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Occasional in Seychelles

Scam in SeychellesTheft

Theft of unattended beach belongings in Seychelles

Beaches on Mahé, especially quieter beaches and the narrow streets beside them.

How it works

Thieves may wait just off a beach or across nearby narrow streets. Bags and valuables left unattended can give them an opportunity to steal.

Warning signs

  • Someone is lingering near your belongings or watching beachgoers without an obvious reason.
  • People are waiting just off a quiet beach or across the nearby street.
  • Your bag will be out of sight while you swim.

How to avoid it

  1. Keep your bag attended and within sight.
  2. Take as few valuables as possible to the beach.
  3. Arrange for someone you trust to watch your belongings while you swim.

If it happens to you

Move somewhere safe and ask the tourist police for help. Report what was taken and where it happened. Freeze any missing payment cards promptly.

  1. Move to a safe, public place. Do not chase or confront someone who has taken your belongings.
  2. Freeze missing payment cards and contact your card issuer about any payments you did not authorise.
  3. Report the incident to the police. On Mahé beaches, ask the tourist police for help.
  4. Write down the time, location and what happened. Save receipts, messages, photos and transaction details.
  5. Ask for a report reference or a copy of the report. Contact your insurer, and contact your embassy or consulate if your passport is missing.
Where it happensBeaches on Mahé, especially quieter beaches and the narrow streets beside them.

Questions

What is the theft of unattended beach belongings scam in Seychelles?

Thieves may wait just off a beach or across nearby narrow streets. Bags and valuables left unattended can give them an opportunity to steal.

How can I spot it early?

Someone is lingering near your belongings or watching beachgoers without an obvious reason. People are waiting just off a quiet beach or across the nearby street. Your bag will be out of sight while you swim.

How do I avoid theft of unattended beach belongings in Seychelles?

Keep your bag attended and within sight. Take as few valuables as possible to the beach. Arrange for someone you trust to watch your belongings while you swim.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Move somewhere safe and ask the tourist police for help. Report what was taken and where it happened. Freeze any missing payment cards promptly.

Where in Seychelles does this happen?

Beaches on Mahé, especially quieter beaches and the narrow streets beside them.

How common is this scam in Seychelles?

Occasional. The main concern in Seychelles is theft of unattended bags and valuables, especially around quieter beaches. There is no indication of widespread tourist scams, but basic care with your belongings is sensible.

Who can I report it to?

Tourist police on Mahé beaches: approach an officer in person. Officers are described as wearing blue or white golf shirts with a sewn-on tourist police badge. Police: report theft or suspected fraud and ask for a report reference. Bring any evidence and a list of missing items. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or an official contact number to freeze cards and report payments you did not authorise. Travel insurer: contact the claims service listed in your policy. Keep the police report and evidence of your losses. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details to ask about replacing a lost or stolen passport.

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