Scam in Burkina FasoTheft
Bag and purse snatching in Burkina Faso
How it works
Thieves grab a bag or purse and take it away. Bags carrying cameras or other valuables can draw attention.
Warning signs
- Your bag is loose or easy to grab.
- A camera or other valuable item is clearly visible.
How to avoid it
- Avoid carrying a bag in Ouagadougou when practical.
- Keep a necessary bag close and closed.
- Keep cameras and other valuables out of sight.
- Visit Grand Marche with trusted local assistance.
If it happens to you
Do not chase or fight the thief. Get to safety, block stolen cards and report the theft.
- Move to a safe, busy place. Do not chase a thief or risk a fight over money.
- Check what is missing. If cards or a phone were stolen, contact your card issuer and mobile provider promptly.
- Write down what happened, including the time, place, amount and any vehicle details. Save receipts and messages.
- Report theft, threats or fraud to police. Ask for a report or reference number if available.
- Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen or you need help replacing travel documents.
- Tell your travel insurer and provide any police report and payment records. Secure affected accounts if your phone was taken.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Government advice2026Burkina Faso Travel Advice & Safety | SmartravellerAustralia reports common purse snatchings in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso, including thefts by motorcycle riders and criminals cutting bag straps.Read on Government advice
- Government advice2026Burkina Faso travel adviceCanada warns that bag snatching occurs particularly in large cities and that the risk increases after dark.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the bag and purse snatching scam in Burkina Faso?
Thieves grab a bag or purse and take it away. Bags carrying cameras or other valuables can draw attention.
How can I spot it early?
Your bag is loose or easy to grab. A camera or other valuable item is clearly visible.
How do I avoid bag and purse snatching in Burkina Faso?
Avoid carrying a bag in Ouagadougou when practical. Keep a necessary bag close and closed. Keep cameras and other valuables out of sight. Visit Grand Marche with trusted local assistance.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not chase or fight the thief. Get to safety, block stolen cards and report the theft.
Where in Burkina Faso does this happen?
Big cities, including Grand Marche in Ouagadougou. It has been reported in Ouagadougou.
How common is this scam in Burkina Faso?
Common. Travellers can face inflated taxi fares, overpriced goods and unwanted paid help with luggage. Pickpocketing, bag snatching and market touts are concerns, especially in Ouagadougou. This scam rating does not cover the separate dangers from civil unrest and extremist activity.
Are there similar scams in Burkina Faso?
Yes: pickpocketing, theft inside shared green taxis.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, threats or fraud at a police station. Give the location, time, description and any evidence. Ask for a written report or reference number if available. Airport staff: for a luggage-helper dispute at the airport, ask airport staff for assistance. Card issuer: use your banking app or a verified contact number to freeze stolen cards and report any payments you did not authorise. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Travel insurer: contact its claims service and keep receipts, payment records and any police report. Mobile provider: if your phone is stolen, ask the provider to block the SIM and help protect your number.
Reviewed by @snuck