Scam in DR CongoFake officials
Fake police asking you to enter a car in DR Congo
How it works
People claim to be police to take your money or valuables. A group of men may show a fake police identity card and tell you to get into their car to go to a police station.
Warning signs
- People claiming to be police are not wearing uniforms.
- Men in a car show an identity card and insist that you go with them.
- They pressure you to enter their vehicle.
How to avoid it
- Do not get into the car.
- Walk away if you can do so safely.
- Keep your voice calm and avoid losing your temper.
- Travel with a trusted local who can help you respond.
If it happens to you
Keep any conversation calm and friendly while looking for a safe way to leave. If threatened, put your safety ahead of your belongings.
- Get to a safe place. If threatened, avoid a physical struggle and put your safety first.
- Seek urgent medical care for injuries or suspected poisoning.
- Freeze stolen cards and contact your bank or card issuer about suspicious payments.
- Write down what happened, including the time, place, amounts and any vehicle details. Save receipts and booking records.
- Report theft, robbery or fraud to police when safe. Ask for a report or reference for insurance.
- Contact your embassy if your passport is missing, you are stranded or you need serious assistance. Notify your insurer and a trusted contact.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Government adviceDemocratic Republic of the CongoNew Zealand warns that criminals impersonate police to rob travellers and advises against entering strangers' vehicles even when they claim to be officers.Read on Government advice
- Government advice2026Democratic Republic of the Congo Travel Advice & Safety | SmartravellerAustralia warns about police impersonators and advises travellers against entering vehicles with strangers claiming to be police.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the fake police asking you to enter a car scam in DR Congo?
People claim to be police to take your money or valuables. A group of men may show a fake police identity card and tell you to get into their car to go to a police station.
How can I spot it early?
People claiming to be police are not wearing uniforms. Men in a car show an identity card and insist that you go with them. They pressure you to enter their vehicle.
How do I avoid fake police asking you to enter a car in DR Congo?
Do not get into the car. Walk away if you can do so safely. Keep your voice calm and avoid losing your temper. Travel with a trusted local who can help you respond.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Keep any conversation calm and friendly while looking for a safe way to leave. If threatened, put your safety ahead of your belongings.
Where in DR Congo does this happen?
Streets and public places. It has been reported in Kinshasa.
How common is this scam in DR Congo?
Common. Travellers face theft, demands for bribes, fake police and inflated prices, especially in Kinshasa. Serious risks include robbery by taxi drivers and people posing as police; conflict and limited medical care add dangers beyond scams.
Are there similar scams in DR Congo?
Yes: fake police road abduction.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, robbery or fraud when you can do so safely. Ask a trusted local or your accommodation to help you find a police station. Request a written report or reference. Embassy or consulate: use your embassy's official contact channels for a lost passport, serious crime or help when stranded. Bank or card issuer: use the bank's app or official contact number to freeze cards and report unauthorised transactions. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its official claims or assistance channel. Keep police reports, receipts and records of losses. Hotel management or transport provider: report incidents involving a room, driver or arranged airport service. Give the booking details and keep a record of the response.
Reviewed by @snuck