Scam in Sri LankaTheft
Monkeys taking unattended belongings in Sri Lanka
How it works
Monkeys, especially macaques, can take unattended personal belongings. They can also become aggressive. This is an animal-related loss risk, not a human scam.
Warning signs
- Monkeys are close to unattended bags or loose items.
- A monkey approaches your belongings.
How to avoid it
- Keep your belongings with you.
- Close bags and put loose items away.
- Do not leave valuables unattended for photos.
If it happens to you
Keep your distance and ask nearby staff for help. Do not grab at or corner an aggressive monkey.
- Move to a safe public place. Avoid threats, arguments or chasing anyone.
- Record what happened while it is fresh. Save receipts, messages, trip details and any useful descriptions.
- Freeze missing cards immediately. Contact your card issuer about suspicious payments and secure affected accounts.
- Report theft, threats or fraud to police. Ask for a report number or written record.
- Contact the booking service, ride app or seller if relevant. Request a refund through its official support process.
- Contact your insurer if covered. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- TripadvisorTripadvisor hotel reviews2024HOTEL SUISSE KANDY - SINCE 1890 - Prices & Reviews (Sri Lanka)A guest reported monkeys entering their room to steal sugar packets and taking items from restaurant tables when people turned away.Read on Tripadvisor
- WebSri LankaThe tour operator's destination information warns that monkeys take unattended snacks, sunglasses, and shiny objects.Read on Web
- NewsWATCH: Man lodges police complaint against a monkey in Sri LankaThe article describes a man seeing a monkey remove his wallet from a bag and escape into the trees.Read on News
Questions
What is the monkeys taking unattended belongings scam in Sri Lanka?
Monkeys, especially macaques, can take unattended personal belongings. They can also become aggressive. This is an animal-related loss risk, not a human scam.
How can I spot it early?
Monkeys are close to unattended bags or loose items. A monkey approaches your belongings.
How do I avoid monkeys taking unattended belongings in Sri Lanka?
Keep your belongings with you. Close bags and put loose items away. Do not leave valuables unattended for photos.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Keep your distance and ask nearby staff for help. Do not grab at or corner an aggressive monkey.
Where in Sri Lanka does this happen?
Anuradhapura It has been reported in Anuradhapura.
How common is this scam in Sri Lanka?
Occasional. Scams and touts are a concern for first-time visitors, especially in Colombo. The main risks are misleading travel advice, transport overcharging and sales pressure; pickpocketing on public transport is uncommon.
Are there similar scams in Sri Lanka?
Yes: pickpocketing on public transport.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, fraud or threats. Bring any receipts, messages and other evidence, and ask for a written record. Card issuer or bank: use the official banking app or verified contact number to freeze cards and report disputed payments. Ride-hailing app or booking service: open the relevant trip or booking and report the problem through official support. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help with a lost or stolen passport. Travel insurer: contact the claims service and keep police records, receipts and evidence of the loss.
Reviewed by @snuck