Scam in MozambiqueAirport and border
Theft during airport security checks in Mozambique
How it works
Some airport security personnel have reportedly taken cash, cards or other valuables from travellers' belongings while using their position to gain access.
Warning signs
- Your valuables are handled out of your sight.
- Your bag or security tray moves away while you are distracted.
How to avoid it
- Keep watching your bags and trays during screening.
- Carry only the cash needed for immediate expenses.
- Keep small valuables together in a closed bag during screening.
- Check that your belongings are complete before leaving the security area.
If it happens to you
Raise the missing item with a security supervisor as soon as it is safe. Note the checkpoint and time. Freeze missing cards immediately and request a written record of the incident.
- Get somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or physically resist a threatening robber.
- Check for injuries and seek medical help if needed.
- Freeze missing cards and tell your card issuer about any unauthorised payments.
- Save receipts, messages and booking details. Write down the time, place and what happened.
- Report the incident where safe. If visiting a police station, take someone with you and carry no valuables or excess cash.
- Contact your insurer. Contact your embassy if your passport is missing, you are detained or you need help dealing with officials.
Questions
What is the theft during airport security checks scam in Mozambique?
Some airport security personnel have reportedly taken cash, cards or other valuables from travellers' belongings while using their position to gain access.
How can I spot it early?
Your valuables are handled out of your sight. Your bag or security tray moves away while you are distracted.
How do I avoid theft during airport security checks in Mozambique?
Keep watching your bags and trays during screening. Carry only the cash needed for immediate expenses. Keep small valuables together in a closed bag during screening. Check that your belongings are complete before leaving the security area.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Raise the missing item with a security supervisor as soon as it is safe. Note the checkpoint and time. Freeze missing cards immediately and request a written record of the incident.
Where in Mozambique does this happen?
Airport security checks.
How common is this scam in Mozambique?
Occasional. Travellers generally face less hassle in Mozambique than in many nearby countries, but taxi overcharging, inflated asking prices and demands for money by police can occur. Theft risks include street robbery, theft at police stations and valuables going missing during airport security checks. Agree prices early, carry small notes and keep valuables in sight.
Who can I report it to?
Police: a police report may be needed for an insurance claim after theft. Go with someone else and avoid taking valuables or excess cash. Be aware of the risk of demands for money and theft at stations. Your embassy: contact your embassy for help with detention, a stolen passport or demands for money by officials. You can also mention contacting it to verify a claimed fine. Anti-corruption hotline: mention contacting the hotline to verify a claimed fine. No telephone number is provided. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact channel to freeze stolen cards, report unauthorised payments and ask about a dispute. Airport security supervisor: if belongings disappear during screening, report the loss promptly. Give the checkpoint, time and a description of the missing items. Ask for a written record. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its official claims channel. Keep receipts, incident notes and any police report it requires.
Reviewed by @snuck