Scam in AustraliaTheft
Pickpocketing in Australia
How it works
Someone steals belongings from your pockets or bag. No specific distraction method is described.
Warning signs
- Your phone or wallet sticks out of a pocket.
- Your bag is open or outside your view.
How to avoid it
- Keep bags closed and close to your body.
- Keep your phone and wallet out of easy reach.
- Take extra care with belongings at night in Darwin.
If it happens to you
Move somewhere safe. Report the theft to police and contact your card issuer if cards are missing.
- Move somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or confront someone who may become violent.
- Stop further payments and contact. Call your card issuer to block missing or compromised cards and ask about disputed payments.
- Save evidence. Keep receipts, messages and transaction details. Write down the time, location and what happened.
- Report the crime to police promptly. For immediate danger, call 000. For non-emergency police assistance, call 131 444.
- Secure stolen devices and affected accounts. Contact your insurer, rental company or accommodation provider where relevant.
- If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate about replacing it. Keep the police report details for any claim.
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 AustraliaCanada's travel advisory reports that pickpocketing occurs mostly in Australia's larger cities and urges caution in tourist areas.Read on Government advice
- Redditr/videos2019Female Pickpocket Gang Caught on Camera Stealing Tourist Purse.A commenter recounts being pickpocketed beneath Sydney Harbour Bridge, although the main thread concerns an incident elsewhere.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the pickpocketing scam in Australia?
Someone steals belongings from your pockets or bag. No specific distraction method is described.
How can I spot it early?
Your phone or wallet sticks out of a pocket. Your bag is open or outside your view.
How do I avoid pickpocketing in Australia?
Keep bags closed and close to your body. Keep your phone and wallet out of easy reach. Take extra care with belongings at night in Darwin.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Move somewhere safe. Report the theft to police and contact your card issuer if cards are missing.
Where in Australia does this happen?
Reported in Cairns and among the common crime types in Darwin. Take normal precautions elsewhere. It has been reported in Cairns, Darwin.
How common is this scam in Australia?
Common. Tourist scams are not widespread in Australia, and few travellers become victims of crime. Watch for theft, rare ATM tampering and fake tax-debt demands for gift cards. Cairns has pickpockets and touts, while Darwin needs extra care with belongings, especially at night.
Are there similar scams in Australia?
Yes: car break-ins, house burglaries and other break-ins, theft of unattended belongings.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, assault or other crime as soon as possible. Call 000 for an emergency or 131 444 for non-emergency police assistance. Bank controlling the ATM: contact it immediately if a withdrawal appears successful but no cash comes out. Give the ATM location, transaction time and amount. Card issuer or bank: use its official app or contact details to report missing cards or unfamiliar transactions. Ask about blocking the card and disputing charges. Gift-card provider: if you shared a gift-card code, contact the provider promptly. Keep the card and purchase receipt. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen or you need help replacing travel documents. Travel insurer: follow its claim process. Keep police report details, receipts and evidence of the loss.
What number do I call in an emergency in Australia?
Police, fire and ambulance: 000, Emergency services from a mobile phone: 112, Non-emergency police assistance: 131 444.
Reviewed by @snuck