjackings by people smugglers may occur.
Armed thieves have attacked:
the cinquième (fifth) district in Nouakchott
beach areas around Nouakchott at night
deserted beach areas, even during the day
northern and eastern areas of the country
cars on roads between Mali and Mauritania
cars in the north of Mauritania
The conditions of paved roads in Mauritania are generally poor, and overland travel is difficult. Use four-wheel drive vehicles, check the tide times on coastal roads, travel in convoy and make sure you have adequate supplies of water and fuel on long journeys. Driving standards can also be poor.
If you’re travelling in Mauritania:
arrange personal security measures
keep car doors locked and windows up, even when moving
avoid walking alone outside, and pay attention to your personal security
ensure that your belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times.
Scams and fraud
Commercial and internet fraud often starts in Western African countries, including Mauritania.
If you’re a victim of a scam, you could lose your money. Victims who travel to the country where the scam started can be in serious danger. People have been killed.
Criminals might:
ask for details of a bank account to transfer large amounts of money. They may offer a fee or donation
provide fake cashier cheques for urgent shipments of large quantities of goods
ask for large fees for a fake government contract
steal money from people they have invited to Africa for a business opportunity
Fake internet friendship, dating and marriage schemes operate from West African countries. These scams usually start via internet dating sites or chat rooms. Scammers build a virtual relationship with you, then ask for money so they can travel to Australia. People have been defrauded or put in danger.
In some cases the relationship ends and your money is gone. In other situations, if you travel to Africa to meet your friend or prospective marriage partner, you may be:
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 them
If you suspect a scam, get legal advice.
Don’t travel to Mauritania 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:
Source link : https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/mauritania
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Publish date : 2024-05-06 07:00:00
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