Scam in American SamoaTheft
Theft of valuables in American Samoa
How it works
Valuables can be stolen. No particular theft method is identified, so keep a close eye on your belongings.
Warning signs
- Your bag or valuables are left unattended.
- You cannot see your belongings while swimming.
How to avoid it
- Take only what you need to the beach.
- Keep your bag closed and within reach.
- Have someone in your group watch your belongings while you swim.
- Stay near other people on the beach.
If it happens to you
Move somewhere safe. Record what is missing and report the theft to police. If cards or a phone were taken, block access as soon as possible.
- Move to a safe place. Do not chase or confront anyone.
- Write down what happened, where it happened and what is missing. Save receipts, messages and payment records.
- Contact your card issuer promptly if a card or card details were taken. Freeze the card and ask about disputed payments.
- Report the incident to police. Ask for a report reference or a copy for an insurance claim.
- If your phone was stolen, use another device to lock it remotely and secure your accounts. Contact your passport authority if your passport was taken.
- Contact your travel insurer, if covered. Keep reports and receipts, and be wary of anyone asking for an upfront fee to recover your money.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Government advice2026American Samoa travel adviceCanada’s travel advisory reports occasional petty crime in American Samoa and advises visitors to secure their belongings, passports and travel documents.Read on Government advice
- Redditr/travel2023Is American Samoa a fun place to visit?A commenter warns about widespread theft in American Samoa but provides no details of stolen valuables or a firsthand incident.Read on Reddit
- Travel blogAmerican Samoa Safety Tips: Is it Safe to Travel to American Samoa? | American Samoa Pocket GuideThe guide reports occasional theft of exposed valuables, highlighting unattended belongings at beaches and hiking trailheads and visible items in rental vehicles.Read on Travel blog
Questions
What is the theft of valuables scam in American Samoa?
Valuables can be stolen. No particular theft method is identified, so keep a close eye on your belongings.
How can I spot it early?
Your bag or valuables are left unattended. You cannot see your belongings while swimming.
How do I avoid theft of valuables in American Samoa?
Take only what you need to the beach. Keep your bag closed and within reach. Have someone in your group watch your belongings while you swim. Stay near other people on the beach.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Move somewhere safe. Record what is missing and report the theft to police. If cards or a phone were taken, block access as soon as possible.
Where in American Samoa does this happen?
Across American Samoa; keep watch over belongings at the beach.
How common is this scam in American Samoa?
Common. American Samoa has low overall crime rates, but theft of valuables is common. Keep your belongings close, including at the beach; there is little detail available about specific tourist scams.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report scams or theft to police. Give the location, time, a description of what happened and a list of missing items. Ask for a report reference. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or an official contact number to freeze stolen cards and report unauthorized payments. Travel insurer: contact the claims service listed in your policy. Keep payment records, receipts and any police report. Your passport authority: if your passport is stolen, use your government's official website to find reporting and replacement instructions.
Reviewed by @snuck