Scam in Central African RepublicTheft
Airport pickpockets posing as helpers in Central African Republic
How it works
Pickpockets operate outside the terminal. Some claim to be offering assistance, giving them a reason to approach you and your belongings.
Warning signs
- Someone outside the terminal offers help you did not request.
- An unfamiliar person moves close to your bags or pockets.
How to avoid it
- Keep bags closed and directly under your control.
- Keep your phone, passport and wallet out of easy reach.
- Decline unwanted help.
- Arrange your onward transport before leaving the terminal where possible.
If it happens to you
Move somewhere secure before checking what is missing. Report the theft to airport security or police, and contact your card issuer or embassy as needed.
- Get to safety. Do not chase a thief, resist an armed robber or argue with armed people.
- Check whether anyone is hurt. Seek medical help if needed.
- Freeze missing cards and contact your card issuer about any unauthorised payments.
- Write down what happened once safe. Save receipts, payment records and details of missing items.
- Report the incident to police when safe and practical. If police were involved, contact your embassy for advice.
- Contact your embassy about a missing passport and notify your travel insurer. Keep any report reference or written record.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- WebWikivoyageBangui – Travel guide at WikivoyageThe community guide warns of pickpockets outside Bangui airport’s terminal, including people claiming to offer assistance.Read on Web
- Travel blogCentral African Republic — AirportsThe airport guide warns visitors about pickpockets outside Bangui M’Poko airport and people claiming to provide assistance.Read on Travel blog
Questions
What is the airport pickpockets posing as helpers scam in Central African Republic?
Pickpockets operate outside the terminal. Some claim to be offering assistance, giving them a reason to approach you and your belongings.
How can I spot it early?
Someone outside the terminal offers help you did not request. An unfamiliar person moves close to your bags or pockets.
How do I avoid airport pickpockets posing as helpers in Central African Republic?
Keep bags closed and directly under your control. Keep your phone, passport and wallet out of easy reach. Decline unwanted help. Arrange your onward transport before leaving the terminal where possible.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Move somewhere secure before checking what is missing. Report the theft to airport security or police, and contact your card issuer or embassy as needed.
Where in Central African Republic does this happen?
Outside the terminal at Bangui M'Poko International Airport It has been reported in Bangui.
How common is this scam in Central African Republic?
Occasional. Checkpoint bribery and armed road robberies are common risks in the Central African Republic. Police may hold belongings until money is paid, and pickpockets outside Bangui airport may pose as helpers. Violent crime is also common in Bangui, even during daylight, so the risks go well beyond tourist scams.
Are there similar scams in Central African Republic?
Yes: armed road robbery.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft or robbery when it is safe and practical. Ask for a written record or reference for insurance purposes. Airport security: if theft happens outside Bangui airport, seek help from airport security once you are safe. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help with a lost or confiscated passport, or advice after an incident involving police. Your card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to freeze cards and report unauthorised transactions. Your travel insurer: use the contact details in your policy. Keep payment records, evidence of loss and any police report.
Reviewed by @snuck