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Common in Cape Verde

Scam in Cape VerdeTheft

Pickpocketing in crowds in Cape Verde

Busy markets, festivals and celebrations, especially in Praia, Mindelo, Sal and Boa Vista.

How it works

Thieves steal belongings in crowded places. Praia's Mercado Municipal and Mercado de Sucupira have specific pickpocket warnings.

Warning signs

  • A crowd is packed tightly around you.
  • People are pressing close to your pockets or bag.

How to avoid it

  1. Keep your phone and wallet in a closed bag held in front of you.
  2. Avoid keeping valuables in back pockets.
  3. Carry only the cash you need for the outing.
  4. Check that your bag is closed before entering a crowd.

If it happens to you

Move somewhere safe, check what is missing and report the theft to police. Freeze any missing bank cards.

  1. Get to a safe, public place. Do not chase a thief or confront anyone who threatens you.
  2. If you are in immediate danger, call police on 132. If you are injured, seek medical help.
  3. Freeze stolen cards and contact your card issuer. Report any unauthorised payments promptly.
  4. Write down what happened. Save receipts, booking details, payment records and any vehicle details you already have.
  5. Report the incident to police and ask for a report reference or written copy. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen.
  6. Contact your insurer and secure any affected accounts. If your phone was stolen, use its remote lock feature and contact your mobile provider.
Where it happensBusy markets, festivals and celebrations, especially in Praia, Mindelo, Sal and Boa Vista.Praia, Mindelo

What travellers report

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

More scams in Cape VerdePurse and bag snatching: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the pickpocketing in crowds scam in Cape Verde?

Thieves steal belongings in crowded places. Praia's Mercado Municipal and Mercado de Sucupira have specific pickpocket warnings.

How can I spot it early?

A crowd is packed tightly around you. People are pressing close to your pockets or bag.

How do I avoid pickpocketing in crowds in Cape Verde?

Keep your phone and wallet in a closed bag held in front of you. Avoid keeping valuables in back pockets. Carry only the cash you need for the outing. Check that your bag is closed before entering a crowd.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Move somewhere safe, check what is missing and report the theft to police. Freeze any missing bank cards.

Where in Cape Verde does this happen?

Busy markets, festivals and celebrations, especially in Praia, Mindelo, Sal and Boa Vista. It has been reported in Praia, Mindelo.

How common is this scam in Cape Verde?

Common. Pickpocketing and purse snatching are quite common in Cape Verde, especially in Praia, Mindelo, Sal and Boa Vista. Visitors should also watch for taxi overcharging and robberies on beaches or when walking alone at night.

Are there similar scams in Cape Verde?

Yes: purse and bag snatching, street and beach robbery.

Who can I report it to?

Police: call 132 for an emergency. In Praia, police stations are located in various parts of the city. Report theft, robbery or suspected fraud and request a report reference. Polícia Judiciária: the contact number listed for Praia is 800 11 34. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to freeze a missing card and report unauthorised transactions. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need help replacing travel documents. Travel insurer: contact the claims or assistance service listed in your policy. Keep police records, receipts and other evidence.

What number do I call in an emergency in Cape Verde?

Police / emergency: 132, Hospital — listed for Praia: 130, Fire brigade — listed for Praia: 131, Polícia Judiciária — listed for Praia: 800 11 34.

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