Scam in GabonTheft
Pickpocketing in Gabon
How it works
Someone steals money or valuables from your pockets or bag. No particular distraction trick or theft method is described.
Warning signs
- Someone repeatedly moves close to your pockets or bag.
- You feel someone touching or opening your bag.
How to avoid it
- Keep your phone and wallet out of back pockets.
- Carry a closed bag in front of you where you can see it.
- Carry only the cash and valuables you need.
- Keep spare money and a backup card separately.
If it happens to you
Move somewhere safe. Do not chase the thief. Check what is missing, freeze any stolen cards and report the theft to police.
- Move to a safe place. Do not chase a thief or confront anyone if it could put you at risk.
- Check what is missing. Freeze stolen cards through your banking app or card issuer.
- Write down what happened, including the time, location, amount lost and any useful descriptions. Save receipts and messages.
- Report the incident to police. Ask for a report or reference number if one is available.
- Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen or is being held. Tell your travel insurer if you may need to make a claim.
- Secure affected accounts. Change passwords if a stolen phone or exposed details could give someone access.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Government advice2026Gabon travel adviceCanadian travel advice reports pickpocketing in Gabon and urges visitors to secure their belongings and travel documents.Read on Government advice
- Government advice2026Gabon Travel Advice & Safety | SmartravellerAustralian travel advice reports that pickpocketing is common in Gabon, with crowded markets, transport hubs and tourist areas identified as theft hotspots.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the pickpocketing scam in Gabon?
Someone steals money or valuables from your pockets or bag. No particular distraction trick or theft method is described.
How can I spot it early?
Someone repeatedly moves close to your pockets or bag. You feel someone touching or opening your bag.
How do I avoid pickpocketing in Gabon?
Keep your phone and wallet out of back pockets. Carry a closed bag in front of you where you can see it. Carry only the cash and valuables you need. Keep spare money and a backup card separately.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Move somewhere safe. Do not chase the thief. Check what is missing, freeze any stolen cards and report the theft to police.
How common is this scam in Gabon?
Common. Pickpocketing and other crimes targeting tourists are common in Gabon, so keep your belongings secure. Libreville and Port-Gentil are generally safer than other areas, but theft is still a concern. There is no detail here on specific organised scams or fraud schemes.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft or fraud to police. Give the time, place, items lost and any evidence. Ask for a written report or reference number. Your bank or card issuer: use your banking app or an official contact number to freeze stolen cards and report payments you did not authorise. Your embassy or consulate: contact its consular service if your passport is stolen or held by police, or if you need help after a serious incident. Your travel insurer: contact the claims service. Keep police paperwork, receipts and evidence of the loss.
Reviewed by @snuck