Scam in EthiopiaTheft
Sales-tray distraction theft in Ethiopia
How it works
Someone holds up a tray of goods with one hand while using the other hand to reach into your pocket. The goods draw your attention away from your belongings.
Warning signs
- A seller holds a tray very close to your body.
- Someone crowds you while showing you goods.
- You cannot see the person's other hand.
How to avoid it
- Keep your phone and wallet in a closed bag or secure pocket.
- Keep space between yourself and the tray.
- Move away if a seller crowds you.
- Pay attention to your belongings while looking at goods.
If it happens to you
Move to a safe place and check your belongings. If something is missing, report the theft. Do not chase or physically confront the person.
- Move to a safe, staffed place. If you are threatened or injured, seek emergency help. In Addis Ababa, the emergency number is 911.
- Check what is missing. Block stolen cards promptly and contact your mobile provider if your phone or SIM was taken.
- Record what happened while it is fresh. Save receipts, messages, booking details and any vehicle information you already have.
- Report theft, threats or fraud to the police. Ask for a report or reference number if available.
- Contact your card issuer, insurer or embassy as needed. Keep copies of reports and receipts, and avoid anyone who demands advance payment to recover your belongings.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Travel blog2025How I Turned The Tables On A Pickpocket In Addis Ababa - Live and Let's FlyMatthew Klint reported a boy pushing a tissue tray toward him while stealing his iPhone and concealing it beneath the tray.Read on Travel blog
- TripadvisorAddis Ababa Message Boardtip: Beware of pickpockets in Addis - Addis Ababa Message Board - TripadvisorA contributor described tissue sellers pressing trays against their side while reaching into pockets underneath, sometimes with an accomplice providing another distraction.Read on Tripadvisor
- Travel blogTips for Traveling to EthiopiaThe travellers warned that children selling tissues or sweets use their trays to conceal their hands while reaching into visitors' pockets.Read on Travel blog
Questions
What is the sales-tray distraction theft scam in Ethiopia?
Someone holds up a tray of goods with one hand while using the other hand to reach into your pocket. The goods draw your attention away from your belongings.
How can I spot it early?
A seller holds a tray very close to your body. Someone crowds you while showing you goods. You cannot see the person's other hand.
How do I avoid sales-tray distraction theft in Ethiopia?
Keep your phone and wallet in a closed bag or secure pocket. Keep space between yourself and the tray. Move away if a seller crowds you. Pay attention to your belongings while looking at goods.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Move to a safe place and check your belongings. If something is missing, report the theft. Do not chase or physically confront the person.
Where in Ethiopia does this happen?
Around and inside Bole Airport, Mercato, Piazza and other busy areas It has been reported in Addis Ababa.
How common is this scam in Ethiopia?
Common. Tourists can face pickpocketing, distraction theft, inflated prices and commission-seeking touts in Ethiopia. Watch especially closely in busy parts of Addis Ababa, when agreeing transport fares, and when strangers offer invitations or help with bookings.
Are there similar scams in Ethiopia?
Yes: pickpocketing in crowds and shared transport, spitting and clean-up distraction, arm-grabbing distraction theft.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, threats or fraud at a police station. Bring a short account of events and any receipts, messages or booking details. Ask for a report or reference number if available. Emergency services in Addis Ababa: call 911 for an emergency. Card issuer or bank: use the official banking app or a verified contact number to block a stolen card and report unauthorised transactions. Transport operator, booking service or accommodation: report a fare or booking dispute through the service that arranged it. Provide the agreed price, trip details and proof of payment. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its official claims channel. Keep the police report, receipts and proof of loss. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular help.
What number do I call in an emergency in Ethiopia?
All emergencies in Addis Ababa: 911.
Reviewed by @snuck