Scam in Cape VerdeTheft
Street and beach robbery in Cape Verde
How it works
Robbers take belongings through force or threats. Tourists have been robbed on beaches. Walking alone at night increases your exposure.
Warning signs
- A beach or street is isolated.
- There are few or no street lights.
- A group is blocking your route or behaving threateningly.
How to avoid it
- Avoid travelling alone at night.
- Walk in pairs or larger groups.
- Avoid isolated beaches and poorly lit streets.
- Keep expensive belongings out of sight.
If it happens to you
Put your safety first. Do not resist threats or force. Once safe, call police on 132. Seek medical help if you are injured.
- Get to a safe, public place. Do not chase a thief or confront anyone who threatens you.
- If you are in immediate danger, call police on 132. If you are injured, seek medical help.
- Freeze stolen cards and contact your card issuer. Report any unauthorised payments promptly.
- Write down what happened. Save receipts, booking details, payment records and any vehicle details you already have.
- Report the incident to police and ask for a report reference or written copy. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen.
- Contact your insurer and secure any affected accounts. If your phone was stolen, use its remote lock feature and contact your mobile provider.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- TripadvisorBoa Vista Message Board2026Boavista robbery. Gungs thieves - Boa Vista Message Board - TripadvisorA traveller reported losing a backpack containing documents and belongings during a robbery on a dune beach near Karamboa hotel, although some replies questioned the account.Read on Tripadvisor
- TripadvisorCape Verde Message Boardun- safe sal santa maria. - Cape Verde Message Board - TripadvisorA visitor described helping a Dutch family who said a machete-wielding attacker had slashed their vehicle's tyres and stolen money and phones on a remote track in Sal.Read on Tripadvisor
Questions
What is the street and beach robbery scam in Cape Verde?
Robbers take belongings through force or threats. Tourists have been robbed on beaches. Walking alone at night increases your exposure.
How can I spot it early?
A beach or street is isolated. There are few or no street lights. A group is blocking your route or behaving threateningly.
How do I avoid street and beach robbery in Cape Verde?
Avoid travelling alone at night. Walk in pairs or larger groups. Avoid isolated beaches and poorly lit streets. Keep expensive belongings out of sight.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Put your safety first. Do not resist threats or force. Once safe, call police on 132. Seek medical help if you are injured.
Where in Cape Verde does this happen?
Beaches and streets, with extra caution needed in isolated or poorly lit parts of Praia at night.
How common is this scam in Cape Verde?
Occasional. Pickpocketing and purse snatching are quite common in Cape Verde, especially in Praia, Mindelo, Sal and Boa Vista. Visitors should also watch for taxi overcharging and robberies on beaches or when walking alone at night.
Are there similar scams in Cape Verde?
Yes: pickpocketing in crowds, purse and bag snatching.
Who can I report it to?
Police: call 132 for an emergency. In Praia, police stations are located in various parts of the city. Report theft, robbery or suspected fraud and request a report reference. Polícia Judiciária: the contact number listed for Praia is 800 11 34. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to freeze a missing card and report unauthorised transactions. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need help replacing travel documents. Travel insurer: contact the claims or assistance service listed in your policy. Keep police records, receipts and other evidence.
What number do I call in an emergency in Cape Verde?
Police / emergency: 132, Hospital — listed for Praia: 130, Fire brigade — listed for Praia: 131, Polícia Judiciária — listed for Praia: 800 11 34.
Reviewed by @snuck