Scam in NamibiaTheft
Carjacking in Namibia
How it works
Robbers threaten a driver to take the vehicle. Clearly visible rental-company markings may help show that the car belongs to a rental business.
Warning signs
- Someone threatens you or tries to force you out of the vehicle.
How to avoid it
- Ask for a rental car with clearly visible rental-company markings.
- Keep doors locked while driving.
- Stay alert when stopping or getting into the car.
If it happens to you
Do not resist. Once safe, contact police and the rental company. Do not try to recover the vehicle yourself.
- Get to a safe place. Do not chase a thief or resist a robbery.
- Freeze or block missing cards immediately. Tell your card issuer about any suspicious transactions.
- Write down what happened, including the time, place and any vehicle details you can safely remember. Save receipts and messages.
- Report the incident to police and ask for a report reference or copy.
- Contact your insurer. If a passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate. Tell the rental company if its vehicle was involved.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- News2005Tourists hijacked at SwakopPolice report that German tourists were held at gunpoint during a vehicle hijacking and forced to drive toward Swakopmund.Read on News
- Government advice2026Namibia travel adviceCanada identifies carjacking among violent crimes occurring in Namibia, particularly in Windhoek.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the carjacking scam in Namibia?
Robbers threaten a driver to take the vehicle. Clearly visible rental-company markings may help show that the car belongs to a rental business.
How can I spot it early?
Someone threatens you or tries to force you out of the vehicle.
How do I avoid carjacking in Namibia?
Ask for a rental car with clearly visible rental-company markings. Keep doors locked while driving. Stay alert when stopping or getting into the car.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not resist. Once safe, contact police and the rental company. Do not try to recover the vehicle yourself.
How common is this scam in Namibia?
Occasional. Theft is a concern in Namibia, and pickpockets can target visitors. Travellers should also watch for shared-taxi overcharging, ATM card traps and robberies involving taxi drivers. Exact scam frequencies are not available.
Are there similar scams in Namibia?
Yes: pickpocketing, taxi-linked robbery.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, robbery or suspected fraud at a police station. Give the details you recorded and ask for a report reference or copy. Card issuer or bank: use the official banking app or a trusted contact number to block a missing or trapped card and report suspicious transactions. 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: contact the insurer through your policy's assistance channel. Keep police reports, receipts and other evidence for a claim. Rental company: use the contact details in your rental agreement if the vehicle is stolen or involved in a robbery.
Reviewed by @snuck