Scam in BangladeshFood and drink
Drugging through strangers' offers in Bangladesh
How it works
Food, drink, sweets or smoking items offered by a stranger may contain drugs. A friendly offer can leave you unable to protect yourself or your belongings.
Warning signs
- A stranger offers you something to eat, drink or smoke.
- A fellow passenger hands you a sweet or an opened item.
How to avoid it
- Decline food, drinks and smoking items from strangers.
- Use your own supplies or buy items yourself.
- Keep your drink under your control.
If it happens to you
If you suddenly feel unwell or confused, seek help immediately. Ask a trusted person to stay with you and call 999 if urgent medical help is needed.
- Move to a safe, busy place. Do not chase a thief or continue an argument that feels threatening.
- Call 999 for an emergency involving police, fire or an ambulance. Seek urgent medical help if you suspect drugging.
- Write down what happened, including the time, place, agreed price and vehicle licence plate if known. Save receipts and screenshots.
- Freeze missing payment cards and contact your card issuer. Secure accounts on a stolen phone when possible.
- Report the incident to police. Ask for a report or reference number and keep a copy.
- Contact your insurer and, if your passport is missing or you need consular help, your embassy or consulate.
Questions
What is the drugging through strangers' offers scam in Bangladesh?
Food, drink, sweets or smoking items offered by a stranger may contain drugs. A friendly offer can leave you unable to protect yourself or your belongings.
How can I spot it early?
A stranger offers you something to eat, drink or smoke. A fellow passenger hands you a sweet or an opened item.
How do I avoid drugging through strangers' offers in Bangladesh?
Decline food, drinks and smoking items from strangers. Use your own supplies or buy items yourself. Keep your drink under your control.
What should I do if it happens to me?
If you suddenly feel unwell or confused, seek help immediately. Ask a trusted person to stay with you and call 999 if urgent medical help is needed.
Where in Bangladesh does this happen?
Public transport, including buses and trains, and other encounters with strangers.
How common is this scam in Bangladesh?
Occasional. Transport overcharging is a key scam risk in Bangladesh, especially in Chittagong. Other problems include small tourist markups, airport bribe demands, pickpocketing and bag theft. Most people are friendly, but take extra care with strangers' offers and late-night transport.
Who can I report it to?
Police, fire or ambulance: dial 999 from a Bangladeshi mobile phone number or landline for an emergency. Local police: report theft, threats, extortion or fraud. Provide the location, time, description and any receipts or vehicle details. Ask for a report or reference number. Khulna Metropolitan Police Control Room: the listed local number is 20220. For an emergency, use 999. Card issuer or bank: use the official app or published contact number to freeze a missing card and report unauthorised transactions. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular assistance. Travel insurer: contact the claims or assistance service. Keep police reports, receipts and other evidence.
What number do I call in an emergency in Bangladesh?
Police, fire and ambulance: 999.
Reviewed by @snuck