Scam in AustraliaTheft
Car theft in Australia
How it works
A thief steals the vehicle itself. No specific method is described.
Warning signs
- The vehicle is left unlocked.
- Keys are left unattended.
How to avoid it
- Lock the vehicle when you leave it.
- Keep the keys secure.
- Keep valuables out of sight.
If it happens to you
Report the missing vehicle to police. Contact the rental company or insurer and provide the vehicle details.
- Move somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or confront someone who may become violent.
- Stop further payments and contact. Call your card issuer to block missing or compromised cards and ask about disputed payments.
- Save evidence. Keep receipts, messages and transaction details. Write down the time, location and what happened.
- Report the crime to police promptly. For immediate danger, call 000. For non-emergency police assistance, call 131 444.
- Secure stolen devices and affected accounts. Contact your insurer, rental company or accommodation provider where relevant.
- If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate about replacing it. Keep the police report details for any claim.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- News2017Backpacker's Western Australia adventure interrupted when vehicle is stolenA German backpacker reports his four-wheel-drive containing his camping equipment and possessions being stolen in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and subsequently recovered damaged.Read on News
- News2021Broome tourist's $4k bill exposes common pitfalls of hire car insuranceA Broome holidaymaker's hire car was stolen and burnt after thieves took its keys from his family's accommodation, leaving him with a $4,000 insurance excess.Read on News
- News2011Pro surfer has equipment stolen at GracetownAn American surfer visiting Western Australia for a competition had his hire car stolen and later recovered with photography equipment and valuables missing.Read on News
Questions
What is the car theft scam in Australia?
A thief steals the vehicle itself. No specific method is described.
How can I spot it early?
The vehicle is left unlocked. Keys are left unattended.
How do I avoid car theft in Australia?
Lock the vehicle when you leave it. Keep the keys secure. Keep valuables out of sight.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Report the missing vehicle to police. Contact the rental company or insurer and provide the vehicle details.
Where in Australia does this happen?
Cairns is specifically noted as having a car-theft problem. It has been reported in Cairns.
How common is this scam in Australia?
Occasional. Tourist scams are not widespread in Australia, and few travellers become victims of crime. Watch for theft, rare ATM tampering and fake tax-debt demands for gift cards. Cairns has pickpockets and touts, while Darwin needs extra care with belongings, especially at night.
Are there similar scams in Australia?
Yes: pickpocketing, car break-ins, house burglaries and other break-ins.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, assault or other crime as soon as possible. Call 000 for an emergency or 131 444 for non-emergency police assistance. Bank controlling the ATM: contact it immediately if a withdrawal appears successful but no cash comes out. Give the ATM location, transaction time and amount. Card issuer or bank: use its official app or contact details to report missing cards or unfamiliar transactions. Ask about blocking the card and disputing charges. Gift-card provider: if you shared a gift-card code, contact the provider promptly. Keep the card and purchase receipt. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen or you need help replacing travel documents. Travel insurer: follow its claim process. Keep police report details, receipts and evidence of the loss.
What number do I call in an emergency in Australia?
Police, fire and ambulance: 000, Emergency services from a mobile phone: 112, Non-emergency police assistance: 131 444.
Reviewed by @snuck