Scam in TanzaniaTheft
Street mugging and bag robbery in Tanzania
How it works
Thieves threaten or attack people to take bags, wallets and other valuables. In Dar es Salaam, this can happen in daylight. In Arusha, people arriving or leaving with backpacks are particular targets.
Warning signs
- You are carrying visible valuables or a large travel bag.
- A street becomes dark, quiet or isolated.
- Your walking route passes the bridge on Old Moshi Road.
How to avoid it
- Use a taxi when arriving in or leaving Arusha with luggage.
- Avoid the Old Moshi Road bridge on foot.
- Avoid walking at night and arrange transport before leaving.
- Carry few valuables, especially on beaches.
If it happens to you
Put your safety first. Avoid resisting an armed attacker, get to a safe place and report the robbery.
- Get to a safe, public place. Do not chase a thief or resist an armed attacker.
- Check for injuries and seek medical help if needed. For an emergency, call 112.
- Block stolen cards and contact your bank about unauthorised payments. Secure accounts linked to a stolen phone.
- Save tickets, receipts, messages, booking details and a short written account. Record times and locations.
- Report the incident at the nearest police station and ask for a report reference or copy. Avoid gathering a crowd around a suspected thief.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate for replacement guidance.
Questions
What is the street mugging and bag robbery scam in Tanzania?
Thieves threaten or attack people to take bags, wallets and other valuables. In Dar es Salaam, this can happen in daylight. In Arusha, people arriving or leaving with backpacks are particular targets.
How can I spot it early?
You are carrying visible valuables or a large travel bag. A street becomes dark, quiet or isolated. Your walking route passes the bridge on Old Moshi Road.
How do I avoid street mugging and bag robbery in Tanzania?
Use a taxi when arriving in or leaving Arusha with luggage. Avoid the Old Moshi Road bridge on foot. Avoid walking at night and arrange transport before leaving. Carry few valuables, especially on beaches.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Put your safety first. Avoid resisting an armed attacker, get to a safe place and report the robbery.
Where in Tanzania does this happen?
Dar es Salaam streets, beaches and poorly lit areas; Sokoine Road, old Moshi Road and its bridge in Arusha. It has been reported in Dar es Salaam, Arusha.
How common is this scam in Tanzania?
Very common. Persistent touts, inflated taxi fares and petty theft are the main problems visitors may face in Tanzania. Dar es Salaam has frequent muggings and several pickpocket hotspots, while Arusha has persistent touts and theft risks on minibuses and around nightlife. Bus-ticket fraud, fake ebony souvenirs and unexpected fees also need care.
Are there similar scams in Tanzania?
Yes: crowd and minibus pickpocketing, bag cutting with razor blades, bus luggage stolen during stops.
Who can I report it to?
Police: go to the nearest police station when safe. In Dar es Salaam, a major station is at Salendar Bridge on Ocean Road. Ask for a written report or reference. Emergency services: call 112 for an emergency. If you can safely reach a police station, going there directly may be more useful. Card issuer or bank: use the emergency contact in your banking app or on the bank's official website. Freeze stolen cards and report unauthorised transactions. Bus operator, airline, travel agent or venue: contact the business directly using independently checked contact details. Provide the ticket, receipt or booking record and explain the problem. Travel insurer: use your policy's claims or assistance contact. Keep receipts and the police report. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help after passport theft or a serious incident.
What number do I call in an emergency in Tanzania?
Emergency services: 112.
Reviewed by @snuck