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Occasional in Egypt

Scam in EgyptTheft

Pickpocketing in crowded places in Egypt

Crowded markets and busy urban areas, including Midan Ataba in Downtown Cairo.

How it works

A thief takes money or valuables from a pocket or bag, often where crowds make close contact easy. Greater Cairo has a history of pickpocketing, and visitors are also warned about it in Alexandria.

Warning signs

  • Crowds make it hard to notice contact with your pockets or bag.
  • Your phone, wallet or open bag is easy to reach.

How to avoid it

  1. Keep valuables out of open pockets.
  2. Close bags and keep them in front in crowds.
  3. Avoid displaying cash or expensive belongings.
  4. Carry only the cash and cards you need.

If it happens to you

Move somewhere safe, check what is missing and block affected cards. Report the theft. Do not pursue the thief.

  1. Get to a safe, public place. End the interaction calmly and do not chase a thief.
  2. Check whether anyone needs medical help. Call 123 for an ambulance if there is an urgent medical problem.
  3. Block missing cards and report unauthorised payments to your card issuer. Secure affected accounts and a stolen phone.
  4. Save receipts, booking details, messages and payment records. Write down the time, location, amount and any vehicle or seller details.
  5. Report crime to police or a Tourism Police kiosk in a tourist area. Call 122 if you need urgent police assistance, and ask for a report reference.
  6. Contact your insurer, booking platform or transport operator as relevant. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport is missing or you need consular help.
Where it happensCrowded markets and busy urban areas, including Midan Ataba in Downtown Cairo.Cairo, Alexandria

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in EgyptFalse claim that tourists cannot buy daytime train tickets: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the pickpocketing in crowded places scam in Egypt?

A thief takes money or valuables from a pocket or bag, often where crowds make close contact easy. Greater Cairo has a history of pickpocketing, and visitors are also warned about it in Alexandria.

How can I spot it early?

Crowds make it hard to notice contact with your pockets or bag. Your phone, wallet or open bag is easy to reach.

How do I avoid pickpocketing in crowded places in Egypt?

Keep valuables out of open pockets. Close bags and keep them in front in crowds. Avoid displaying cash or expensive belongings. Carry only the cash and cards you need.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Move somewhere safe, check what is missing and block affected cards. Report the theft. Do not pursue the thief.

Where in Egypt does this happen?

Crowded markets and busy urban areas, including Midan Ataba in Downtown Cairo. It has been reported in Cairo, Alexandria.

How common is this scam in Egypt?

Occasional. Tourist scams and persistent sales pressure are common in Egypt, especially in Luxor and busy tourist areas in Cairo. The main problems are inflated fares, shop diversions, misleading sales claims and demands for payment after unwanted help. Pickpocketing also happens, while reports of drink spiking in budget accommodation deserve particular care.

Are there similar scams in Egypt?

Yes: scarf or merchandise used to hide pickpocketing.

Who can I report it to?

Police: call 122 for urgent police assistance. Report theft, threats or suspected fraud and ask for a report reference. Tourism Police: look for a designated Tourism Police kiosk in a tourist area. Explain what happened and show any receipts or other evidence. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to block a missing card and report unauthorised transactions. Ride-hailing app, transport operator or booking platform: use its official support channel. Include the booking, driver messages, receipt and agreed price. Travel insurer: contact the claims or emergency-assistance service listed in your policy. Keep police references and supporting documents. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for a lost passport, detention or serious crime. Ask what consular help is available.

What number do I call in an emergency in Egypt?

Police: 122, Ambulance: 123, Fire: 180, Highway: 136.

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