Scam in GambiaFake officials
Marijuana invitation and police bribe trap in Gambia
How it works
Someone offers marijuana or invites you to a home to smoke it. Police may be waiting there to demand a large bribe.
Warning signs
- A stranger offers you marijuana.
- Someone invites you to a home to smoke.
How to avoid it
- Decline marijuana offers.
- Do not follow someone to a home to smoke.
- Say, "Sorry, I am in a hurry," then leave without further explanation.
If it happens to you
Stay calm and avoid confrontation. Do not offer a bribe. Seek legal or embassy assistance when it is safe to do so.
- Get to a safe, busy place. Do not chase a thief or confront someone who threatens you.
- Check what is missing. If cards or a phone were taken, freeze cards and secure your accounts as soon as possible.
- Write down what happened, including the time, place, amount lost and descriptions. Save receipts, messages and booking details.
- Report theft, robbery or fraud to police when safe. Ask for a written report or reference number for insurance.
- Contact your embassy if your passport is missing, you are detained or you need help finding legal support. Avoid using an embassy call as a threat during a confrontation.
- Notify your insurer and any relevant bank or booking provider. Keep copies of reports and records, and do not pay anyone promising guaranteed recovery.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Travel blogCrime Issues in The Gambia: What Travelers Need to KnowWorld Nomads describes tourists being offered marijuana or invited to smoke at someone’s home, where police then demand a substantial bribe for their release.Read on Travel blog
- WebWikivoyageGambia – Travel guide at WikivoyageThe community guide warns of marijuana offers and invitations to smoke in a home that lead to police waiting to extract a large bribe.Read on Web
Questions
What is the marijuana invitation and police bribe trap scam in Gambia?
Someone offers marijuana or invites you to a home to smoke it. Police may be waiting there to demand a large bribe.
How can I spot it early?
A stranger offers you marijuana. Someone invites you to a home to smoke.
How do I avoid marijuana invitation and police bribe trap in Gambia?
Decline marijuana offers. Do not follow someone to a home to smoke. Say, "Sorry, I am in a hurry," then leave without further explanation.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Stay calm and avoid confrontation. Do not offer a bribe. Seek legal or embassy assistance when it is safe to do so.
Where in Gambia does this happen?
Street approaches and invitations to private homes
How common is this scam in Gambia?
Occasional. Tourists in The Gambia can face persistent touts, requests for money, fake hotel staff and offers of help that lead to unexpected fees. Other risks include drug-related bribe traps, demands for passport-stamping bribes at borders, and pickpocketing or bag snatching in crowded parts of Banjul.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, robbery or suspected fraud once you are safe. Give the location, time, loss and any evidence. Ask for a written report or reference number. Card issuer or bank: use your bank's official app or verified contact details to freeze stolen cards and report any unauthorised transactions. Your embassy or consulate: use official contact details for help with a missing passport, detention or finding legal support. Seek help safely after a confrontation rather than threatening officials with an embassy call. Travel insurer: contact the claims service using your policy details. Keep receipts, police records and evidence of the loss. Hotel reception: contact reception directly to check anyone claiming to work for the hotel. Tell staff if someone is using the hotel's name to approach guests.
Reviewed by @snuck