Scam in GuyanaTheft
Mugging in Guyana
How it works
Someone uses threats or force to take your belongings. Muggings are possible at the market but are described as infrequent.
Warning signs
- Someone threatens you or blocks your way.
- You are separated from your group in an unfamiliar area.
How to avoid it
- Visit the market in a group or with a trusted local.
- Carry only the cash and valuables you need.
- Keep jewellery discreet.
If it happens to you
Do not resist or chase the attacker. Get to safety, seek medical help if needed and report the robbery.
- Get somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or resist an armed threat.
- Seek medical help if you are injured. Ask trusted staff or companions for immediate support.
- Block stolen cards and secure affected accounts. Ask your payment provider whether a disputed payment can be stopped or challenged.
- Save receipts, messages, booking details and transaction records. Write down the time, location and what happened.
- Report theft, fraud or threats to the police. Request a report reference or written record if available.
- 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.
- Redditr/Guyana2024Is Guyana safe right now? Planning a 2 week trip through Surinam, Guyana and FranceA vacationer reports being robbed at knifepoint alongside a friend while walking down a Georgetown street.Read on Reddit
- Government adviceSafety and security - Guyana travel advice - GOV.UKUK authorities report muggings involving knives or firearms, including daylight attacks and incidents targeting visibly wealthy tourists.Read on Government advice
- Government advice2026Guyana travel adviceCanadian authorities report foreigners being robbed at gunpoint and attacked after bank withdrawals, in shopping districts and in hotels.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the mugging scam in Guyana?
Someone uses threats or force to take your belongings. Muggings are possible at the market but are described as infrequent.
How can I spot it early?
Someone threatens you or blocks your way. You are separated from your group in an unfamiliar area.
How do I avoid mugging in Guyana?
Visit the market in a group or with a trusted local. Carry only the cash and valuables you need. Keep jewellery discreet.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not resist or chase the attacker. Get to safety, seek medical help if needed and report the robbery.
Where in Guyana does this happen?
Stabroek Market It has been reported in Georgetown.
How common is this scam in Guyana?
Occasional. Petty street crime is a concern in Georgetown, while river-boat operators may charge tourists higher fares. Muggings are possible at Stabroek Market but are described as infrequent; most other risks have no clear frequency figures. The work-offer scams below are general travel risks, not established Guyana-specific patterns.
Are there similar scams in Guyana?
Yes: petty street theft.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, robbery, fraud or threats once safe. Give the location, time and available evidence. Ask for a report reference; follow-up help may be limited. Bank, card issuer or payment provider: use its official app or verified contact details to block cards, report unauthorised transactions and ask about payment disputes. Embassy or consulate: use official contact details for help with a missing passport, detention, employer-held documents or finding local legal assistance. Travel insurer: contact the claims or assistance service listed in your policy. Keep receipts, evidence and any police report. Job-listing service: report a fraudulent employer through the service where the advert appeared. Include the advert, messages and payment requests.
Reviewed by @snuck