Other Tourist Scams in Mombasa, Kenya
Timeshares, fake police, charity fraud, and miscellaneous scams targeting visitors. Below are the other scams scams reported in Mombasa — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Nairobi, Johannesburg, and Arusha.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
2
Other Scams Scams
11
Total in Mombasa
How it works
Men posing as plain-clothes police officers stop tourists on foot in Mombasa Old Town, near Fort Jesus and along Nkrumah Road, demanding to inspect bags, wallets, or passports for controlled substances or illegal currency. After finding nothing suspicious, they invent a minor infraction and demand an on-the-spot fine of KES 2,000 to 10,000 in cash, threatening arrest or confiscation of belongings if the tourist refuses. Genuine Kenyan police officers in plain clothes are required to carry a visible police ID and cannot collect cash fines on the street. Paying encourages escalation and the fine goes directly to the scammer.
How it works
At markets and coral-selling shops, vendors claim beaded jewelry or coral souvenirs require expensive "export permits" or "authenticity certificates" to leave the country. Tourists pay USD 20-60 for worthless papers while vendors split kickbacks with colluding security officials.
See all scams in Mombasa
11 total warnings across all categories