Scam in DR CongoTaxis
Taxi diversion and robbery in DR Congo
How it works
A driver takes a passenger to a remote location and robs them.
Warning signs
- The driver has no recommendation from someone you trust.
- The route moves towards an isolated place that does not match your destination.
How to avoid it
- Arrange airport transport through trusted local contacts.
- Use drivers with recommendations from people who have travelled with them.
- Ask a trusted local or travel agency to arrange a private driver.
- Share your destination and ride details with someone you trust.
If it happens to you
Avoid physical resistance if threatened. Once safe, contact a trusted local, police and your embassy as needed.
- Get to a safe place. If threatened, avoid a physical struggle and put your safety first.
- Seek urgent medical care for injuries or suspected poisoning.
- Freeze stolen cards and contact your bank or card issuer about suspicious payments.
- Write down what happened, including the time, place, amounts and any vehicle details. Save receipts and booking records.
- Report theft, robbery or fraud to police when safe. Ask for a report or reference for insurance.
- Contact your embassy if your passport is missing, you are stranded or you need serious assistance. Notify your insurer and a trusted contact.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- WebWikivoyageKinshasa – Travel guide at WikivoyageThe guide warns that some taxi operators take passengers to remote locations and rob them, particularly when hired at the airport.Read on Web
- Government adviceSafety and security - Democratic Republic of the Congo travel advice - GOV.UKThe UK reports violent robberies in Kinshasa committed by people posing as taxi drivers or fellow passengers.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the taxi diversion and robbery scam in DR Congo?
A driver takes a passenger to a remote location and robs them.
How can I spot it early?
The driver has no recommendation from someone you trust. The route moves towards an isolated place that does not match your destination.
How do I avoid taxi diversion and robbery in DR Congo?
Arrange airport transport through trusted local contacts. Use drivers with recommendations from people who have travelled with them. Ask a trusted local or travel agency to arrange a private driver. Share your destination and ride details with someone you trust.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Avoid physical resistance if threatened. Once safe, contact a trusted local, police and your embassy as needed.
Where in DR Congo does this happen?
Traditional taxis, with particular caution needed at the airport. It has been reported in Kinshasa.
How common is this scam in DR Congo?
Occasional. Travellers face theft, demands for bribes, fake police and inflated prices, especially in Kinshasa. Serious risks include robbery by taxi drivers and people posing as police; conflict and limited medical care add dangers beyond scams.
Are there similar scams in DR Congo?
Yes: taxi price premiums for visitors.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, robbery or fraud when you can do so safely. Ask a trusted local or your accommodation to help you find a police station. Request a written report or reference. Embassy or consulate: use your embassy's official contact channels for a lost passport, serious crime or help when stranded. Bank or card issuer: use the bank's app or official contact number to freeze cards and report unauthorised transactions. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its official claims or assistance channel. Keep police reports, receipts and records of losses. Hotel management or transport provider: report incidents involving a room, driver or arranged airport service. Give the booking details and keep a record of the response.
Reviewed by @snuck