Skip to content
Occasional in Turks and Caicos Islands

Scam in Turks and Caicos IslandsTheft

Theft of unattended valuables in Turks and Caicos Islands

Vehicles and accommodation across the islands.

How it works

Cash, jewellery or identification can be stolen when valuables are visible or vehicles and accommodation are left unlocked.

Warning signs

  • Valuables are visible through a vehicle window.
  • A car, room or dwelling is left unlocked.

How to avoid it

  1. Keep valuables out of plain view.
  2. Lock your car whenever you leave it.
  3. Lock your accommodation when you go out.
  4. Carry only the cash and valuables you need.

If it happens to you

Report the theft promptly. Tell your accommodation or rental company if relevant, block stolen cards, and contact your embassy or consulate if your passport is missing.

  1. Get to a safe place. Do not chase a thief or resist a robbery.
  2. Call 911 if you are in danger or need emergency help. Otherwise, report the incident promptly to the Royal Turks and Caicos Police on 338 5901.
  3. Contact your card issuer immediately if a card or its details were stolen. Ask it to block the card and review disputed charges.
  4. Save receipts, booking details, messages and vehicle details. Write down the time, place and what happened.
  5. Ask for a police report reference. Contact your insurer, rental company or accommodation as relevant, and your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen.
Where it happensVehicles and accommodation across the islands.
More scams in Turks and Caicos IslandsMoped and motorcycle theft: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the theft of unattended valuables scam in Turks and Caicos Islands?

Cash, jewellery or identification can be stolen when valuables are visible or vehicles and accommodation are left unlocked.

How can I spot it early?

Valuables are visible through a vehicle window. A car, room or dwelling is left unlocked.

How do I avoid theft of unattended valuables in Turks and Caicos Islands?

Keep valuables out of plain view. Lock your car whenever you leave it. Lock your accommodation when you go out. Carry only the cash and valuables you need.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Report the theft promptly. Tell your accommodation or rental company if relevant, block stolen cards, and contact your embassy or consulate if your passport is missing.

Where in Turks and Caicos Islands does this happen?

Vehicles and accommodation across the islands.

How common is this scam in Turks and Caicos Islands?

Occasional. Some taxi drivers try to overcharge visitors travelling from Providenciales Airport to Grace Bay. Theft, armed robbery and home invasions are also concerns, but there is not enough information to give a reliable current rate of tourist scams.

Are there similar scams in Turks and Caicos Islands?

Yes: armed robbery, home invasion, moped and motorcycle theft.

Who can I report it to?

Royal Turks and Caicos Police: report problems promptly. Call 911 in an emergency or 338 5901 for a non-emergency. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to block a stolen card and report unauthorised charges. Accommodation or rental company: tell reception, your host or the rental company about theft involving their property or vehicle. Share the police report reference. Travel insurer: use the claims contact in your policy. Keep receipts, evidence and the police report reference. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular help.

What number do I call in an emergency in Turks and Caicos Islands?

Emergency assistance: 911, Royal Turks and Caicos Police — non-emergency: 338 5901.

Reviewed by