Mauritania

Violent crime

Armed thieves are active across Mauritania. They’ve attacked:

• beach areas of Nouakchott at night
• deserted beach areas during the day
• cars on roads between Mali and Mauritania
• cars in the north of Mauritania

Reports of carjackings and theft by people smugglers are increasing. They use Mauritania as a transit point for illegal travel to the Canary Islands.

Petty crime

Pickpocketing and other petty crime occur often.

To avoid petty theft:

• arrange personal security measures
• keep car doors locked and windows up, even when moving
• always pay attention to your personal security

Scams and fraud

Commercial and internet fraud often starts in West 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.

Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government