Scam in LesothoTheft
Carjacking at night in Lesotho
How it works
Someone takes a vehicle through force or threats. Night-time carjacking is a stated concern, but no particular attack method is described.
Warning signs
- Someone threatens you or tries to force entry into your vehicle.
How to avoid it
- Arrange journeys in advance and reduce unnecessary travel after dark.
- Keep vehicle doors locked and windows closed.
- Leave space to move when stopping in traffic.
If it happens to you
Put your safety first. Do not fight for the vehicle or belongings. Once safe, contact police and the vehicle owner or rental company.
- Move to a safe place. If someone threatens you, do not resist over money, belongings or a vehicle.
- Stop further payments and contact your card issuer promptly if a card or card details may be compromised.
- Write down what happened, including the time, location, amount and any useful descriptions. Save receipts and messages.
- Report theft, threats or suspected fraud to police. Ask for a report reference or written record if available.
- Contact your insurer and any relevant transport or booking provider. Keep copies of your reports and expenses.
- Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport is missing or you need help finding official assistance.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Government advice2026Lesotho travel adviceCanadian travel advice reports carjackings in Lesotho and recommends avoiding driving after dark and keeping vehicle doors and windows locked.Read on Government advice
- Government advice2026Lesotho Travel Advice & Safety | SmartravellerAustralian travel advice lists carjacking among crimes in Lesotho and says security risks increase at night and on weekends.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the carjacking at night scam in Lesotho?
Someone takes a vehicle through force or threats. Night-time carjacking is a stated concern, but no particular attack method is described.
How can I spot it early?
Someone threatens you or tries to force entry into your vehicle.
How do I avoid carjacking at night in Lesotho?
Arrange journeys in advance and reduce unnecessary travel after dark. Keep vehicle doors locked and windows closed. Leave space to move when stopping in traffic.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Put your safety first. Do not fight for the vehicle or belongings. Once safe, contact police and the vehicle owner or rental company.
Where in Lesotho does this happen?
Roads at night; no specific attack location is identified
How common is this scam in Lesotho?
Occasional. The main concerns described in Lesotho are friendly conversations that lead to requests for money, and carjacking at night. There is not enough information to say how common scams are, but extra care is needed when moving around Maseru after dark.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, carjacking, threats or suspected fraud at a police station once you are safe. Bring any evidence and ask for a report reference. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or a trusted contact number to freeze a missing card and report unauthorised payments. Airline or airport staff: if checked luggage is missing, speak to staff before leaving the airport and keep your baggage tag. A lost luggage reporting system is not described as available. Vehicle owner or rental company: after a carjacking, contact the owner or rental company once you are safe. Share the police report details when available. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its official claims channel. Keep receipts, evidence and police records. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if you lose your passport or need consular assistance.
Reviewed by @snuck