Scam in MalawiFake officials
Bribe requests at police checkpoints in Malawi
How it works
Some officers seek money or goods in exchange for letting a vehicle pass. They may question a local driver or passengers to work out what they can get from you. Travellers rushing to the airport can face extra pressure. Genuine traffic checks and fines also occur.
Warning signs
- An officer asks for visible food, drinks or other goods in exchange for passage.
- A payment request comes without a numbered receipt.
- Pressure to pay increases when you explain that you are late for a flight.
How to avoid it
- Stay polite and keep your passport, driving licence and permission to use the vehicle available.
- Check tyres and lights, and carry a warning triangle and fire extinguisher.
- Keep food, drinks and other tempting goods out of sight.
- Allow extra time for airport journeys. For a traffic fine, ask to pay the roadside bursar and receive a numbered receipt.
If it happens to you
Stay calm. Ask what offence is alleged and request the official payment process and a numbered receipt. Avoid an argument if you feel unsafe.
- Get to a safe place. Do not chase a thief or resist someone using threats or force.
- Check for injuries and seek medical help if needed.
- Freeze missing bank cards through your bank's app or official contact number.
- Write down what happened. Save receipts, messages, transaction details and any vehicle information you can safely record.
- Report theft, robbery or fraud to police. Ask for a report reference or written record.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate for help.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Travel blog2016Blog Archives - Judith en Wilfred - TravelblogOverland travellers describe an officer rejecting their insurance at a roadblock and demanding a reduced cash fine without a ticket.Read on Travel blog
- Travel blog2018Travel MalawiTravellers recount a checkpoint officer asking for Fanta near Zomba, which their hosts subsequently explained was a request for a bribe.Read on Travel blog
- Redditr/Malawi2026Tourist traps?A former foreign resident reports police using visa checks to pressure foreigners for money in exchange for leaving them alone.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the bribe requests at police checkpoints scam in Malawi?
Some officers seek money or goods in exchange for letting a vehicle pass. They may question a local driver or passengers to work out what they can get from you. Travellers rushing to the airport can face extra pressure. Genuine traffic checks and fines also occur.
How can I spot it early?
An officer asks for visible food, drinks or other goods in exchange for passage. A payment request comes without a numbered receipt. Pressure to pay increases when you explain that you are late for a flight.
How do I avoid bribe requests at police checkpoints in Malawi?
Stay polite and keep your passport, driving licence and permission to use the vehicle available. Check tyres and lights, and carry a warning triangle and fire extinguisher. Keep food, drinks and other tempting goods out of sight. Allow extra time for airport journeys. For a traffic fine, ask to pay the roadside bursar and receive a numbered receipt.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Stay calm. Ask what offence is alleged and request the official payment process and a numbered receipt. Avoid an argument if you feel unsafe.
Where in Malawi does this happen?
Roadblocks, checkpoints and speeding checks on major roads and at airports
How common is this scam in Malawi?
Common. Malawi is known for friendly hospitality, but travellers can face theft, requests for bribes and high fuel prices during shortages. Pickpockets operate in bars and nightclubs, while robberies have occurred in larger cities, especially Lilongwe.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, robbery, carjacking or suspected fraud when you are safe. Give the location, time and a clear description. Ask for a report reference. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to freeze stolen cards and report unauthorised transactions. Bar or nightclub staff: tell staff promptly if belongings disappear. Ask whether anything has been handed in and whether they can help you contact police. Vehicle owner or rental company: report a carjacking once you are safe. Share the police report details and follow the owner's or rental company's instructions. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its official claims channel. Keep police records, receipts and evidence of the loss. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular help after a serious incident.
Reviewed by @snuck