Scam in Ivory CoastTheft
Carjacking when vehicles stop at night in Ivory Coast
How it works
Attackers target a vehicle while it is stopped and take it through threats or force. Incidents have been reported when drivers stop late at night.
Warning signs
- Someone approaches your doors while the vehicle is stopped.
- Someone tries to open a door or force you out.
How to avoid it
- Limit unnecessary driving late at night.
- Keep doors locked and windows closed.
- Plan your route before setting off.
- Use a trusted driver if you are unfamiliar with the roads.
If it happens to you
Put your safety first. Do not fight to keep the vehicle or your belongings. Move to safety when possible and report the incident.
- Get somewhere safe. Leave any confrontation and do not chase a thief or resist an armed attacker.
- Check what is missing. If cards or a phone were stolen, block cards and secure affected accounts as soon as possible.
- Save useful evidence. Keep receipts, booking records and messages. Write down the time, location, vehicle details and what happened.
- Report the incident to the police. Ask for a report or reference number if one is available.
- Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen, you were threatened or you need help dealing with local authorities.
- Contact your insurer and any relevant payment provider promptly. Explain what happened and ask what evidence they need.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Government advice2026Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) travel adviceCanada lists carjacking among violent crimes occurring especially at night and reports armed roadblocks where criminals force vehicles to stop at gunpoint.Read on Government advice
- Government advice2026Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) Travel Advice & Safety | SmartravellerAustralia reports nighttime carjacking risks and armed criminals intercepting vehicles at roadblocks during both day and night.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the carjacking when vehicles stop at night scam in Ivory Coast?
Attackers target a vehicle while it is stopped and take it through threats or force. Incidents have been reported when drivers stop late at night.
How can I spot it early?
Someone approaches your doors while the vehicle is stopped. Someone tries to open a door or force you out.
How do I avoid carjacking when vehicles stop at night in Ivory Coast?
Limit unnecessary driving late at night. Keep doors locked and windows closed. Plan your route before setting off. Use a trusted driver if you are unfamiliar with the roads.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Put your safety first. Do not fight to keep the vehicle or your belongings. Move to safety when possible and report the incident.
Where in Ivory Coast does this happen?
Roads at night, including traffic lights and other stopping points in Abidjan. It has been reported in Abidjan.
How common is this scam in Ivory Coast?
Occasional. The main tourist risks described for Côte d'Ivoire are taxi overcharging, demands for bribes at checkpoints, pickpocketing and carjacking. Most specific warnings concern Abidjan, especially airport taxis, crowded transport areas and driving late at night. The airport itself has improved security and a better reputation than before.
Are there similar scams in Ivory Coast?
Yes: pickpocketing in crowded places.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, threats, carjacking or fraud at a police station once you are safe. Bring any evidence and ask for a report or reference number. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help with a stolen passport, serious threats or concerns about an encounter with officials. Your bank or card issuer: use the official banking app or a verified contact number to block stolen cards and report unauthorised transactions. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its official claims channel. Keep police paperwork, receipts and evidence of the loss.
Reviewed by @snuck