Scam in VietnamTheft
Motorbike snatch theft and theft from tables in Vietnam
How it works
Thieves on motorbikes grab phones, bags, cameras or jewellery from pedestrians and riders. They may also take valuables left on a table near the street. Ho Chi Minh City, especially District 1, is specifically highlighted.
Warning signs
- Your phone or camera is held out beside traffic.
- Your bag hangs on the traffic side or sits in a motorbike basket.
- Valuables are left on a table within reach of the street.
How to avoid it
- Step back from the road before using your phone.
- Carry your bag on the side away from traffic.
- Keep bags secured when riding and out of the motorbike basket.
- Keep valuables off roadside tables.
If it happens to you
Let go if resisting could drag you into traffic. Get to safety, note useful details and report the theft.
- Get to a safe, public place. Do not chase thieves or risk being dragged into traffic.
- If cards or a phone were stolen, freeze the cards and secure your phone, banking and email accounts.
- Save receipts, messages, booking details and photos. Write down the time, location, vehicle details and what happened.
- Report theft to police. In Ho Chi Minh City, use a station near the theft and take a Vietnamese speaker if possible. Ask for a written record.
- Contact the relevant hotel, transport company, booking provider or card issuer. Explain the disputed charge and provide your evidence.
- Contact your insurer about a claim. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate for replacement-document help.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the motorbike snatch theft and theft from tables scam in Vietnam?
Thieves on motorbikes grab phones, bags, cameras or jewellery from pedestrians and riders. They may also take valuables left on a table near the street. Ho Chi Minh City, especially District 1, is specifically highlighted.
How can I spot it early?
Your phone or camera is held out beside traffic. Your bag hangs on the traffic side or sits in a motorbike basket. Valuables are left on a table within reach of the street.
How do I avoid motorbike snatch theft and theft from tables in Vietnam?
Step back from the road before using your phone. Carry your bag on the side away from traffic. Keep bags secured when riding and out of the motorbike basket. Keep valuables off roadside tables.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Let go if resisting could drag you into traffic. Get to safety, note useful details and report the theft.
Where in Vietnam does this happen?
Roadsides, outdoor dining tables and the District 1 backpacker area
How common is this scam in Vietnam?
Common. Vietnam is generally safe for tourists, but scams and petty theft are more common in tourist areas and larger cities. The main problems involve transport, hotel prices, restaurant bills, shopping and stolen phones or bags. Outside tourist hotspots, scams against foreigners are rare.
Are there similar scams in Vietnam?
Yes: pickpocketing, including close-contact distractions, theft from overnight bus bags, theft from hotel rooms and safes.
Who can I report it to?
Local police: report theft, threats or being prevented from leaving at a police station. In Ho Chi Minh City, report a stolen item near where the theft happened. Bring a Vietnamese speaker if possible. Ho Chi Minh City police contacts for forced coconut sales: the listed contacts are +84 8 3829 7643 and +84 8 38299835. These use an older number format and may be outdated. District 2 police station, Ho Chi Minh City: 989 Dong Van Cong, W. Thanh My Loi, D.2. Listed phone: +84 8 37451325. Listed hours: 07:30–11:30 and 13:00–17:00. Contact details may be outdated. District 3 police station, Ho Chi Minh City: 01 Nguyen Thuong Hien, Ward 4, District 3. Listed phone: +84 8 38392764. Listed hours: 07:30–11:30 and 13:00–17:00. Contact details may be outdated. District 4 police station, Ho Chi Minh City: listed at 14 Doan Nhu Hai, Ward 12, District 1. Listed phone: +84 8 39400188. Listed hours: 07:30–11:30 and 13:00–17:00. Confirm the address before travelling, as the listed district details conflict. District 5 police station, Ho Chi Minh City: 359 Tran Hung Dao, Ward 10, District 5. Listed phone: +84 8 38550878. Listed hours: 07:30–11:30 and 13:00–17:00. Contact details may be outdated. Binh Thanh police station, Ho Chi Minh City: 18 Phan Dang Luu, Ward 6, Binh Thanh. Listed phone: +84 8 38414882. Listed hours: 07:30–11:30 and 13:00–17:00. Contact details may be outdated. Phu Nhuan police station, Ho Chi Minh City: 181 Hoang Van Thu, Phu Nhuan. Listed hours: 07:30–11:30 and 13:00–17:00. Confirm the location and hours before travelling. Card issuer: use your bank's app or the contact number on your card to freeze a stolen card, report unauthorised transactions or ask about a disputed charge. Transport operator, hotel or booking provider: use the contact details on your booking or receipt. Include the agreed price, amount charged, trip details and supporting evidence. Ho Chi Minh City bus operator: for belongings lost on a city bus, ask at the station where the route starts or ends. Give the route, direction and approximate travel time. Bus cameras may help. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Travel insurer: contact the claims service on your policy. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of ownership.
Reviewed by @snuck