How We Got SCAMMED in Sierra Leone (Watch Out!)

When I was in Cameroon a police officer stopped our car, demanded the yellow fever vaccination card and once we handed it to him he claimed we had a huge problem because we were not vaccinated in Cameroon. After 15 minutes of absurd arguments I gave him $20, he smiled and we proceeded with our journey. You can't fight it, especially at the borders. Stay safe bro!

I'm a Sierra Leonean currently living in Berlin, Germany. Everything you mentioned are completely true. I feel ashamed of my country. I wanna apologize on behalf of every decent Sierra Leonean

UPDATE: If you haven't known already, the scammers were arrested.

Count how much he said yeah that’s a lot

It’s a common thing in West Africa , scammers are everywhere

The worst thing that could happen to someone is to be scammed and then later realise that you got scammed

As a Sierra Leonean I want to say I am deeply sorry for your encounter in my country which happened to be a bad one

As a Sierra Leonian this actually happened to me too in 2016 at the Lungi airport when I returned for the first time since I left as a child. They scammed me for $20, lying about how I needed a yellow fever card when the government at the time had stopped making it mandatory for people to come into the country. The sad thing is sometimes the central government is actually working hard to make sure bribery is eradicated, but unfortunately this is an issue that has been ingrained within many of our local countrymen for generations. I’m in full support with you guys for sharing this so we can continue to shed some light on one of deteriorating factors to Africa’s progression. Nevertheless, it’s a beautiful country and the people are very welcoming and friendly, hope you enjoy yourselves. #SierraLeone #Saloneborbor

I'm glad you're exposing them. I'm from that part of the world, & bribery is a serious problem.

I’m from west Africa and I approve this message

Scammer

I've refused to pay bribes the vast majority of the time I've been in similar situations, and crazily enough it has usually worked. I've looked right at people and said some variation of, "Cool, get the cell ready/ok, I'm headed back across the border. I've registered with the U.S. Embassy, so I'll call them to let them know where I am. And I'll also call my contact in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs so that he can make arrangements. Thanks for your help." That has seldom failed to work.

Drew's a very humble and patient guy....That's why I like him soooo much😊😊😊

Next time you have problem in Africa, tell them that you are going to call your embassy. When you say that that will be the end of your problem. From a Senegalese sister

I lived in Sierra Leone for 6 years... It is one of the most corrupt places on earth. It is basically a failed country, but for me it has a very special place in my heart.. Love from Greece 🇬🇷♥️🙏

RIP to travelers who pay for a "cholera" shot

Man i just realised that Drew is over 1 million... Its a weird feeling.

Cholera shot? If that existed, Yemen would be Cholera free.

I was born in Sierra Leone and I have not been in a while because of this. The last time I went, I was stopped at the ferry and according to the guy, I need to clear the boarder. This is after we had clear the airport security. He told us that if we don't clear the boarder, we will have to spend the night there. I was so upset that I told him that we did not have any money, we will see him on our way back. Also, I was at the bank and an officer came up to me and asked me for me. He had a machine gun on him. I gave him so money. Now, I get it that the entire system is corrupt, but we come there to spend money and built the economy. I hear people say that educated Africans do not want to go back hone and help. This is why?

Drew ,I'm very sorry this happened to you. As a west Africa I would say it's a big shame on our path because most people have that behavior but a few too are very good people and thanks for sharing this piece