Scam in GuineaTheft
Purse and bag snatching in Guinea
How it works
A thief grabs a purse or bag and runs off with it.
Warning signs
- Someone grabs or pulls at your bag.
- Your bag is hanging loosely or sitting beyond your reach.
How to avoid it
- Keep your bag close and within reach.
- Do not leave bags hanging from chairs or unattended.
- Avoid displaying cash and valuables.
If it happens to you
Do not chase the thief or struggle if you could be hurt. Get to safety, then cancel cards and record what was taken.
- Get to a safe place. Do not chase a thief or resist an armed attacker. Seek medical care if injured.
- Freeze stolen cards and contact your bank or card issuer. Ask whether a recent payment can be stopped or disputed.
- Secure a stolen phone and affected accounts. Use another device to lock the phone and change important passwords.
- Write down the time, place, losses and what happened. Save messages, receipts and payment records without putting yourself at risk.
- Consult your embassy, especially if your passport was taken or officials were involved. Ask about safe reporting options and document replacement.
- Ask about making a police report if safe and practical. Keep any report reference and contact your insurer if you have cover.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Government adviceSafety and security - Guinea travel advice - GOV.UKBritish authorities report a high level of street crime in Guinea that includes bag snatching.Read on Government advice
- Government advice2025GuineaNew Zealand authorities identify bag snatching as a problem and warn that thieves target busy airports, markets and hotels.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the purse and bag snatching scam in Guinea?
A thief grabs a purse or bag and runs off with it.
How can I spot it early?
Someone grabs or pulls at your bag. Your bag is hanging loosely or sitting beyond your reach.
How do I avoid purse and bag snatching in Guinea?
Keep your bag close and within reach. Do not leave bags hanging from chairs or unattended. Avoid displaying cash and valuables.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not chase the thief or struggle if you could be hurt. Get to safety, then cancel cards and record what was taken.
Where in Guinea does this happen?
Across the country, with visitors targeted at airports, markets, and near hotels and restaurants used by foreigners
How common is this scam in Guinea?
Common. Guinea has a high risk of theft, demands for bribes and business fraud. Travellers should take particular care at airports, markets, checkpoints, and near hotels and restaurants used by foreigners. Other problems include inflated opening prices and misleading promises about taxi departure times.
Are there similar scams in Guinea?
Yes: pickpocketing in busy areas, unsolicited airport and hotel helpers, armed robbery and mugging.
Who can I report it to?
Your embassy or consulate: contact it through its official contact details after a crime. Explain any threats, official involvement or missing passport. Ask for help with next steps. Local police: if safe and practical, ask to report the theft or fraud and request a written record. Police assistance may be ineffective, and corruption is a concern. Consult your embassy if unsure how to proceed. Your bank or card issuer: use its official app or contact number to freeze cards, report unauthorised payments and ask about recovering money. Your travel insurer: contact the claims team through your policy details. Keep receipts, a list of losses and any police report reference.
Reviewed by @snuck