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Common in South Africa

Scam in South AfricaTheft

Pickpocketing in South Africa

Cape Town streets and minibus taxis; Victoria Street Market in Durban; Johannesburg shopping malls, where the risk is described as small

How it works

Someone takes money, a phone or other small valuables from your pockets or bag without you noticing.

Warning signs

  • People are close enough to reach your pockets or bag.
  • Your bag is open or behind you where you cannot watch it.

How to avoid it

  1. Keep bags closed and in front of you.
  2. Keep your phone and money out of sight.
  3. Carry only the valuables you need.
  4. Stay alert in markets and on minibus taxis.

If it happens to you

Move somewhere secure. Block missing cards, secure your phone accounts and report the theft to police.

  1. Get to safety. During a robbery, do not resist, negotiate or chase the attacker.
  2. Freeze or cancel stolen cards immediately. If your phone is missing, secure its accounts and mobile service.
  3. Save receipts, booking details, messages and photographs. Write down the time, place and what happened.
  4. Report theft, robbery or fraud to police as soon as possible. Ask for a report reference.
  5. Tell the relevant airline, hotel, transport operator or rental company. Contact your embassy if your passport was stolen.
  6. Contact your insurer and card issuer about any claim or disputed payment. Keep copies of all reports and correspondence.
Where it happensCape Town streets and minibus taxis; Victoria Street Market in Durban; Johannesburg shopping malls, where the risk is described as smallCape Town, Durban, Johannesburg

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in South AfricaStreet robbery and robbery on walking trails: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the pickpocketing scam in South Africa?

Someone takes money, a phone or other small valuables from your pockets or bag without you noticing.

How can I spot it early?

People are close enough to reach your pockets or bag. Your bag is open or behind you where you cannot watch it.

How do I avoid pickpocketing in South Africa?

Keep bags closed and in front of you. Keep your phone and money out of sight. Carry only the valuables you need. Stay alert in markets and on minibus taxis.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Move somewhere secure. Block missing cards, secure your phone accounts and report the theft to police.

Where in South Africa does this happen?

Cape Town streets and minibus taxis; Victoria Street Market in Durban; Johannesburg shopping malls, where the risk is described as small It has been reported in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg.

How common is this scam in South Africa?

Common. Theft, street cons and tourist overcharging are real concerns in South Africa, though most visitors have a trouble-free stay. Watch for airport taxi touts, hidden exchange fees, unwanted ATM help and inflated souvenir prices. Pickpocketing, baggage theft, smash-and-grab theft and armed robbery also need care.

Are there similar scams in South Africa?

Yes: airport baggage theft, street robbery and robbery on walking trails, car theft.

Who can I report it to?

Police: report robbery, theft or fraud promptly. Go to a police station once safe and ask for a report reference. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or a trusted contact number to freeze or cancel a missing card and report payments you did not make. ATM operator: if your card becomes stuck, contact the helpline displayed at the ATM for assistance. Contact your card issuer as well to cancel the card. Airline or airport staff: report baggage theft as soon as you notice it. Keep baggage tags, flight details and photographs of damage. Accommodation or transport operator: report the incident to staff or the booking provider. Provide receipts, booking details and a clear account of what happened. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Travel insurer: use the contact details in your policy. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of the loss.

What number do I call in an emergency in South Africa?

Netcare 911 emergency assistance contact: +27 11 254-1927, ER24 emergency assistance, domestic number: 084 124.

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