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Occasional in Cameroon

Scam in CameroonTheft

Armed street robbery and banditry in Cameroon

Isolated areas and poorly lit streets after sunset. Place Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaoundé is considered dangerous even during daylight.

How it works

Robbers threaten victims and demand valuables. In Yaoundé, attacks may involve knives or machetes, with money and phones commonly demanded. Armed robbery and banditry are also reported nationally.

Warning signs

  • You are entering an isolated or poorly lit area.
  • Expensive jewellery or electronics are clearly visible.
  • Someone threatens you or displays a weapon.

How to avoid it

  1. Avoid isolated areas and walking alone at night.
  2. Keep expensive-looking jewellery and electronics out of sight.
  3. Avoid poorly lit streets after sunset.
  4. Avoid Place Ahmadou Ahidjo.

If it happens to you

Do not resist or argue. Give up the demanded belongings and move to safety when you can.

  1. Get to a safe place. During a robbery, do not resist, chase anyone or try to recover belongings by force.
  2. Check for injuries. Seek medical help if you have been hurt.
  3. Block stolen cards immediately. Secure a stolen phone and change passwords for important accounts.
  4. Write down what happened. Save receipts, messages, booking details and any vehicle information you already have.
  5. Report the incident to the police. Ask for a written report or reference number if available.
  6. Contact your insurer. If your passport is missing or you need consular help, contact your embassy or consulate.
Where it happensIsolated areas and poorly lit streets after sunset. Place Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaoundé is considered dangerous even during daylight.Yaoundé

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in CameroonCar theft and carjacking: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the armed street robbery and banditry scam in Cameroon?

Robbers threaten victims and demand valuables. In Yaoundé, attacks may involve knives or machetes, with money and phones commonly demanded. Armed robbery and banditry are also reported nationally.

How can I spot it early?

You are entering an isolated or poorly lit area. Expensive jewellery or electronics are clearly visible. Someone threatens you or displays a weapon.

How do I avoid armed street robbery and banditry in Cameroon?

Avoid isolated areas and walking alone at night. Keep expensive-looking jewellery and electronics out of sight. Avoid poorly lit streets after sunset. Avoid Place Ahmadou Ahidjo.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Do not resist or argue. Give up the demanded belongings and move to safety when you can.

Where in Cameroon does this happen?

Isolated areas and poorly lit streets after sunset. Place Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaoundé is considered dangerous even during daylight. It has been reported in Yaoundé.

How common is this scam in Cameroon?

Occasional. Petty theft is common in Cameroon, and pickpockets are a particular concern in crowded parts of Yaoundé. Travellers should also watch for unwanted paid luggage help, ticket scalpers and high opening prices at markets. Shared-taxi theft, armed robbery and vehicle crime can cause more serious losses.

Are there similar scams in Cameroon?

Yes: pickpocketing and petty theft, car theft and carjacking, smash-and-grab theft from vehicles.

Who can I report it to?

Police: report theft, robbery or fraud once you are safe. In Limbe, visitors are specifically advised to report crimes to the police. Ask for a written record if available. Police corruption and limited effectiveness are concerns elsewhere in Cameroon. Card issuer or bank: use the bank's official app or a verified contact number to block stolen cards and report payments you did not authorise. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate for a lost passport, replacement travel documents or consular support after a serious crime. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through the details on your policy. Keep receipts, incident notes and any police report for a claim. Relevant transport or service provider: raise a ticket problem, disputed fee or undisclosed charge through the provider's official customer-service channel. Keep proof of payment.

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