Scam in AngolaFake officials
Police fines and passport withholding in Angola
How it works
Police may demand an on-the-spot payment if you cannot show identification. They may also keep an original passport until you pay a claimed fine.
Warning signs
- An officer wants to keep your original passport.
- Payment is demanded to return your document.
- An officer refuses to let you note their identity number.
How to avoid it
- Carry an authorised or certified passport photocopy.
- Keep your original passport securely stored.
- Look for the officer's identity number on an armband near the shoulder.
- Stay calm and ask for a clear explanation of any claimed offence.
If it happens to you
If safe, record the officer's identity number and the details of the encounter. Report abuse to police. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport is withheld.
- Move to a safe, staffed place. Do not chase a thief or fight over belongings.
- Seek medical help for any injury. After a sexual assault, seek medical attention immediately.
- Freeze stolen cards and contact your card issuer about disputed transactions. Secure accounts linked to a stolen phone.
- Write down what happened, including the time, place, amount lost and any vehicle or officer details. Keep receipts and messages.
- Report the incident to police and request a report or reference number if available.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport is lost, stolen or withheld, contact your embassy or consulate.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the police fines and passport withholding scam in Angola?
Police may demand an on-the-spot payment if you cannot show identification. They may also keep an original passport until you pay a claimed fine.
How can I spot it early?
An officer wants to keep your original passport. Payment is demanded to return your document. An officer refuses to let you note their identity number.
How do I avoid police fines and passport withholding in Angola?
Carry an authorised or certified passport photocopy. Keep your original passport securely stored. Look for the officer's identity number on an armband near the shoulder. Stay calm and ask for a clear explanation of any claimed offence.
What should I do if it happens to me?
If safe, record the officer's identity number and the details of the encounter. Report abuse to police. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport is withheld.
Where in Angola does this happen?
Police encounters in Luanda. It has been reported in Luanda.
How common is this scam in Angola?
Common. The main risks described in Angola are theft, robbery, police demands for money, and motorcycle taxi overcharging. Luanda has pickpocketing, muggings and carjackings, but there is no clear measure of how often tourists face scams. Plan transport ahead, keep valuables hidden, and carry an authorised copy of your passport.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, robbery or fraud once you are safe. Ask your accommodation or a trusted guide for help finding a police station. Request a report or reference number if available. Police handling complaints about officer conduct: report police abuse with the officer's identity number if you safely obtained it. In Luanda, the number should be on an armband near the shoulder. No specific complaints unit or contact is provided. Card issuer or bank: use the official banking app or a verified contact number to freeze a card and report unauthorised payments. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is stolen or withheld, or you need consular help. Travel insurer: use the claims or assistance contact on your policy. Keep police paperwork, receipts and evidence of your losses.
Reviewed by @snuck