Scam in SenegalOn the street
False friend or guide leading you to a robbery in Senegal
How it works
Someone claims to have met you before or offers to guide you. They gain your trust, then lead you to a remote place where you are robbed.
Warning signs
- A stranger insists they already know you.
- An unsolicited guide leads you away from busy areas.
- The route becomes isolated.
How to avoid it
- Do not follow a stranger because they claim to recognise you.
- Decline unsolicited offers to guide you.
- Stay in busy public areas.
- Leave as soon as the route or behaviour makes you uneasy.
If it happens to you
If threatened, put your safety first and do not fight over belongings. Get to a safe place and report the robbery.
- Get to a safe, busy place. If someone threatens you, protect yourself before your belongings.
- Check what is missing. Contact your card issuer promptly to block stolen cards and report unauthorised payments.
- Save receipts, messages and booking details. Write down the time, location, description and any vehicle details.
- Report theft, robbery or extortion to police. Ask for a written report or reference number.
- Contact your embassy if your passport is stolen, you are detained or you need consular help.
- Tell your insurer and any relevant hotel or transport operator. Keep copies of reports and expenses.
Questions
What is the false friend or guide leading you to a robbery scam in Senegal?
Someone claims to have met you before or offers to guide you. They gain your trust, then lead you to a remote place where you are robbed.
How can I spot it early?
A stranger insists they already know you. An unsolicited guide leads you away from busy areas. The route becomes isolated.
How do I avoid false friend or guide leading you to a robbery in Senegal?
Do not follow a stranger because they claim to recognise you. Decline unsolicited offers to guide you. Stay in busy public areas. Leave as soon as the route or behaviour makes you uneasy.
What should I do if it happens to me?
If threatened, put your safety first and do not fight over belongings. Get to a safe place and report the robbery.
Where in Senegal does this happen?
Streets, beaches and markets. Women are frequently targeted at beaches or markets.
How common is this scam in Senegal?
Occasional. Tourist scams and petty theft are common in Dakar, especially around busy markets and the airport. Watch for inflated taxi fares, missing change, false guides, pickpockets and people posing as airport or hotel staff. Some tricks involve threats or robbery, so leave early if an encounter feels wrong.
Are there similar scams in Senegal?
Yes: fake hotel worker asking for fuel money.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, robbery, threats or extortion. Give the location, time and any evidence. Ask for a written report or reference number. Official airport staff: at the airport, go to an official staffed desk if someone takes your bags or pressures you for money. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact channel to freeze cards and report unauthorised transactions. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for a stolen passport, detention or consular assistance. Hotel or transport operator: tell reception or the operator about staff impersonation, luggage theft or a disputed service. Keep journey and booking details. Travel insurer: contact its claims or assistance service. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of losses.
Reviewed by @snuck