Scam in BangladeshTheft
Mugging during late-night rickshaw rides in Bangladesh
How it works
A slow-moving rickshaw can leave a passenger exposed to thugs and muggers. Women travelling alone after dark are specifically warned to avoid this situation.
Warning signs
- You are travelling alone in a rickshaw after dark.
- The route passes through quiet or isolated streets.
How to avoid it
- Avoid solo rickshaw rides after dark, especially if you are a woman.
- Use a yellow taxi where available.
- Leave unnecessary valuables behind when going out late.
If it happens to you
Put your safety first. Seek nearby help when safe and call 999 if threatened or injured.
- Move to a safe, busy place. Do not chase a thief or continue an argument that feels threatening.
- Call 999 for an emergency involving police, fire or an ambulance. Seek urgent medical help if you suspect drugging.
- Write down what happened, including the time, place, agreed price and vehicle licence plate if known. Save receipts and screenshots.
- Freeze missing payment cards and contact your card issuer. Secure accounts on a stolen phone when possible.
- Report the incident to police. Ask for a report or reference number and keep a copy.
- Contact your insurer and, if your passport is missing or you need consular help, your embassy or consulate.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the mugging during late-night rickshaw rides scam in Bangladesh?
A slow-moving rickshaw can leave a passenger exposed to thugs and muggers. Women travelling alone after dark are specifically warned to avoid this situation.
How can I spot it early?
You are travelling alone in a rickshaw after dark. The route passes through quiet or isolated streets.
How do I avoid mugging during late-night rickshaw rides in Bangladesh?
Avoid solo rickshaw rides after dark, especially if you are a woman. Use a yellow taxi where available. Leave unnecessary valuables behind when going out late.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Put your safety first. Seek nearby help when safe and call 999 if threatened or injured.
Where in Bangladesh does this happen?
Rickshaw journeys after dark in Dhaka. It has been reported in Dhaka.
How common is this scam in Bangladesh?
Occasional. Transport overcharging is a key scam risk in Bangladesh, especially in Chittagong. Other problems include small tourist markups, airport bribe demands, pickpocketing and bag theft. Most people are friendly, but take extra care with strangers' offers and late-night transport.
Are there similar scams in Bangladesh?
Yes: pickpocketing in crowds and transport, bag grabbing from rickshaws.
Who can I report it to?
Police, fire or ambulance: dial 999 from a Bangladeshi mobile phone number or landline for an emergency. Local police: report theft, threats, extortion or fraud. Provide the location, time, description and any receipts or vehicle details. Ask for a report or reference number. Khulna Metropolitan Police Control Room: the listed local number is 20220. For an emergency, use 999. Card issuer or bank: use the official app or published contact number to freeze a missing card and report unauthorised transactions. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular assistance. Travel insurer: contact the claims or assistance service. Keep police reports, receipts and other evidence.
What number do I call in an emergency in Bangladesh?
Police, fire and ambulance: 999.
Reviewed by @snuck