Scam in Cape VerdeTheft
Purse and bag snatching in Cape Verde
How it works
A thief grabs a purse or bag and takes it. Visible valuables can also make you a target for theft.
Warning signs
- Your bag is hanging loosely or is easy to grab.
- Your phone or expensive jewellery is on display.
How to avoid it
- Keep your bag close to your body.
- Keep expensive jewellery and gadgets out of sight.
- Avoid walking alone at night.
- Use well-lit routes and travel with someone else.
If it happens to you
Do not chase the thief or struggle over the bag. Get to safety and report what happened.
- Get to a safe, public place. Do not chase a thief or confront anyone who threatens you.
- If you are in immediate danger, call police on 132. If you are injured, seek medical help.
- Freeze stolen cards and contact your card issuer. Report any unauthorised payments promptly.
- Write down what happened. Save receipts, booking details, payment records and any vehicle details you already have.
- Report the incident to police and ask for a report reference or written copy. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen.
- Contact your insurer and secure any affected accounts. If your phone was stolen, use its remote lock feature and contact your mobile provider.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the purse and bag snatching scam in Cape Verde?
A thief grabs a purse or bag and takes it. Visible valuables can also make you a target for theft.
How can I spot it early?
Your bag is hanging loosely or is easy to grab. Your phone or expensive jewellery is on display.
How do I avoid purse and bag snatching in Cape Verde?
Keep your bag close to your body. Keep expensive jewellery and gadgets out of sight. Avoid walking alone at night. Use well-lit routes and travel with someone else.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not chase the thief or struggle over the bag. Get to safety and report what happened.
Where in Cape Verde does this happen?
Main cities and tourist areas, particularly Praia, Mindelo, Sal and Boa Vista. It has been reported in Praia, Mindelo.
How common is this scam in Cape Verde?
Common. Pickpocketing and purse snatching are quite common in Cape Verde, especially in Praia, Mindelo, Sal and Boa Vista. Visitors should also watch for taxi overcharging and robberies on beaches or when walking alone at night.
Are there similar scams in Cape Verde?
Yes: pickpocketing in crowds, street and beach robbery.
Who can I report it to?
Police: call 132 for an emergency. In Praia, police stations are located in various parts of the city. Report theft, robbery or suspected fraud and request a report reference. Polícia Judiciária: the contact number listed for Praia is 800 11 34. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to freeze a missing card and report unauthorised transactions. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need help replacing travel documents. Travel insurer: contact the claims or assistance service listed in your policy. Keep police records, receipts and other evidence.
What number do I call in an emergency in Cape Verde?
Police / emergency: 132, Hospital — listed for Praia: 130, Fire brigade — listed for Praia: 131, Polícia Judiciária — listed for Praia: 800 11 34.
Reviewed by @snuck