Scam in PhilippinesTheft
Laglag-barya coin-dropping distraction in Philippines
How it works
Someone drops money to draw your attention. An accomplice uses the distraction to steal from your bag or wallet.
Warning signs
- Someone drops coins or money close to you.
- Another person moves close to your bag while you look down.
How to avoid it
- Keep hold of your bag when money is dropped nearby.
- Do not expose your wallet while helping.
- Move clear of the crowd before checking your belongings.
If it happens to you
Move somewhere safe and check what is missing. Freeze stolen cards and report the theft.
- Move to a safe public place. Do not chase thieves or start a confrontation.
- Check whether anyone is injured. Get medical help if needed.
- Freeze missing payment cards. Secure affected accounts and block a stolen phone through your provider.
- Save receipts, booking records and messages. Write down the time, place, vehicle details and what happened.
- Report the incident to the police. For taxi complaints, contact the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board on 1342.
- Contact your insurer. Ask your embassy for help if your passport is missing or the incident is serious.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- News2014PNP Warns Public of ‘Salisi’ and ‘Laglag Barya’ GangsA Philippine Information Agency report relays a police warning that gangs drop coins or small bills near passengers while accomplices steal from those helping retrieve them.Read on News
- Redditr/adultingph2024MODUS Be vigilant po lalo na sa mga nagje-jeep!A community warning describes perpetrators deliberately dropping fare money so an accomplice can open a passenger's bag while the passenger retrieves the coins.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the laglag-barya coin-dropping distraction scam in Philippines?
Someone drops money to draw your attention. An accomplice uses the distraction to steal from your bag or wallet.
How can I spot it early?
Someone drops coins or money close to you. Another person moves close to your bag while you look down.
How do I avoid laglag-barya coin-dropping distraction in Philippines?
Keep hold of your bag when money is dropped nearby. Do not expose your wallet while helping. Move clear of the crowd before checking your belongings.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Move somewhere safe and check what is missing. Freeze stolen cards and report the theft.
Where in Philippines does this happen?
Busy sidewalks
How common is this scam in Philippines?
Occasional. Taxi overcharging and theft are common risks in the Philippines, especially in busy city areas. Watch for drivers refusing the meter, bag snatchers, pickpockets and distractions such as dropped coins or spilled drinks. Keep valuables out of sight and settle disputes calmly.
Are there similar scams in Philippines?
Yes: pickpocketing, bag snatching, including by motorcycle riders, hold-up robbery.
Who can I report it to?
Philippine National Police (PNP): report theft, robbery, threats or fraud at a police station or Police Community Precinct. Bring the evidence you have and ask for a report reference or copy. Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board: call 1342 for a taxi complaint. Keep the plate number, trip details and any receipt. Card issuer or bank: use the bank's official app or verified contact number to freeze a missing card and report unauthorised transactions. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help after passport theft, a serious crime or hostage taking. Travel insurer: contact the claims or assistance service. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of the loss. Taxi booking app: report the trip through the app and include the booking record, driver details and disputed charge.
Reviewed by @snuck