Scam in NamibiaTheft
Pickpocketing in Namibia
How it works
Thieves steal belongings from your pockets or bag. Carrying a bag can also make you stand out as a tourist.
Warning signs
- Someone gets unnecessarily close to your pockets or bag.
- Your valuables are easy to reach.
How to avoid it
- Carry only what you need.
- Keep valuables in secure pockets.
- Keep your phone and wallet out of sight when you are not using them.
If it happens to you
Move somewhere safe. Check what is missing, block stolen cards and report the theft to police.
- Get to a safe place. Do not chase a thief or resist a robbery.
- Freeze or block missing cards immediately. Tell your card issuer about any suspicious transactions.
- Write down what happened, including the time, place and any vehicle details you can safely remember. Save receipts and messages.
- Report the incident to police and ask for a report reference or copy.
- Contact your insurer. If a passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate. Tell the rental company if its vehicle was involved.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Government advice2026Namibia travel adviceCanada reports frequent pickpocketing and other petty theft, including in popular tourist areas and crowded urban locations.Read on Government advice
- Redditr/Namibia2024Travelling tips in NamibiaA commenter answering visitors’ safety questions warns that pickpockets operate in Namibia.Read on Reddit
- News2026Canada warns tourists of fraud and crime risks in NamibiaThe newspaper reports Canada's warning that pickpocketing, bag snatching and phone theft occur regularly in tourist areas.Read on News
Questions
What is the pickpocketing scam in Namibia?
Thieves steal belongings from your pockets or bag. Carrying a bag can also make you stand out as a tourist.
How can I spot it early?
Someone gets unnecessarily close to your pockets or bag. Your valuables are easy to reach.
How do I avoid pickpocketing in Namibia?
Carry only what you need. Keep valuables in secure pockets. Keep your phone and wallet out of sight when you are not using them.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Move somewhere safe. Check what is missing, block stolen cards and report the theft to police.
Where in Namibia does this happen?
While walking in public places; no specific location is identified.
How common is this scam in Namibia?
Occasional. Theft is a concern in Namibia, and pickpockets can target visitors. Travellers should also watch for shared-taxi overcharging, ATM card traps and robberies involving taxi drivers. Exact scam frequencies are not available.
Are there similar scams in Namibia?
Yes: taxi-linked robbery, carjacking.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, robbery or suspected fraud at a police station. Give the details you recorded and ask for a report reference or copy. Card issuer or bank: use the official banking app or a trusted contact number to block a missing or trapped card and report suspicious transactions. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through your policy's assistance channel. Keep police reports, receipts and other evidence for a claim. Rental company: use the contact details in your rental agreement if the vehicle is stolen or involved in a robbery.
Reviewed by @snuck