Scam in Papua New GuineaTheft
Carjacking in Papua New Guinea
How it works
Criminals take a vehicle by force or threats. Numerous carjackings have occurred in the Waigani area.
Warning signs
- Your route passes through the Waigani traffic lights or the area around Port Moresby Golf Club.
- People approach or block your vehicle in a threatening way.
How to avoid it
- Ask your accommodation or trusted driver about the route before leaving.
- Avoid travelling at night.
- Stay aware of people and vehicles around you.
If it happens to you
Do not physically resist or make sudden movements. Give up the vehicle if threatened, then seek help from a secure location.
- Get to a secure place. Do not chase a thief or confront an armed attacker.
- Ask your accommodation or another trusted person for help. Seek medical care if you are injured.
- Freeze stolen or affected cards and contact the card issuer. Secure any accounts linked to a stolen phone.
- Write down what happened, including the time, location, charges and any vehicle details. Save receipts and screenshots.
- Report the incident to police when safe. Ask for a report or reference number for insurance or bank claims.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport was stolen 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 advice2026Papua New Guinea Travel Advice & Safety | SmartravellerAustralian authorities describe carjacking as common in Port Moresby, Lae and along the road between Lae and Nadzab Airport, especially at night.Read on Government advice
- Government advice2026Papua New Guinea travel adviceCanadian authorities report carjackings in Port Moresby and near Lae Nadzab Airport, including attacks on occupants of stopped or slow-moving vehicles.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the carjacking scam in Papua New Guinea?
Criminals take a vehicle by force or threats. Numerous carjackings have occurred in the Waigani area.
How can I spot it early?
Your route passes through the Waigani traffic lights or the area around Port Moresby Golf Club. People approach or block your vehicle in a threatening way.
How do I avoid carjacking in Papua New Guinea?
Ask your accommodation or trusted driver about the route before leaving. Avoid travelling at night. Stay aware of people and vehicles around you.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not physically resist or make sudden movements. Give up the vehicle if threatened, then seek help from a secure location.
Where in Papua New Guinea does this happen?
Port Moresby, especially Waigani around the traffic lights and Port Moresby Golf Club. It has been reported in Port Moresby.
How common is this scam in Papua New Guinea?
Common. The main risks in Papua New Guinea are robbery, carjacking and occasional card fraud. Street crime is a particular concern in Port Moresby and Lae, and foreigners are sometimes targeted in Port Moresby. Arrange trusted drivers through your accommodation and get local advice before going out.
Are there similar scams in Papua New Guinea?
Yes: street mugging and robbery, armed robbery on the Highlands Highway.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, robbery or fraud when safe. Ask your accommodation for help arranging contact and request a report number. Police conduct and their ability to respond are concerns in Port Moresby. Your hotel or accommodation provider: tell staff what happened. Ask for help reaching a secure place, contacting police or arranging a trusted driver. Card issuer or bank: use the bank's official app or a verified contact number to freeze the card and report unauthorised charges. Travel insurer: contact the claims or assistance service listed in your policy. Keep receipts, incident details and any police report. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular assistance.
Reviewed by @snuck