Scam in Papua New GuineaTheft
Street mugging and robbery in Papua New Guinea
How it works
Attackers threaten or use force to take belongings. Muggings are common in Port Moresby, where foreigners are sometimes specifically targeted. Walking alone in Lae carries a crime risk even in busy shopping areas.
Warning signs
- Your route passes through an area your accommodation has advised you to avoid.
- You would need to walk alone or travel after dark.
How to avoid it
- Use transport arranged by your accommodation between locations in Port Moresby.
- Avoid walking alone in Lae, including in shopping areas.
- Ask your hotel whether a guard can accompany you on a short walk in Lae.
- Get local advice before entering an unfamiliar area.
If it happens to you
Do not fight over belongings. Move to a secure place when you can, seek help and block any stolen cards.
- Get to a secure place. Do not chase a thief or confront an armed attacker.
- Ask your accommodation or another trusted person for help. Seek medical care if you are injured.
- Freeze stolen or affected cards and contact the card issuer. Secure any accounts linked to a stolen phone.
- Write down what happened, including the time, location, charges and any vehicle details. Save receipts and screenshots.
- Report the incident to police when safe. Ask for a report or reference number for insurance or bank claims.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport was stolen or you need consular help, contact your embassy or consulate.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Government adviceSafety and security - Papua New Guinea travel advice - GOV.UKUK authorities report serious robbery and bag-snatching risks involving firearms or machetes, with particular danger when walking after dark.Read on Government advice
- Government advice2026Papua New Guinea Travel Advice & Safety | SmartravellerAustralian authorities report that foreigners are targeted in robberies and identify street walking, markets and shopping centres as higher-risk settings.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the street mugging and robbery scam in Papua New Guinea?
Attackers threaten or use force to take belongings. Muggings are common in Port Moresby, where foreigners are sometimes specifically targeted. Walking alone in Lae carries a crime risk even in busy shopping areas.
How can I spot it early?
Your route passes through an area your accommodation has advised you to avoid. You would need to walk alone or travel after dark.
How do I avoid street mugging and robbery in Papua New Guinea?
Use transport arranged by your accommodation between locations in Port Moresby. Avoid walking alone in Lae, including in shopping areas. Ask your hotel whether a guard can accompany you on a short walk in Lae. Get local advice before entering an unfamiliar area.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not fight over belongings. Move to a secure place when you can, seek help and block any stolen cards.
Where in Papua New Guinea does this happen?
Streets in major cities, including crowded shopping areas in Lae. It has been reported in Port Moresby, Lae.
How common is this scam in Papua New Guinea?
Common. The main risks in Papua New Guinea are robbery, carjacking and occasional card fraud. Street crime is a particular concern in Port Moresby and Lae, and foreigners are sometimes targeted in Port Moresby. Arrange trusted drivers through your accommodation and get local advice before going out.
Are there similar scams in Papua New Guinea?
Yes: carjacking, armed robbery on the Highlands Highway.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, robbery or fraud when safe. Ask your accommodation for help arranging contact and request a report number. Police conduct and their ability to respond are concerns in Port Moresby. Your hotel or accommodation provider: tell staff what happened. Ask for help reaching a secure place, contacting police or arranging a trusted driver. Card issuer or bank: use the bank's official app or a verified contact number to freeze the card and report unauthorised charges. Travel insurer: contact the claims or assistance service listed in your policy. Keep receipts, incident details and any police report. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular assistance.
Reviewed by @snuck