Scam in Burkina FasoTheft
Pickpocketing in Burkina Faso
How it works
Thieves take money or small valuables from pockets or bags. No particular distraction method is described.
Warning signs
- Your wallet or phone is visible in an open pocket or bag.
- People are close enough to reach your belongings without you noticing.
How to avoid it
- Keep money and valuables tucked away.
- Use closed pockets or a secure bag kept in front of you.
- Carry only the cash and cards you need.
- Avoid exposing your wallet while looking for money.
If it happens to you
Move somewhere safe, check what is missing and block any stolen cards. Report the theft to police.
- Move to a safe, busy place. Do not chase a thief or risk a fight over money.
- Check what is missing. If cards or a phone were stolen, contact your card issuer and mobile provider promptly.
- Write down what happened, including the time, place, amount and any vehicle details. Save receipts and messages.
- Report theft, threats or fraud to police. Ask for a report or reference number if available.
- Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen or you need help replacing travel documents.
- Tell your travel insurer and provide any police report and payment records. Secure affected accounts if your phone was taken.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Government advice2026Burkina Faso travel adviceCanada reports pickpocketing in large cities and identifies Ouagadougou’s central market and United Nations roundabout as frequent theft locations.Read on Government advice
- Travel blog2010Burkina Faso Peace Corps Journal: Beware the TaximanA Peace Corps volunteer recalled pushing hands away from pockets and purses while escaping a crowd during FESPACO in Ouagadougou.Read on Travel blog
Questions
What is the pickpocketing scam in Burkina Faso?
Thieves take money or small valuables from pockets or bags. No particular distraction method is described.
How can I spot it early?
Your wallet or phone is visible in an open pocket or bag. People are close enough to reach your belongings without you noticing.
How do I avoid pickpocketing in Burkina Faso?
Keep money and valuables tucked away. Use closed pockets or a secure bag kept in front of you. Carry only the cash and cards you need. Avoid exposing your wallet while looking for money.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Move somewhere safe, check what is missing and block any stolen cards. Report the theft to police.
Where in Burkina Faso does this happen?
Big cities, especially Ouagadougou. It has been reported in Ouagadougou.
How common is this scam in Burkina Faso?
Common. Travellers can face inflated taxi fares, overpriced goods and unwanted paid help with luggage. Pickpocketing, bag snatching and market touts are concerns, especially in Ouagadougou. This scam rating does not cover the separate dangers from civil unrest and extremist activity.
Are there similar scams in Burkina Faso?
Yes: bag and purse snatching, theft inside shared green taxis.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, threats or fraud at a police station. Give the location, time, description and any evidence. Ask for a written report or reference number if available. Airport staff: for a luggage-helper dispute at the airport, ask airport staff for assistance. Card issuer: use your banking app or a verified contact number to freeze stolen cards and report any payments you did not authorise. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Travel insurer: contact its claims service and keep receipts, payment records and any police report. Mobile provider: if your phone is stolen, ask the provider to block the SIM and help protect your number.
Reviewed by @snuck