Scam in South AfricaTheft
Carjacking in South Africa
How it works
Attackers force the driver or passengers out and take the vehicle.
Warning signs
- People approach your vehicle while you are stopped.
- You are stopped at a quiet junction after dark.
How to avoid it
- Stay especially alert at traffic lights and stop signs at night.
- Keep doors locked and windows up.
- Plan your route before setting off.
If it happens to you
Do not resist. Put your safety first, reach a safe place and report the incident to police and the rental company or insurer.
- Get to safety. During a robbery, do not resist, negotiate or chase the attacker.
- Freeze or cancel stolen cards immediately. If your phone is missing, secure its accounts and mobile service.
- Save receipts, booking details, messages and photographs. Write down the time, place and what happened.
- Report theft, robbery or fraud to police as soon as possible. Ask for a report reference.
- Tell the relevant airline, hotel, transport operator or rental company. Contact your embassy if your passport was stolen.
- Contact your insurer and card issuer about any claim or disputed payment. Keep copies of all reports and correspondence.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/travel2023How bad is Joburg really?A contributor reports experiencing two attempted carjackings in Johannesburg.Read on Reddit
- Government advice2026Safety and security - South Africa travel advice - GOV.UKThe UK reports common carjackings around traffic lights, junctions, petrol stations and driveways, including vehicle theft by criminals impersonating police.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the carjacking scam in South Africa?
Attackers force the driver or passengers out and take the vehicle.
How can I spot it early?
People approach your vehicle while you are stopped. You are stopped at a quiet junction after dark.
How do I avoid carjacking in South Africa?
Stay especially alert at traffic lights and stop signs at night. Keep doors locked and windows up. Plan your route before setting off.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not resist. Put your safety first, reach a safe place and report the incident to police and the rental company or insurer.
Where in South Africa does this happen?
Traffic lights and stop signs, especially at night It has been reported in Pretoria.
How common is this scam in South Africa?
Occasional. Theft, street cons and tourist overcharging are real concerns in South Africa, though most visitors have a trouble-free stay. Watch for airport taxi touts, hidden exchange fees, unwanted ATM help and inflated souvenir prices. Pickpocketing, baggage theft, smash-and-grab theft and armed robbery also need care.
Are there similar scams in South Africa?
Yes: airport baggage theft, pickpocketing, street robbery and robbery on walking trails.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report robbery, theft or fraud promptly. Go to a police station once safe and ask for a report reference. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or a trusted contact number to freeze or cancel a missing card and report payments you did not make. ATM operator: if your card becomes stuck, contact the helpline displayed at the ATM for assistance. Contact your card issuer as well to cancel the card. Airline or airport staff: report baggage theft as soon as you notice it. Keep baggage tags, flight details and photographs of damage. Accommodation or transport operator: report the incident to staff or the booking provider. Provide receipts, booking details and a clear account of what happened. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Travel insurer: use the contact details in your policy. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of the loss.
What number do I call in an emergency in South Africa?
Netcare 911 emergency assistance contact: +27 11 254-1927, ER24 emergency assistance, domestic number: 084 124.
Reviewed by @snuck