Scam in South AfricaBuses and trains
Rickshaw rides that spill your pockets in South Africa
How it works
The rickshaw tips backwards during the ride. Items fall from your pockets and can end up with the driver.
Warning signs
- The ride includes repeated tipping or sharp changes in angle.
- Loose money or valuables are sitting in open pockets.
How to avoid it
- Empty loose valuables from your pockets before the ride.
- Put money and your phone in a closed bag or zipped pocket.
- Check your belongings before leaving the rickshaw.
If it happens to you
Ask the driver to stop safely and check for fallen items before you leave.
- Get to safety. During a robbery, do not resist, negotiate or chase the attacker.
- Freeze or cancel stolen cards immediately. If your phone is missing, secure its accounts and mobile service.
- Save receipts, booking details, messages and photographs. Write down the time, place and what happened.
- Report theft, robbery or fraud to police as soon as possible. Ask for a report reference.
- Tell the relevant airline, hotel, transport operator or rental company. Contact your embassy if your passport was stolen.
- Contact your insurer and card issuer about any claim or disputed payment. Keep copies of all reports and correspondence.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the rickshaw rides that spill your pockets scam in South Africa?
The rickshaw tips backwards during the ride. Items fall from your pockets and can end up with the driver.
How can I spot it early?
The ride includes repeated tipping or sharp changes in angle. Loose money or valuables are sitting in open pockets.
How do I avoid rickshaw rides that spill your pockets in South Africa?
Empty loose valuables from your pockets before the ride. Put money and your phone in a closed bag or zipped pocket. Check your belongings before leaving the rickshaw.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask the driver to stop safely and check for fallen items before you leave.
Where in South Africa does this happen?
Durban beachfront It has been reported in Durban.
How common is this scam in South Africa?
Occasional. Theft, street cons and tourist overcharging are real concerns in South Africa, though most visitors have a trouble-free stay. Watch for airport taxi touts, hidden exchange fees, unwanted ATM help and inflated souvenir prices. Pickpocketing, baggage theft, smash-and-grab theft and armed robbery also need care.
Are there similar scams in South Africa?
Yes: minibus drivers claiming to serve your destination.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report robbery, theft or fraud promptly. Go to a police station once safe and ask for a report reference. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or a trusted contact number to freeze or cancel a missing card and report payments you did not make. ATM operator: if your card becomes stuck, contact the helpline displayed at the ATM for assistance. Contact your card issuer as well to cancel the card. Airline or airport staff: report baggage theft as soon as you notice it. Keep baggage tags, flight details and photographs of damage. Accommodation or transport operator: report the incident to staff or the booking provider. Provide receipts, booking details and a clear account of what happened. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Travel insurer: use the contact details in your policy. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of the loss.
What number do I call in an emergency in South Africa?
Netcare 911 emergency assistance contact: +27 11 254-1927, ER24 emergency assistance, domestic number: 084 124.
Reviewed by @snuck