Scam in PhilippinesTheft
Bag snatching, including by motorcycle riders in Philippines
How it works
A thief grabs your bag and escapes. Motorcycle riders, especially pairs riding together, may pull a victim along the road while taking the bag.
Warning signs
- Your bag hangs close to passing traffic.
- Motorcycle riders pass very close to you.
- An expensive bag or visible jewelry attracts attention.
How to avoid it
- Keep your bag away from the traffic side of your body.
- Carry a plain bag and keep it close.
- Avoid wearing visible expensive jewelry in crowded places.
If it happens to you
Let go if holding on could drag you into traffic or cause injury. Do not chase the riders. Get to safety and report the theft.
- Move to a safe public place. Do not chase thieves or start a confrontation.
- Check whether anyone is injured. Get medical help if needed.
- Freeze missing payment cards. Secure affected accounts and block a stolen phone through your provider.
- Save receipts, booking records and messages. Write down the time, place, vehicle details and what happened.
- Report the incident to the police. For taxi complaints, contact the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board on 1342.
- Contact your insurer. Ask your embassy for help if your passport is missing or the incident is serious.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Government advicePhilippines travel adviceCanadian authorities warn that motorcyclists may grab pedestrians' bags and sometimes injure victims in the process.Read on Government advice
- News2024Chinese tourist attacked, robbed in BoholPolice reported that a Chinese tourist visiting Loay was assaulted and had a bag containing cash, a phone and travel documents snatched.Read on News
Questions
What is the bag snatching, including by motorcycle riders scam in Philippines?
A thief grabs your bag and escapes. Motorcycle riders, especially pairs riding together, may pull a victim along the road while taking the bag.
How can I spot it early?
Your bag hangs close to passing traffic. Motorcycle riders pass very close to you. An expensive bag or visible jewelry attracts attention.
How do I avoid bag snatching, including by motorcycle riders in Philippines?
Keep your bag away from the traffic side of your body. Carry a plain bag and keep it close. Avoid wearing visible expensive jewelry in crowded places.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Let go if holding on could drag you into traffic or cause injury. Do not chase the riders. Get to safety and report the theft.
Where in Philippines does this happen?
City streets and crowded areas
How common is this scam in Philippines?
Common. Taxi overcharging and theft are common risks in the Philippines, especially in busy city areas. Watch for drivers refusing the meter, bag snatchers, pickpockets and distractions such as dropped coins or spilled drinks. Keep valuables out of sight and settle disputes calmly.
Are there similar scams in Philippines?
Yes: pickpocketing, hold-up robbery, basag-kotse parked-car theft.
Who can I report it to?
Philippine National Police (PNP): report theft, robbery, threats or fraud at a police station or Police Community Precinct. Bring the evidence you have and ask for a report reference or copy. Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board: call 1342 for a taxi complaint. Keep the plate number, trip details and any receipt. Card issuer or bank: use the bank's official app or verified contact number to freeze a missing card and report unauthorised transactions. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help after passport theft, a serious crime or hostage taking. Travel insurer: contact the claims or assistance service. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of the loss. Taxi booking app: report the trip through the app and include the booking record, driver details and disputed charge.
Reviewed by @snuck