Scam in CambodiaTheft
Phone and bag snatching in Cambodia
How it works
Thieves grab exposed phones or bags, including during the day. Women are often targeted. Belongings near the outside of a tuk-tuk are especially exposed.
Warning signs
- Your phone or bag is within easy reach from the street.
- Your bag hangs outside the vehicle or sits on your back on a motorbike taxi.
How to avoid it
- Keep bags and phones toward the middle of a tuk-tuk.
- On a motorbike taxi, keep belongings between you and the driver or in front of the driver.
- Put your phone away when you do not need it.
- Avoid carrying a bag on your back on a motorbike taxi.
If it happens to you
Do not chase or fight the thief. Move somewhere safe, lock your phone remotely if possible, and report the theft.
- Get somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or resist a robbery.
- Stop further payments. Do not pay more to recover money already lost.
- Protect your accounts. Freeze missing cards, contact the issuer and lock a stolen phone remotely if possible.
- Save evidence. Keep receipts, booking messages, payment records and a short account of what happened.
- Report the incident to police and the relevant business or booking provider. Ask for a report or reference number.
- Contact your insurer. 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.
Questions
What is the phone and bag snatching scam in Cambodia?
Thieves grab exposed phones or bags, including during the day. Women are often targeted. Belongings near the outside of a tuk-tuk are especially exposed.
How can I spot it early?
Your phone or bag is within easy reach from the street. Your bag hangs outside the vehicle or sits on your back on a motorbike taxi.
How do I avoid phone and bag snatching in Cambodia?
Keep bags and phones toward the middle of a tuk-tuk. On a motorbike taxi, keep belongings between you and the driver or in front of the driver. Put your phone away when you do not need it. Avoid carrying a bag on your back on a motorbike taxi.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not chase or fight the thief. Move somewhere safe, lock your phone remotely if possible, and report the theft.
Where in Cambodia does this happen?
Streets and open tuk-tuks or motorbike taxis It has been reported in Phnom Penh.
How common is this scam in Cambodia?
Common. Scams are plentiful in Cambodia. Common problems include tourist price markups, unclear taxi fares, border bribe demands and tours that do not match their promises. Petty theft also happens, including phone and bag snatching in Phnom Penh, although violent crime is described as fairly low overall.
Are there similar scams in Cambodia?
Yes: theft from stored bus luggage, mugging and robbery around Banlung.
Who can I report it to?
Tourist police in Phnom Penh: call 012 942 4840 if fake monks harass you. Local police: report theft, robbery or suspected fraud. Bring any evidence and ask for a written report or reference number. Card issuer: use the issuer's official app or contact number to freeze a missing card and report disputed transactions. Bank branch: if a bank-attached ATM gives you damaged notes, ask that branch to replace them immediately. Bus company, tour seller or booking provider: report missing luggage items or services that did not match the booking. Provide tickets, receipts and written promises. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its official claims channel. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of loss. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is lost or stolen, or if you need help after a serious incident.
What number do I call in an emergency in Cambodia?
Phnom Penh tourist police, listed for harassment by fake monks: 012 942 4840.
Reviewed by @snuck