Scam in EthiopiaTheft
Spitting and clean-up distraction in Ethiopia
How it works
Someone appears to spit on you by accident, then offers a tissue or handkerchief. While you focus on cleaning up, they try your pockets. They may escape in an accomplice's car.
Warning signs
- A stranger spits on you and immediately offers to clean it.
- The person moves close to your clothes or pockets.
- The clean-up draws your attention away from your bag.
How to avoid it
- Secure your belongings before dealing with the stain.
- Decline hands-on help from the stranger.
- Step away and clean yourself in a safer place.
If it happens to you
Move away and check your pockets and bag. If anything is missing, report the theft and do not pursue the getaway car.
- 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.
- Redditr/Ethiopia2026Almost got robbed In Addis twice today!A visitor reported that a man spat food onto their shirt, apologised and offered a tissue while taking their phone from a pocket.Read on Reddit
- TripadvisorAddis Ababa Message Boardtip: Beware of pickpockets in Addis - Addis Ababa Message Board - TripadvisorA contributor reported repeated encounters with thieves who spat on their clothing and then attempted to pick their pockets while wiping it clean.Read on Tripadvisor
- Redditr/Ethiopia2025Pick PocketersA traveller described someone apparently accidentally spitting on them and following them with a paper towel while offering to clean their clothes.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the spitting and clean-up distraction scam in Ethiopia?
Someone appears to spit on you by accident, then offers a tissue or handkerchief. While you focus on cleaning up, they try your pockets. They may escape in an accomplice's car.
How can I spot it early?
A stranger spits on you and immediately offers to clean it. The person moves close to your clothes or pockets. The clean-up draws your attention away from your bag.
How do I avoid spitting and clean-up distraction in Ethiopia?
Secure your belongings before dealing with the stain. Decline hands-on help from the stranger. Step away and clean yourself in a safer place.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Move away and check your pockets and bag. If anything is missing, report the theft and do not pursue the getaway car.
Where in Ethiopia does this happen?
Piazza area It has been reported in Addis Ababa.
How common is this scam in Ethiopia?
Occasional. 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: sales-tray distraction theft, pickpocketing in crowds and shared transport, 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