Scam in BarbadosOn the street
Beach sellers using ordinary goods to start drug sales in Barbados
How it works
Some sellers approach with aloe vera or other ordinary goods, then steer the conversation towards marijuana or cocaine. Drugs are illegal and offences are sternly prosecuted.
Warning signs
- A conversation about ordinary goods suddenly turns to drugs.
- The seller mentions 'ganja', 'smoke' or 'bad habits'.
How to avoid it
- Decline clearly and keep moving.
- Do not buy or agree to hold drugs.
- Move towards other people if the seller keeps bothering you.
If it happens to you
End the conversation and leave. If you are threatened or followed, seek help from nearby staff or police.
- Get somewhere safe. Do not resist a robber or chase anyone.
- Write down what happened, including the time, location, amount and any useful description.
- Keep receipts, booking records, messages and photos of advertised prices.
- Contact your card issuer promptly if a card was stolen or used without permission. Ask it to block the card and review the transactions.
- Report theft, threats or suspected fraud to police. Ask for a report reference or written record.
- Contact your travel insurer if you may claim. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- TripadvisorBarbados ForumMy bad experiences in Barbados - Barbados Forum - TripadvisorA traveller described a coconut seller preparing an unwanted coconut before offering cannabis, while other replies discussed persistent beach aloe sellers.Read on Tripadvisor
- TripadvisorTripadvisor hotel reviewsSouthern Palms Beach Club Rooms: Pictures & Reviews - TripadvisorA hotel guest warned that Dover Beach sellers offered pedicures, aloe vera and drugs, without specifying whether the ordinary goods served as an opening pretext.Read on Tripadvisor
Questions
What is the beach sellers using ordinary goods to start drug sales scam in Barbados?
Some sellers approach with aloe vera or other ordinary goods, then steer the conversation towards marijuana or cocaine. Drugs are illegal and offences are sternly prosecuted.
How can I spot it early?
A conversation about ordinary goods suddenly turns to drugs. The seller mentions 'ganja', 'smoke' or 'bad habits'.
How do I avoid beach sellers using ordinary goods to start drug sales in Barbados?
Decline clearly and keep moving. Do not buy or agree to hold drugs. Move towards other people if the seller keeps bothering you.
What should I do if it happens to me?
End the conversation and leave. If you are threatened or followed, seek help from nearby staff or police.
Where in Barbados does this happen?
Beaches
How common is this scam in Barbados?
Occasional. Barbados is described as safer than many other Caribbean islands, but crime is increasing. Taxi fraud, robbery and short-changing are among the most common crimes against tourists. Other money traps include poor hotel exchange rates, inflated vendor prices and misleading duty-free bargains.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report robbery, threats and suspected fraud. Provide the location, time, descriptions and any evidence. Ask for a report reference. Card issuer or bank: use its official app or a trusted contact number to report stolen cards or unauthorised payments. Ask about blocking the card and disputing charges. Shop or hotel manager: for a disputed price, exchange rate or incorrect change, show your receipt and explain the amount you agreed to. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Travel insurer: use the contact details in your policy. Keep police records, receipts and evidence of the loss.
Reviewed by @snuck