Scam in Bosnia and HerzegovinaFake officials
Pressure for a police bribe in Bosnia and Herzegovina
How it works
During a police check, an officer may look for illegal items and use the prospect of taking a traveller to the station to seek a bribe. Random checks are described as common in these areas, especially for people who look like tourists or carry foreign passports. A check alone does not mean a bribe is being sought.
Warning signs
- An officer suggests that an unofficial cash payment will prevent a trip to the station.
- A payment is requested without a clear official reason or receipt.
How to avoid it
- Stay calm and ask the officer to explain the reason for the check.
- Do not offer a bribe.
- Ask for an official explanation and receipt for any claimed fine.
- If pressured, request a supervisor or consular help when it is safe to do so.
If it happens to you
Avoid arguing or resisting physically. When safe, write down the location, time and any officer details. Seek help from your embassy or consulate and report the demand through an official police channel.
- Move somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or continue an argument if you feel threatened.
- Check what you have lost. Freeze missing cards and contact your card issuer about disputed payments.
- If your phone was stolen, use its lost-device tools and contact your mobile provider to block the SIM.
- Save receipts, tickets, messages and payment records. Write down the time, place and any vehicle or person details.
- Report theft, fraud or threats to police. Ask for a report number or written record for your insurer.
- Contact your insurer if you have cover. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport is missing or you need consular help.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the pressure for a police bribe scam in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
During a police check, an officer may look for illegal items and use the prospect of taking a traveller to the station to seek a bribe. Random checks are described as common in these areas, especially for people who look like tourists or carry foreign passports. A check alone does not mean a bribe is being sought.
How can I spot it early?
An officer suggests that an unofficial cash payment will prevent a trip to the station. A payment is requested without a clear official reason or receipt.
How do I avoid pressure for a police bribe in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Stay calm and ask the officer to explain the reason for the check. Do not offer a bribe. Ask for an official explanation and receipt for any claimed fine. If pressured, request a supervisor or consular help when it is safe to do so.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Avoid arguing or resisting physically. When safe, write down the location, time and any officer details. Seek help from your embassy or consulate and report the demand through an official police channel.
Where in Bosnia and Herzegovina does this happen?
At boundaries between ethnic regions and in cities of Republika Srpska.
How common is this scam in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Occasional. Most transactions in Bosnia and Herzegovina are honest, and violent crime is uncommon. Taxi scams are common in Sarajevo, especially at the airport and main stations. Other concerns include pickpockets, inflated market prices, inflated station charges and pressure for police bribes.
Who can I report it to?
Police: call 122 for police help. For a non-urgent theft or fraud report, visit a police station with your evidence and ask for a written record. Cantonal Police Station / Policijska stanica Centar, Sarajevo: the listed address is Augusta Brauna 5. Telephone: +387 33 226 676. Email: ps.centar@mup.ks.gov.ba. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to freeze a stolen card and report disputed transactions. Taxi operator or station management: report an overcharge with the receipt, journey or ticket details, time and vehicle plate where available. Embassy or consulate: use your embassy's or consulate's official contact details for a lost passport or consular help after a serious incident. Travel insurer: contact the claims service and keep police records, receipts and proof of the loss.
What number do I call in an emergency in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
General emergency: 112, Police: 122, Fire: 123, Ambulance: 124.
Reviewed by @snuck