Scam in JamaicaOn the street
Persistent touts and unwanted drug offers in Jamaica
How it works
Sellers may keep pushing drugs or unwanted goods after a visitor shows no interest. Saying that this is your first visit can lead to more heckling or pressure.
Warning signs
- Someone keeps selling after you have declined.
- A stranger offers drugs.
- The pressure increases after you mention being a first-time visitor.
How to avoid it
- Say that you are not interested, calmly and firmly.
- Keep walking towards a busy public place if the pressure continues.
- Avoid telling persistent sellers that this is your first visit.
- Do not buy or accept drugs.
If it happens to you
End the conversation and move towards staff, your hotel or another busy place. If you are threatened or followed and need urgent help, call police on 119.
- Get to a safe, public place. Do not chase a thief or confront someone who threatens you.
- Call 119 for urgent police help. Call 110 if you need an ambulance or the fire brigade.
- Freeze missing cards and contact your card issuer about unauthorised or incorrect charges. Secure accounts linked to a stolen phone.
- Save receipts, booking details, messages and screenshots. Write down the time, location and what happened.
- Report theft, threats or fraud to police. Ask for a report reference or a copy for your records.
- Contact your insurer if you need to make a claim. Ask your embassy or consulate for help with a stolen passport or a serious incident.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/JamaicaTourism2025Just returned from JamaicaA commenter reports that a driver introduced their group to drug sellers who became aggressive while others steered group members into high-pressure shops.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/AllInclusiveResorts2024Is Jamaica safe?A visitor says repeated aggressive drug sales approaches on the beach at Negril made them reluctant to use the beach.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/JamaicaTourism2026ConcernsA commenter describes persistent offers of crafts, cannabis and tours occurring several times a day.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the persistent touts and unwanted drug offers scam in Jamaica?
Sellers may keep pushing drugs or unwanted goods after a visitor shows no interest. Saying that this is your first visit can lead to more heckling or pressure.
How can I spot it early?
Someone keeps selling after you have declined. A stranger offers drugs. The pressure increases after you mention being a first-time visitor.
How do I avoid persistent touts and unwanted drug offers in Jamaica?
Say that you are not interested, calmly and firmly. Keep walking towards a busy public place if the pressure continues. Avoid telling persistent sellers that this is your first visit. Do not buy or accept drugs.
What should I do if it happens to me?
End the conversation and move towards staff, your hotel or another busy place. If you are threatened or followed and need urgent help, call police on 119.
Where in Jamaica does this happen?
Places where visitors attract attention; overzealous touts are specifically noted in Kingston. It has been reported in Kingston.
How common is this scam in Jamaica?
Common. Visitors to Jamaica can face inflated taxi fares, poor currency conversions, higher tourist prices and persistent sellers. Theft and robbery also need care, especially in Kingston and busy transport areas. Agree on prices first, check the currency and keep valuables out of sight.
Who can I report it to?
Police: call 119 for urgent police assistance. For a non-urgent theft or fraud report, seek help at a police station and ask for a report reference. An immediate response is not guaranteed. Card issuer or bank: use the bank's official app or a trusted contact number to freeze a card, report unauthorised payments or ask about disputing an incorrect charge. Embassy or consulate: contact your own government's embassy or consulate after a serious incident, passport theft or a troubling encounter with officials. Use its official contact details. Travel insurer: use the claims or assistance contact in your policy. Keep receipts, police report details and evidence of the loss. Hotel staff: ask reception for help finding trusted transport, reaching police or locating medical assistance.
What number do I call in an emergency in Jamaica?
Police: 119, Ambulance and fire brigade: 110.
Reviewed by @snuck