Scam in SudanFake officials
Police demands for bribes in Sudan
How it works
Police sometimes target travellers for bribes. A payment demand may follow an alleged rule breach, such as taking photographs in a prohibited area.
Warning signs
- An officer asks for an informal payment.
- A payment demand comes without a clear explanation or official paperwork.
How to avoid it
- Avoid photographing or filming prohibited areas.
- Stay calm and ask which rule you are accused of breaking.
- Ask for an official explanation and receipt for any fine, if it is safe to do so.
If it happens to you
Avoid arguing or physically resisting armed personnel. Put your immediate safety first. Once safe, write down what happened and contact your embassy or consulate for guidance.
- Move to a safer place. Avoid confrontation, especially with armed people.
- If you are injured or suspect poisoning, seek urgent medical care.
- If a card or account is affected, contact the issuer immediately and block further use.
- Save receipts, messages and booking records. Write down the time, location, amount and what happened.
- Report the incident through a safe, appropriate channel. Ask for a written record if available.
- Contact your embassy or consulate if documents are missing or officials are involved. Notify your insurer where relevant.
Questions
What is the police demands for bribes scam in Sudan?
Police sometimes target travellers for bribes. A payment demand may follow an alleged rule breach, such as taking photographs in a prohibited area.
How can I spot it early?
An officer asks for an informal payment. A payment demand comes without a clear explanation or official paperwork.
How do I avoid police demands for bribes in Sudan?
Avoid photographing or filming prohibited areas. Stay calm and ask which rule you are accused of breaking. Ask for an official explanation and receipt for any fine, if it is safe to do so.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Avoid arguing or physically resisting armed personnel. Put your immediate safety first. Once safe, write down what happened and contact your embassy or consulate for guidance.
How common is this scam in Sudan?
Occasional. Scam frequency in Sudan is unclear, but travellers can face police demands for bribes and confusing price quotes. Other concerns include extra departure-tax demands and adulterated local spirits. Armed conflict is a much greater safety concern than ordinary tourist scams.
Who can I report it to?
Police: for theft or fraud, seek a safe way to make a report and request a written record if available. If police are involved in the incident, ask your embassy or consulate for guidance before approaching them. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help with lost travel documents or an incident involving officials. Card issuer or bank: use the official banking app or the issuer's verified contact details to block a card and report unauthorised payments. Airline: use an official airline channel to check a disputed departure-tax demand. Keep your ticket and payment records. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through your policy's official assistance channel. Keep receipts and any incident report for a claim.
Reviewed by @snuck