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Occasional in Bangladesh

Scam in BangladeshOn the street

Unwanted drug or sex-service pitches from rickshaw drivers in Bangladesh

At the start of some rickshaw rides in Dhaka.

How it works

A rickshaw driver begins the journey by offering drugs or sex services. This is described as very rare; it is an unwanted sales pitch rather than a documented fraud method.

Warning signs

  • The driver starts offering drugs or sex services.

How to avoid it

  1. Decline simply and firmly.
  2. Repeat your refusal once if needed.
  3. Keep the conversation focused on your destination.

If it happens to you

One or two firm refusals will generally end the pitch.

  1. Move to a safe, busy place. Do not chase a thief or continue an argument that feels threatening.
  2. Call 999 for an emergency involving police, fire or an ambulance. Seek urgent medical help if you suspect drugging.
  3. Write down what happened, including the time, place, agreed price and vehicle licence plate if known. Save receipts and screenshots.
  4. Freeze missing payment cards and contact your card issuer. Secure accounts on a stolen phone when possible.
  5. Report the incident to police. Ask for a report or reference number and keep a copy.
  6. Contact your insurer and, if your passport is missing or you need consular help, your embassy or consulate.
Where it happensAt the start of some rickshaw rides in Dhaka.Dhaka

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in BangladeshPoor hotel exchange rates: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the unwanted drug or sex-service pitches from rickshaw drivers scam in Bangladesh?

A rickshaw driver begins the journey by offering drugs or sex services. This is described as very rare; it is an unwanted sales pitch rather than a documented fraud method.

How can I spot it early?

The driver starts offering drugs or sex services.

How do I avoid unwanted drug or sex-service pitches from rickshaw drivers in Bangladesh?

Decline simply and firmly. Repeat your refusal once if needed. Keep the conversation focused on your destination.

What should I do if it happens to me?

One or two firm refusals will generally end the pitch.

Where in Bangladesh does this happen?

At the start of some rickshaw rides in Dhaka. It has been reported in Dhaka.

How common is this scam in Bangladesh?

Occasional. Transport overcharging is a key scam risk in Bangladesh, especially in Chittagong. Other problems include small tourist markups, airport bribe demands, pickpocketing and bag theft. Most people are friendly, but take extra care with strangers' offers and late-night transport.

Who can I report it to?

Police, fire or ambulance: dial 999 from a Bangladeshi mobile phone number or landline for an emergency. Local police: report theft, threats, extortion or fraud. Provide the location, time, description and any receipts or vehicle details. Ask for a report or reference number. Khulna Metropolitan Police Control Room: the listed local number is 20220. For an emergency, use 999. Card issuer or bank: use the official app or published contact number to freeze a missing card and report unauthorised transactions. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular assistance. Travel insurer: contact the claims or assistance service. Keep police reports, receipts and other evidence.

What number do I call in an emergency in Bangladesh?

Police, fire and ambulance: 999.

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