Scam in CameroonTheft
Pickpocketing and petty theft in Cameroon
How it works
Thieves take phones, wallets, purses or other belongings. Crowds make it harder to notice a theft. Petty theft is common across Cameroon, with pickpockets especially widespread in Yaoundé.
Warning signs
- People are crowded close around you.
- Your phone, wallet or bag is exposed.
- Your attention is on withdrawing money or boarding transport.
How to avoid it
- Keep your bag closed and close to your body.
- Keep phones and wallets out of easy reach.
- Watch your belongings at stations and on trains.
- Check your surroundings before using an ATM.
If it happens to you
Move somewhere safe. Block stolen cards and secure accounts linked to a stolen phone. Do not chase or physically confront the thief.
- Get to a safe place. During a robbery, do not resist, chase anyone or try to recover belongings by force.
- Check for injuries. Seek medical help if you have been hurt.
- Block stolen cards immediately. Secure a stolen phone and change passwords for important accounts.
- Write down what happened. Save receipts, messages, booking details and any vehicle information you already have.
- Report the incident to the police. Ask for a written report or reference number if available.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport is missing or you need consular help, 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.
- Government adviceTravel advice and advisories for CameroonCanadian travel advice reports pickpocketing and bag snatching in urban centres and says thieves target tourists.Read on Government advice
- Government adviceSafety and security - Cameroon travel advice - GOV.UKBritish travel advice reports common petty theft on trains, coaches and bush taxis and around bus stations and hotels.Read on Government advice
- Redditr/Cameroon2026Best way to get from Douala Airport to hotel?A commenter warns visitors to hold belongings tightly and protect their pockets because of pickpockets.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the pickpocketing and petty theft scam in Cameroon?
Thieves take phones, wallets, purses or other belongings. Crowds make it harder to notice a theft. Petty theft is common across Cameroon, with pickpockets especially widespread in Yaoundé.
How can I spot it early?
People are crowded close around you. Your phone, wallet or bag is exposed. Your attention is on withdrawing money or boarding transport.
How do I avoid pickpocketing and petty theft in Cameroon?
Keep your bag closed and close to your body. Keep phones and wallets out of easy reach. Watch your belongings at stations and on trains. Check your surroundings before using an ATM.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Move somewhere safe. Block stolen cards and secure accounts linked to a stolen phone. Do not chase or physically confront the thief.
Where in Cameroon does this happen?
Crowded markets, stations, trains, places where people gather at night, and around ATMs. It has been reported in Yaoundé.
How common is this scam in Cameroon?
Very common. Petty theft is common in Cameroon, and pickpockets are a particular concern in crowded parts of Yaoundé. Travellers should also watch for unwanted paid luggage help, ticket scalpers and high opening prices at markets. Shared-taxi theft, armed robbery and vehicle crime can cause more serious losses.
Are there similar scams in Cameroon?
Yes: armed street robbery and banditry, car theft and carjacking, smash-and-grab theft from vehicles.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, robbery or fraud once you are safe. In Limbe, visitors are specifically advised to report crimes to the police. Ask for a written record if available. Police corruption and limited effectiveness are concerns elsewhere in Cameroon. Card issuer or bank: use the bank's official app or a verified contact number to block stolen cards and report payments you did not authorise. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate for a lost passport, replacement travel documents or consular support after a serious crime. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through the details on your policy. Keep receipts, incident notes and any police report for a claim. Relevant transport or service provider: raise a ticket problem, disputed fee or undisclosed charge through the provider's official customer-service channel. Keep proof of payment.
Reviewed by @snuck