Menu
Top travel scams in South America
Airport unofficial taxi robbery in Colombia
1 0How it works: When arriving at major airports, tourists have occasionally fallen victim to unofficial taxi drivers who bring them to armed robbers instead of their intended destination. Places…
Read more…
Airport driver intercept in Argentina
1 0How it works: Situation: a customs officer notes down your passport (e.g. name) and accommodation details and transmit this to a driver outside. Opening: the driver then writes your name…
Read more…
ATM skimming in Colombia
1 0How it works: Situation: the vast majority of tourists would probably not fall for this but on the off-chance that you do, you need to know how to spot the…
Read more…
Sob story scammers in Peru
1 1How it works: Version 1: someone claims to have been robbed and asks if you can spare some money for him to take transport. An infamous example is a “German…
Read more…
Carjacking in Chile
1 0How it works: Version 1: gangs operating in remote areas set up an emergency on the road to get you to stop – e.g. they ask for help with a…
Read more…
Drink, food spiking in Ecuador
1 0How it works: Food, drinks, chewing gum, cigarettes, sprays, and even flyers can be spiked with scopolamine to render you unconscious. You will then be robbed. Places to beware: Cuenca…
Read more…
Snatch thefts in Uruguay
1 0How it works: Bike/moped: riding past with a pillion rider doing the snatch. Street, mall, shop, park, transportation hub: distracting and snatching from you, then escaping via a getaway car or…
Read more…
Flat tire scam in Chile
0 0How it works: Opening: while away from your car, there are scammers who will let the air out of your tire. When you return, the scammer pointsout the flat tire…
Read more…
Express kidnapping in Brazil
0 0How it works: This is rare and unlikely to happen to you. Further, locals, rather than tourists tend to be the ones targeted. However, it always pays to be careful….
Read more…