Scam in IndonesiaTheft
Phone and camera snatching in Indonesia
How it works
Thieves grab exposed phones or other valuables. Phones are increasingly targeted. Criminals may operate at traffic lights even when there are crowds.
Warning signs
- You are using a phone or camera beside an open car window.
- Your valuables are visible and within reach from the street.
How to avoid it
- Keep car doors locked.
- Put phones and cameras away at traffic lights and in traffic jams.
- Avoid displaying jewellery or other valuables.
If it happens to you
Do not pursue the thief into traffic. Reach a safe place, secure your accounts and report the theft.
- Move to a safe, staffed place. Do not chase a thief or resist a threatening robber.
- If you are hurt or may have been drugged, seek urgent medical help. Call 112 or ambulance service 118.
- Freeze stolen or compromised cards. Contact your bank and secure accounts linked to a stolen phone.
- Save receipts, booking records, messages and vehicle details. Write down the time, place and what happened.
- Report theft or fraud to police. Ask for a report or reference number for your insurer.
- Contact the relevant operator, insurer or embassy for further help. Use your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen or you were detained.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/bali2025Phone stolen CangguThe poster reports motorcyclists breaking a phone mount with a hammer and stealing the phone, while a commenter recounts a camera being snatched from a bicycle basket.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/BaliTravelTips2025Snatch and grab in BaliA traveller reports that two people on a scooter stole their girlfriend’s phone from its holder while both vehicles were moving.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the phone and camera snatching scam in Indonesia?
Thieves grab exposed phones or other valuables. Phones are increasingly targeted. Criminals may operate at traffic lights even when there are crowds.
How can I spot it early?
You are using a phone or camera beside an open car window. Your valuables are visible and within reach from the street.
How do I avoid phone and camera snatching in Indonesia?
Keep car doors locked. Put phones and cameras away at traffic lights and in traffic jams. Avoid displaying jewellery or other valuables.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not pursue the thief into traffic. Reach a safe place, secure your accounts and report the theft.
Where in Indonesia does this happen?
Busy streets, traffic lights and traffic jams It has been reported in Jakarta.
How common is this scam in Indonesia?
Common. Scams are rare in less touristy parts of Indonesia, but travellers should be more cautious in Bali, especially Kuta. Common problems include taxi overcharging, pushy sellers, pickpocketing and phone theft. ATM card copying, dishonest laundry weighing and drug offers linked to police are also reported.
Are there similar scams in Indonesia?
Yes: pickpocketing and distraction theft, sidewalk-blocking pickpocket groups, laptop and phone theft from workspaces.
Who can I report it to?
Police (POLRI): call 110 or visit a police station to report theft, robbery or fraud. Ask for a written report or reference number. Emergency services: call 112 for immediate danger or urgent assistance. It routes to emergency services in most major cities; elsewhere it usually routes through police. Operators typically speak Indonesian, so ask someone to help if needed. Indonesian Police HQ: jl. Trunojoyo 3, South Jakarta. Telephone: +62 21 7218144. Jakarta Police HQ: jl. Jendral Sudirman No. 45, South Jakarta. Telephone: +62 21 5709261. Bandung police: call 110 or visit a local Polsek station. The city headquarters, Polrestabes, is in Central Bandung. The provincial headquarters, Polda, is in East Bandung. Banjarmasin Police HQ (Polresta Banjarmasin): jl. A Yani Km 3, Kebun Bunga. Telephone: +62 511 252037. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to freeze the card and report unauthorised transactions. Taxi company, booking app or transport operator: use the official support channel. Provide the booking, vehicle details, receipts and a short account of what happened. Hotel or venue management: report missing property or suspected drink tampering promptly. Ask staff to preserve relevant records and help contact police. Travel insurer: contact the claims or assistance service. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of your loss. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help after passport theft or detention.
What number do I call in an emergency in Indonesia?
General emergency services: 112, Police (POLRI): 110, Ambulance: 118, Fire department: 113, Search and rescue: 115, Bandung ambulance: (022)118, Bandung fire brigade: (022)113.
Reviewed by @snuck