Scam in French PolynesiaTheft
Pickpocketing in French Polynesia
How it works
Someone steals money or valuables from your pocket or bag without you noticing.
Warning signs
- Someone presses close enough to reach your pockets or bag.
- Your bag is open or its pockets are easy to reach.
How to avoid it
- Keep your bag closed and in front of you.
- Keep your phone and wallet out of back pockets.
- Carry only the cash and cards you need that day.
If it happens to you
Move somewhere safe. Check what is missing, freeze any stolen cards, and report the theft to the Gendarmerie.
- Move to a safe place. Do not chase a thief or argue if you feel threatened.
- Check what is missing. Freeze stolen cards and contact your card issuer about any payments you did not approve.
- Save receipts, payment records and messages. Write down the time, place and what happened.
- Report theft or fraud to the Gendarmerie. Ask for a written report or reference number.
- Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen. Tell your insurer if you plan to claim.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Government advice2026French PolynesiaNew Zealand's travel advisory reports pickpocketing in French Polynesia, particularly in tourist areas such as Tahiti and Moorea.Read on Government advice
- Government advice2026Travel advice and advisories for French PolynesiaCanada's travel advisory states that pickpocketing occurs and advises travellers to secure personal belongings and travel documents.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the pickpocketing scam in French Polynesia?
Someone steals money or valuables from your pocket or bag without you noticing.
How can I spot it early?
Someone presses close enough to reach your pockets or bag. Your bag is open or its pockets are easy to reach.
How do I avoid pickpocketing in French Polynesia?
Keep your bag closed and in front of you. Keep your phone and wallet out of back pockets. Carry only the cash and cards you need that day.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Move somewhere safe. Check what is missing, freeze any stolen cards, and report the theft to the Gendarmerie.
Where in French Polynesia does this happen?
Tahiti
How common is this scam in French Polynesia?
Occasional. French Polynesia has a low risk of tourist crime overall, and Tahiti has one of the lowest crime rates in France and its territories. Pickpocketing and purse snatching still occur. Keep your belongings secure, and check exchange rates and fees before changing money.
Are there similar scams in French Polynesia?
Yes: purse snatching.
Who can I report it to?
Gendarmerie: report theft or fraud and provide the location, time, description and any evidence. Ask for a report or reference number. Card issuer or bank: use its official app or contact number to freeze stolen cards and report payments you did not approve. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is stolen. Travel insurer: contact its claims service. Keep the police report, receipts and proof of ownership for any claim.
Reviewed by @snuck