Scam in Sierra LeoneTheft
Pickpocketing in Sierra Leone
How it works
Someone takes money, a phone or another small item from your pocket or bag without you noticing.
Warning signs
- Your bag is open or outside your view.
- Your phone or wallet is easy to reach in an outer pocket.
How to avoid it
- Keep your bag closed and in front of you.
- Keep your phone and wallet in secure pockets.
- Carry only the cash you need for the day.
- Keep a spare payment method separately.
If it happens to you
Move somewhere safe. Check what is missing, freeze any stolen cards and report the theft to police. Police may be slow to respond.
- Move somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or confront someone who may become violent.
- Limit further loss. Freeze stolen cards, contact your bank and lock a stolen phone remotely if possible.
- Save evidence. Keep receipts, messages, booking details and photographs. Write down the time, place and what happened.
- Report the incident to police. Ask for a written record or reference number. Police in Freetown may be slow to respond.
- Contact the relevant business, airline or accommodation manager. Tell your insurer promptly and keep copies of all reports.
- Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport is missing or you need help after a serious incident.
Questions
What is the pickpocketing scam in Sierra Leone?
Someone takes money, a phone or another small item from your pocket or bag without you noticing.
How can I spot it early?
Your bag is open or outside your view. Your phone or wallet is easy to reach in an outer pocket.
How do I avoid pickpocketing in Sierra Leone?
Keep your bag closed and in front of you. Keep your phone and wallet in secure pockets. Carry only the cash you need for the day. Keep a spare payment method separately.
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 police. Police may be slow to respond.
Where in Sierra Leone does this happen?
Parts of Freetown; no specific streets are identified. It has been reported in Freetown.
How common is this scam in Sierra Leone?
Common. Petty theft is common in parts of Freetown, especially pickpocketing and bag-snatching. Other concerns include theft from rooms, theft from checked airport baggage and bogus police fines, although airport theft and corruption have become less common. Taxi fares also need care: an empty taxi may assume you want a private hire.
Are there similar scams in Sierra Leone?
Yes: bag-snatching, theft of valuables from rooms, theft from checked airport baggage.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, fraud or a bogus fine at a police station when safe. Ask for a written record or reference number. Response in Freetown may be limited. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or a verified contact number to freeze stolen cards and report any unauthorised transactions. Airline baggage desk and airport staff: report missing items or damaged checked luggage before leaving the airport. Keep your baggage tags and request written confirmation. Accommodation manager: report missing items promptly. Give a clear list of what is missing and ask the manager to record the incident. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through the details on your policy. Keep receipts, police records and other evidence for a claim. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help with a stolen passport, serious crime or difficulty dealing with authorities.
Reviewed by @snuck