Scam in CameroonAirport and border
Unwanted paid luggage help in Cameroon
How it works
Airport staff or people hanging around offer to help with luggage, then ask the traveller for money. They may seek euros or dollars.
Warning signs
- Someone offers luggage help you did not request.
- Someone starts handling your bags before a price is agreed.
How to avoid it
- Keep hold of your luggage.
- Decline help clearly if you do not want it.
- If you want help, agree the full price before handing over a bag.
If it happens to you
Keep the exchange calm. If someone holds your luggage or pressures you, seek help from an airport service desk.
- Get to a safe place. During a robbery, do not resist, chase anyone or try to recover belongings by force.
- Check for injuries. Seek medical help if you have been hurt.
- Block stolen cards immediately. Secure a stolen phone and change passwords for important accounts.
- Write down what happened. Save receipts, messages, booking details and any vehicle information you already have.
- Report the incident to the police. Ask for a written report or reference number if available.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport is missing or you need consular help, contact your embassy or consulate.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the unwanted paid luggage help scam in Cameroon?
Airport staff or people hanging around offer to help with luggage, then ask the traveller for money. They may seek euros or dollars.
How can I spot it early?
Someone offers luggage help you did not request. Someone starts handling your bags before a price is agreed.
How do I avoid unwanted paid luggage help in Cameroon?
Keep hold of your luggage. Decline help clearly if you do not want it. If you want help, agree the full price before handing over a bag.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Keep the exchange calm. If someone holds your luggage or pressures you, seek help from an airport service desk.
Where in Cameroon does this happen?
Airports.
How much can it cost me?
Around FCFA 1,000 requested.
How common is this scam in Cameroon?
Occasional. Petty theft is common in Cameroon, and pickpockets are a particular concern in crowded parts of Yaoundé. Travellers should also watch for unwanted paid luggage help, ticket scalpers and high opening prices at markets. Shared-taxi theft, armed robbery and vehicle crime can cause more serious losses.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, robbery or fraud once you are safe. In Limbe, visitors are specifically advised to report crimes to the police. Ask for a written record if available. Police corruption and limited effectiveness are concerns elsewhere in Cameroon. Card issuer or bank: use the bank's official app or a verified contact number to block stolen cards and report payments you did not authorise. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate for a lost passport, replacement travel documents or consular support after a serious crime. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through the details on your policy. Keep receipts, incident notes and any police report for a claim. Relevant transport or service provider: raise a ticket problem, disputed fee or undisclosed charge through the provider's official customer-service channel. Keep proof of payment.
Reviewed by @snuck