Scam in BangladeshTheft
Bag grabbing from rickshaws in Bangladesh
How it works
Someone grabs a passenger's bag when it is within reach.
Warning signs
- Your bag is hanging outside the rickshaw.
- Your belongings are loose or away from your body.
How to avoid it
- Keep your bag close to you throughout the ride.
- Keep belongings inside the passenger space.
- Avoid using your phone where someone could easily grab it.
If it happens to you
Do not risk injury trying to recover the bag. Draw attention to the theft and seek help.
- Move to a safe, busy place. Do not chase a thief or continue an argument that feels threatening.
- Call 999 for an emergency involving police, fire or an ambulance. Seek urgent medical help if you suspect drugging.
- Write down what happened, including the time, place, agreed price and vehicle licence plate if known. Save receipts and screenshots.
- Freeze missing payment cards and contact your card issuer. Secure accounts on a stolen phone when possible.
- Report the incident to police. Ask for a report or reference number and keep a copy.
- Contact your insurer and, if your passport is missing or you need consular help, your embassy or consulate.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- News2017Chinese couple mugged in CtgA Chinese couple reported that men in a CNG snatched their bag while they travelled by rickshaw to a Chittagong hotel.Read on News
- Government advice2016大使館発邦人安全情報Japan’s embassy reports robberies and snatching affecting Japanese nationals using rickshaws and gives specific precautions against bags being pulled away.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the bag grabbing from rickshaws scam in Bangladesh?
Someone grabs a passenger's bag when it is within reach.
How can I spot it early?
Your bag is hanging outside the rickshaw. Your belongings are loose or away from your body.
How do I avoid bag grabbing from rickshaws in Bangladesh?
Keep your bag close to you throughout the ride. Keep belongings inside the passenger space. Avoid using your phone where someone could easily grab it.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not risk injury trying to recover the bag. Draw attention to the theft and seek help.
Where in Bangladesh does this happen?
Rickshaw journeys in Dhaka. It has been reported in Dhaka.
How common is this scam in Bangladesh?
Occasional. Transport overcharging is a key scam risk in Bangladesh, especially in Chittagong. Other problems include small tourist markups, airport bribe demands, pickpocketing and bag theft. Most people are friendly, but take extra care with strangers' offers and late-night transport.
Are there similar scams in Bangladesh?
Yes: pickpocketing in crowds and transport, mugging during late-night rickshaw rides.
Who can I report it to?
Police, fire or ambulance: dial 999 from a Bangladeshi mobile phone number or landline for an emergency. Local police: report theft, threats, extortion or fraud. Provide the location, time, description and any receipts or vehicle details. Ask for a report or reference number. Khulna Metropolitan Police Control Room: the listed local number is 20220. For an emergency, use 999. Card issuer or bank: use the official app or published contact number to freeze a missing card and report unauthorised transactions. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular assistance. Travel insurer: contact the claims or assistance service. Keep police reports, receipts and other evidence.
What number do I call in an emergency in Bangladesh?
Police, fire and ambulance: 999.
Reviewed by @snuck