Scam in CameroonTheft
Car theft and carjacking in Cameroon
How it works
Criminals steal vehicles or take them from their occupants. Both car theft and carjacking are described as serious problems.
How to avoid it
- Avoid isolated areas.
- Avoid travelling alone at night.
- Keep valuables out of sight.
If it happens to you
If threatened, do not fight for the vehicle. Get to safety and report the theft.
- Get to a safe place. During a robbery, do not resist, chase anyone or try to recover belongings by force.
- Check for injuries. Seek medical help if you have been hurt.
- Block stolen cards immediately. Secure a stolen phone and change passwords for important accounts.
- Write down what happened. Save receipts, messages, booking details and any vehicle information you already have.
- Report the incident to the police. Ask for a written report or reference number if available.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport is missing or you need consular help, 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.
- Government adviceSafety and security - Cameroon travel advice - GOV.UKBritish travel advice reports carjackings along roads near the borders with the Central African Republic, Chad and Nigeria.Read on Government advice
- Government adviceTravel advice and advisories for CameroonCanadian travel advice lists carjacking among frequent violent crimes in major cities and on main roads.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the car theft and carjacking scam in Cameroon?
Criminals steal vehicles or take them from their occupants. Both car theft and carjacking are described as serious problems.
How do I avoid car theft and carjacking in Cameroon?
Avoid isolated areas. Avoid travelling alone at night. Keep valuables out of sight.
What should I do if it happens to me?
If threatened, do not fight for the vehicle. Get to safety and report the theft.
Where in Cameroon does this happen?
Vehicles and road travel across Cameroon.
How common is this scam in Cameroon?
Common. Petty theft is common in Cameroon, and pickpockets are a particular concern in crowded parts of Yaoundé. Travellers should also watch for unwanted paid luggage help, ticket scalpers and high opening prices at markets. Shared-taxi theft, armed robbery and vehicle crime can cause more serious losses.
Are there similar scams in Cameroon?
Yes: pickpocketing and petty theft, armed street robbery and banditry, smash-and-grab theft from vehicles.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, robbery or fraud once you are safe. In Limbe, visitors are specifically advised to report crimes to the police. Ask for a written record if available. Police corruption and limited effectiveness are concerns elsewhere in Cameroon. Card issuer or bank: use the bank's official app or a verified contact number to block stolen cards and report payments you did not authorise. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate for a lost passport, replacement travel documents or consular support after a serious crime. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through the details on your policy. Keep receipts, incident notes and any police report for a claim. Relevant transport or service provider: raise a ticket problem, disputed fee or undisclosed charge through the provider's official customer-service channel. Keep proof of payment.
Reviewed by @snuck