Scam in EgyptTheft
Scarf or merchandise used to hide pickpocketing in Egypt
How it works
A seller holds up a scarf, shirt or papyrus to attract your attention or hide their hand. They use the other hand to reach into your pocket.
Warning signs
- A seller brings merchandise very close to your body.
- A scarf or other item blocks your view of your pockets.
- One of the seller's hands disappears behind the goods.
How to avoid it
- Keep space between yourself and sellers.
- Step back when goods are held against you.
- Keep money and your phone in closed, secure storage.
- Do not rely on bystanders to intervene.
If it happens to you
Move to safety and check your belongings. Report a theft to police or a Tourism Police kiosk. Do not chase the thief.
- Get to a safe, public place. End the interaction calmly and do not chase a thief.
- Check whether anyone needs medical help. Call 123 for an ambulance if there is an urgent medical problem.
- Block missing cards and report unauthorised payments to your card issuer. Secure affected accounts and a stolen phone.
- Save receipts, booking details, messages and payment records. Write down the time, location, amount and any vehicle or seller details.
- Report crime to police or a Tourism Police kiosk in a tourist area. Call 122 if you need urgent police assistance, and ask for a report reference.
- Contact your insurer, booking platform or transport operator as relevant. 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 scarf or merchandise used to hide pickpocketing scam in Egypt?
A seller holds up a scarf, shirt or papyrus to attract your attention or hide their hand. They use the other hand to reach into your pocket.
How can I spot it early?
A seller brings merchandise very close to your body. A scarf or other item blocks your view of your pockets. One of the seller's hands disappears behind the goods.
How do I avoid scarf or merchandise used to hide pickpocketing in Egypt?
Keep space between yourself and sellers. Step back when goods are held against you. Keep money and your phone in closed, secure storage. Do not rely on bystanders to intervene.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Move to safety and check your belongings. Report a theft to police or a Tourism Police kiosk. Do not chase the thief.
Where in Egypt does this happen?
Aswan's souq and streets in Luxor. It has been reported in Aswan, Luxor.
How common is this scam in Egypt?
Common. Tourist scams and persistent sales pressure are common in Egypt, especially in Luxor and busy tourist areas in Cairo. The main problems are inflated fares, shop diversions, misleading sales claims and demands for payment after unwanted help. Pickpocketing also happens, while reports of drink spiking in budget accommodation deserve particular care.
Are there similar scams in Egypt?
Yes: pickpocketing in crowded places.
Who can I report it to?
Police: call 122 for urgent police assistance. Report theft, threats or suspected fraud and ask for a report reference. Tourism Police: look for a designated Tourism Police kiosk in a tourist area. Explain what happened and show any receipts or other evidence. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to block a missing card and report unauthorised transactions. Ride-hailing app, transport operator or booking platform: use its official support channel. Include the booking, driver messages, receipt and agreed price. Travel insurer: contact the claims or emergency-assistance service listed in your policy. Keep police references and supporting documents. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for a lost passport, detention or serious crime. Ask what consular help is available.
What number do I call in an emergency in Egypt?
Police: 122, Ambulance: 123, Fire: 180, Highway: 136.
Reviewed by @snuck